full keel sailboat trailer

13 Biggest Trailerable Sailboats: Cheap But Good

If you're looking for a sailboat that's easy to transport and store, trailerable sailboats are the way to go. These vessels provide the perfect balance between portability and performance if you want the flexibility to explore various destinations without the hassle of marina storage fees or dependence on docking facilities.

The biggest trailerable sailboats that are cost-effective and good are:

MacGregor 26

Catalina 22, san juan 21, precision 21, com-pac horizon cat, seaward 26rk, beneteau first 235, west wight potter 19, cape dory 28, marshall sanderling, islander 24.

These 13 sailboats are all relatively lightweight and compact. Generally, a mid-size SUV or pickup truck with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds should be sufficient to tow most of these sailboats.

Smaller trailerable boats are perfect for relaxed weekend outings, while larger ones are suited for extended coastal cruising.
Among the list, Cape Dory 28 is the largest, widest, and heaviest trailerable sailboat.
Most of these sailboats can accommodate 4 to 6 people onboard.
The not-so-cheap item on the list, the Seaward 26RK, costs between $30,000 and $50,000.

Size (Length)	Beam (Width)	Weight	Accommodation	Price Range
26 feet	7'9"	2,500 lbs	6-8 people	$10,000-$25,000
22 feet	7'8"	2,500 lbs	4-6 people	$5,000-$15,000
23 feet	8'3"	2,500 lbs	4-6 people	$5,000-$15,000
21 feet	7'9"	1,300 lbs	2-4 people	$3,000-$10,000
21 feet	8'4"	1,900 lbs	4-6 people	$5,000-$15,000
20 feet	8'4"	2,500 lbs	4-6 people	$20,000-$30,000
24 feet	8'2"	3,200 lbs	4-6 people	$8,000-$20,000
26 feet	8'4"	4,000 lbs	4-6 people	$30,000-$50,000
23 feet	8'2"	3,600 lbs	4-6 people	$10,000-$25,000
19 feet	7'6"	1,500 lbs	2-4 people	$5,000-$15,000
28 feet	8'10"	8,000 lbs	4-6 people	$20,000-$40,000
18 feet	7'4"	1,500 lbs	2-4 people	$5,000-$15,000
24 feet	8'0"	3,000 lbs	4-6 people	$5,000-$15,000

The MacGregor 26 offers a hybrid between a sailboat and a powerboat. It can reach high speeds with an outboard engine. The boat’s water ballast system enhances stability, and its spacious layout makes it suitable for family outings or exciting weekend getaways.

The MacGregor 26 is 26 feet long and weighs around 2,500 lbs, and is best suited for calm or moderate conditions. Retractable keel and rudder allow it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters.

MacGregor 26 is one of the 7 trailerable sailboats that have standing headroom . It's also listed as one of the 13 popular trailerable sailboats with lifting keels .

The Catalina 22 is a popular, affordable, and versatile option for any sailor. Known for its easy handling and stability, it makes the perfect entry-level choice for those new to sailing and experienced sailors alike. With a retractable keel, you can easily tow it and enjoy sailing in various water conditions.

Catalina 22 is 22 feet long, weighs around 2,500 lbs, and is best suited for coastal cruising. Spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin make it a popular choice for day sailing and weekend trips. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations.

The Hunter 23 is 23 feet long and weighs around 2,500 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with a simple rigging system and user-friendly features. It is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. Water ballast system provides stability and performance under sail. Easy to trailer and launch.

The San Juan 21 is 21 feet long and weighs around 1,300 lbs. The San Juan 21 is a simple and easy-to-use boat that is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors. The San Juan 21 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. It's a simple and affordable option for exploring coastal waters.

The Precision 21 is 21 feet long and weighs around 1,900 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with a simple rigging system and user-friendly features. The Precision 21 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. Modern design with high-aspect ratio keel and rudder for excellent performance under sail. It has comfortable cabin and enough storage space.

What's the Largest Sailboat You Can Trailer?

Enjoy classic coastal cruising with the Com-Pac Horizon Cat. This charming catboat is renowned for its simplicity, ease of sailing, and unique gaff-rigged sail. With plenty of room in the cockpit and a cozy cabin below, the boat makes for enjoyable days out on the water. Shallow draft allows it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters. It is 20 feet long, weighs around 2,500 lbs.

