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Cooper 416 vs Discovery 42

cooper sailboat build quality

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I am looking for a pilot house sailboat to live aboard in the Pacific Northwest. The boats mentioned in the thread title are both pilot house sailboats listed on Yachtworld, available in BC and I'm planning to look at them next month. Does anybody have any experience with either of these Canadian made boats and suggestions of any unique things to check out when lookiing at them? Thanks in advance. AJ Rogers  

AJ - If I could I would do the same thing. Liveaboard a Cooper 416 here. I'm a big fan of the boat, not necessarily of it's exterior looks, though. Of this particular Huntingford design, I have seen three different "makes" - the Cooper 416, the Discovery 42, and the US Yacht 42. From what I understand, the Cooper yard had a fire in '82 or so which effectively put them out of business. Bayliner's parent corporation, which was making sailboats under the US Yacht moniker, obtained the molds to the 416 and began producing them around '83/'84. I'm not sure where the Discovery comes into play. Maybe the Discovery IS the US Yacht model's name. I don't know. I have heard that the Cooper's have better overall quality. But that's a very general statement, and I know of no specifics in that regard. The