The O'Day 240 is a popular choice for many sailors because of its exceptional handling and trailering abilities. It has a shoal draft keel for shallow water sailing and is relatively easy to maneuver. Its design ensures both performance and comfort on the water. Roomy cabin with amenities including a galley and a head. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations. It is 24 feet long, weighs around 3,200 lbs, and is best suited for coastal cruising.

The Seaward 26RK is an innovative boat with a retractable lead keel. This feature allows you to adjust the boat's draft, making it suitable for sailing in shallow waters. Its modern design offers comfort and performance, with a roomy interior and excellent sailing characteristics. It is 26 feet long, weighs around 4,000 lbs, and is designed for offshore sailing.

The Seaward 26RK is a high-quality sailboat with performance under sail and comfortable cabin. Retractable keel and rudder allow it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters.

The Beneteau First 235 is 23 feet long and weighs around 3,600 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. The Beneteau First 235 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, including offshore sailing. It's a high-performance sailboat designed for racing and cruising. Deep keel and large sail plan provide excellent performance under sail. It has comfortable cabin with amenities.

If you're looking for a compact sailboat, the West Wight Potter 19 is an ideal choice. This small sailboat is very portable, easy to rig, and can go nearly anywhere. With a fully-retracting keel and rudder, the Potter 19 can be easily launched from a trailer and is perfect for weekend getaways.

The West Wight Potter 19 is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors, and can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. The boat has a small cabin and limited storage space, but is relatively easy to assemble and launch, and is built with durable materials.

The Cape Dory 28 is another fantastic choice for a full-keel, trailerable sailboat. Known for its solid construction, seagoing capabilities, and classic design, it provides a great sailing experience for anyone looking for a larger, more capable boat that can still be towed.

The Cape Dory 28 is designed to be easy to maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. The boat is stable and reliable, and can handle a range of conditions, including offshore sailing. It has a comfortable cabin and adequate storage space, and is relatively easy to assemble and launch, with a simple rigging system and straightforward instructions.

The Marshall Sanderling is a classic, portable, and elegant catboat. Featuring a single gaff-rigged sail, it's known for its easy handling and stability in various conditions. Its modest draft allows you to sail in shallow waters, and the traditional wooden mast adds charm to this timeless boat. It is a simple and easy-to-use boat that is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors. It is 18 feet long, weighs around 1,500 lbs, and is stable and reliable, although best suited for coastal cruising.

The Islander 24 is a versatile trailerable sailboat for day sailing or overnight trips. This boat offers a good balance of sailing performance, onboard comfort, and ease of trailering. With its retractable centerboard, it's perfect for sailing in shallow waters or cruising in deeper conditions. It has a comfortable cabin with enough storage space. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations.

The Islander 24 is 24 feet long, weighs around 3,000 lbs, and is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. It is also stable and reliable, although best suited for coastal cruising.

You can trailer sailboats that are around 30 feet or less in length and have a beam (width) of 8.5 feet or less, with a standard trailer and towed by a vehicle with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.

Sailboats that are trailerable typically range in size from 14 feet to 30 feet in length. However, the actual size of the sailboat that can be trailed will depend on the towing vehicle's capacity and the trailer's design.

It is important to check the specific regulations and requirements in your area before attempting to trailer a sailboat.

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Here are a few elements to keep in mind so you can ensure that your chosen boat not only suits your needs but is also budget-friendly and easy to transport:

Size and weight

A boat that is easy enough to tow—usually, sailboats up to 27 feet in length can be trailered safely on the roads. Keep in mind the weight restrictions of your towing vehicle, as well as the boat's beam and overall height .

This not only affects its towing requirements and ease of handling on the water, but also has implications for storage, maintenance, launching, and recovery. It's optimal to choose a sailboat that will fit your needs but is also light enough to tow with your vehicle and can be easily launched and retrieved.

Ease of assembly and disassembly

Consider how easy it will be to step the mast, rig the sails, and set up any other required equipment each time you want to take your sailboat out on the water. A boat with a simple and efficient assembly process will enable you to spend more time sailing and less time setting up.

A good trailerable sailboat should offer features that make it easy to transport, like a retractable or lifting keel , mast raising system , and simple rigging . These features simplify the process of prepping your boat for travel and minimize the time needed to set it up for sailing once you arrive at your destination.

A high-quality, well-built boat will not only last longer, but will also require less maintenance in the long run. Keep an eye out for boats made of durable materials like fiberglass and aluminum , with well-designed hulls and rigging systems that can withstand regular use and exposure to harsh weather and water conditions.

Seaworthiness

Even though you're looking for a budget-friendly option, make sure the boat is seaworthy and safe. A well-designed hull , sturdy construction , and manageable sail plan are characteristics of a good, cheap, and big trailerable sailboat.

Functionality

Think about your needs and sailing preferences. Do you plan to sail mostly on weekends, or are you looking forward to longer cruising trips? The interior space , storage capacity , and available amenities on your boat should match your sailing objectives.

Last but not least, make sure you find a boat that fits your budget. There are plenty of used boats on the market that can provide good value for money. In this list, you can find the best deal for a trailerable sailboat that meets all the criteria mentioned above.

While it can be tempting to opt for the least expensive option, it’s essential to weigh the cost with features like ease of assembly, durability, and size. A slightly more expensive sailboat may save you money in the long run if it requires less frequent repairs and is easier to set up and use. Finding a balance between quality and affordability will ensure you make a smart investment in a sailboat that suits both your budget and your sailing needs.

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9 Best Trailerable Sailboats

Sailing is an excellent activity for the weekends, especially in remote mountain lakes or sheltered waterways. The United States is full of small isolated waterways, inland lakes, and rivers—which make the perfect environment for an adventure in a small sailboat .

Unfortunately, many people are put off by the idea of owning a sailboat due to the associated docking and maintenance fees. Weekend sailors often don’t want to pay for a long-term slip, and there’s no question that the added expense can be a pain.

Luckily, you don’t have to permanently dock a sailboat to enjoy this great pastime.

Instead of docking a large boat, you can purchase a small trailerable sailboat. A trailerable sailboat is a perfect option for part-time sailors and people with busy lives. Trailer sailors are some of the most popular boats in the country, and they’re not limited to light winds and calm seas. Many trailerable sailboats have made some impressive passages both offshore and coastal. In this article, we’ll go over some of the top new and used trailerable sailboats that you can purchase today.

Table of contents

Best Trailerable Sailboats

1) west wight potter 15.

The West Wight Potter 15 is perhaps one of the most capable 15-foot sailboats around. This neat little vessel is as seaworthy as it is easy to handle, and it’s a great choice for all kinds of cruising adventures.

The West Wight Potter 15 is a 15-foot sloop with an aluminum mast and tiller. This tiny boat also features a small cabin, which has ideal sleeping accommodations for a cruising couple. The cabin itself is spartan compared to its larger relatives, but it’s the perfect design for the minimalist cruiser.

This small sailboat is easily trailerable and can be stored in some garages with relative ease. The West Wight Potter 15 is ideal for inland and coastal waters and sets up (and takes down) fast with minimal fuss. Don’t let the small design fool you—this craft is surprisingly seaworthy.

The West Wight Potter 15 has an impressive cruising record, including a trip from England to Sweden in the brutal North Atlantic. The West Wight Potter 15 can be purchased new from International Marine, and thousands of craft are in circulation already.

2) West Wight Potter 19

We thought it fitting to include the Potter 15’s big brother, the West Wight Potter 19, on this list of the best trailerable sailboats . West Wight Potter boats are well known for their robust design and easy handling, and the Potter 19 is no exception.

The West Wight Potter 19 boasts the seaworthiness and ease-of-handling offered by its little brother, with the benefit of greater sailing comfort and cabin accommodations. This 19-foot sailboat is constructed of fiberglass. The hull contains a liberal amount of positive flotation, which makes the boat practically unsinkable.

The cabin features generous accommodations for a boat of its size, featuring space for a vee-berth, a small stove, a sink, and a portable head. Additionally, the West Wight Potter 19’s cabin can be wired for electricity from the factory, further increasing the level of comfort in this capable trailer sailor.

Like its smaller alternative, the West Wight Potter 19 has a history of some impressive cruises. An individual sailed this craft thousands of nautical miles from California to Hawaii —a single-handed voyage usually reserved for boats twice its size.

That’s not to say that the Potter 19 is a purpose-built long-haul sailboat. This design is ideal for larger lakes, rivers, and coastal cruising. However, the design has demonstrated toughness and seaworthiness rarely found in smaller boats.

The Potter 19, like the Potter 15, is a centerboard craft. This sailboat is available new from International Marine and offers a wide range of options packages and upgrades.

3) Newport 27

The Newport 27 is a massive step-up in size and amenities compared to the other boats on this list so far. This comfortable trailerable sailboat originated in 1971—at the height of the fiberglass boat boom. The Newport 27 measures 27-feet in length and feature a flush-deck design similar to the famous Cal 20.

This sailboat, despite its trailerable size and weight, features surprisingly good handling characteristics and generous accommodations. A full 6-feet of standing headroom is available in the cabin, making this boat exceedingly comfortable for longer journeys.

This sailboat is an excellent choice for the trailer sailing sailor who dreams of longer journeys but spends much of the time just hopping around local ports.

Despite its modest size and weight, the design of this small sailboat is proven. Many people sail them long distances and enjoy the quick handling characteristics of its design.

The Newport 27 is a true pocket cruiser, if not slightly larger than most. The Newport 27 isn’t produced anymore, but there is a healthy second-hand market for the boat.

4) Cape Dory 28

The Cape Dory 28 is a legendary Carl Alberg design known for its commodious living spaces and well-rounded performance both offshore and inland. This spacious little cruiser has the styling and capability of many larger boats, featuring traditional styling and generous amounts of varnished teak and brass. This cozy boat is a great choice for traditionalist sailors.

The Cape Dory 28 features a proven, simple, and robust rig, and it functions gracefully in a variety of conditions. While a 28’ sailboat is hardly considered trailerable by many, it can certainly be hauled-out and transported with relative ease. This is the kind of sailboat that’s just as happy in the boatyard or a permanent mooring.

The Cape Dory 28 offers attractive features for long-haul voyages, plus ease-of-handling and quickness that is necessary for tighter coastal waters. The Cape Dory 28 is ideal for salt-water cruising, though it’s a bit large for small lakes and narrow rivers.

This is certainly not a shoal-draft cruiser—with a draft of 4-feet, it's primarily at home in the water.

5) Islander 24

The Islander 24 is a common fiberglass classic that makes an ideal trailer sailing setup. This 24-foot fiberglass boat features a robust design and ease-of-maintenance rarely found on boats with similar capabilities.

The design has been around for over 40 years, and it’s served weekender and cruising sailor alike. The Islander 24 is a well-rounded cruising vessel with a spacious cabin for two (or more). The cabin features a forward vee berth, space for a head, and tables for a sink, stove, or navigation.

The boat is single-handed with ease, and the rig is simple enough to be stowed without too much hassle. The Islander 24 is a relatively common trailer sailor, though many owners leave it in the water.

A vessel of this size is ideal for cruising coastal waters, though some sailors have attempted longer voyages in this vessel. The Islander 24 is available on the used market all over the country.

6) Contessa 26

The Contessa 26 is an excellent classic trailerable sailboat. Don’t let its modest size fool you—this cruising craft has a long-standing reputation for seaworthiness. The Contessa 26 is a fiberglass boat that debuted in 1965 and has since earned a bit of a cult following.

These rather innocuous looking crafts are as fun and capable as they are easy to handle. The boat features a spacious cabin, comfortable cockpit, and plenty of available cruising upgrades. The rig is well-built and resembles the rig of a much larger boat.

The Contessa 26 is an ideal pocket cruising setup for a moderately experienced sailor. The vessel has a narrow beam, which contributes to heeling. The boat is known to heel rather violently, but it stiffens up shortly after and becomes a joy to sail.

A boat like this knows its capabilities and is sure to impress anyone. The Contessa 26 is a safe, hardy, and comfortable cruising boat for minimalists, and one of the best tailorable sailboats in the mid to large-size category.

This boat is a little harder to come by than many other vessels on this list, as around 300 were built. However, if you’re lucky enough to locate one on the used market, it’s definitely worth considering. Contessa built a fine boat, and the Contessa 26 meets the standard with confidence.

7) Hunter 27

If you’ve made it this far down the list, you’re probably surprised that the Hunter 27 hasn’t come up yet. This famous little boat has quite a reputation and happens to be one of the most popular modern trailerable cruisers available.

The Hunter 27 isn’t a traditionalist’s dream, but it offers the modern amenities and capabilities you’d expect from Hunter. This capable little sailboat has the handling characteristics of a truly seaworthy boat and manages well in all kinds of conditions.

The Hunter 27 has a reputation for amazing durability, and the design is sound from keel to masthead. Now, let’s get into some of the features that make the Hunter 27 a very attractive option. The Hunter 27 is a purpose-built small cruising vessel, but the accommodations appear to be a shrunken version of a boat 10 feet longer.

Down below, the Hunter 27 features a full galley, head, a full standing shower, berths, and generous storage space. The Hunter 27 is a truly livable trailer sailor, featuring accommodations that make it suitable for extended cruising or even living aboard. The salon features over 6 feet of standing headroom, with plenty of seating and counter space throughout.

The rig is sturdy and easy to handle. And remember, the Hunter 27 is still a trailer sailor. The boat features a shoal draft of under 4-feet and a displacement of less than 8,000 pounds. The Hunter 27 is available used, and this boat is still produced and available brand-new by Marlow-Hunter.

How could we forget the little Cal 20? We didn’t—and it’s certainly worth including the famous Trans-Pac underdog on this list. The Cal 20 is reminiscent of the glory days of fiberglass sailing in the 1960s and 1970s.

This flush-deck racer is a fantastic trailer cruiser for anyone wanting big-boat handling and speed in a compact package. The accommodations on this boat leave something to be desired, but many people find them cozy and acceptable.

The cabin features sitting headroom and a berth, along with small tables for a stove or sink. The Cal 20 has a history of impressive voyages and was a popular choice for daring sailors on long offshore journeys. However, the boat is designed to be quick, safe, and fun on inland passages and coastal cruises.

The Cal 20 is common on the used market and makes a great entry-level cabin sailboat. The Cal 20 features an enormous cockpit, making it ideal for a day on the bay with friends or family.

The boat is easy to handle, and upgrades abound. The Cal 20 is a great little sailboat with a fun history and a massive fan base. This stout little yacht makes an excellent weekender too, and the cabin makes overnighting comfortable.

9) Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

One of the most legendary small trailerable cruisers is the full-keel Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20. A limited number of these boats were produced by Pacific Seacraft during the 20th century, and they have a reputation for incredible seaworthiness and long-range voyaging.

These sailboats have the hull shape of boats twice their size, with a long, deep, full keel running the length of the hull. The boat can handle some serious offshore cruising and features the capabilities of other full-keel sailboats.

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 is an amazing find on the used market, as owners tend to cling to them due to their incredible characteristics. There aren’t many trailerable offshore cruisers available, which is because it’s not easy to design a small boat with offshore capabilities.

However, Pacific Seacraft did just that and built one incredible trailer sailor. This vessel is not really designed for shallow lakes and rivers.

The Flicka 20 is known to be a truly seaworthy ocean-going sailboat, which happens to be small enough to fit on an average-sized boat trailer.

Wherever you choose to sail, a trailerable sailboat is often a great choice. The boats listed here are by no means the only options—in fact, there are dozens of excellent trailerable sailboat models on the market. If you enjoy sailing but want to avoid the hassle of a permanent mooring, or if you travel to sail, a trailer sailor is a great choice.

Many sailors pick trailerable sailboats to sail multiple oceans. Many people would agree that it’s a lot more practical to haul your boat from the Pacific to the Atlantic, especially when the alternative option is the Panama Canal .

A trailerable sailboat can give you access to a multitude of sailing adventures—the lake one weekend, the coast the next, and perhaps an offshore voyage or island hopping in the delta.

And with this list of the best trailerable sailboats, you can find the boat that fits your needs (and your budget) and hit the water in no time.

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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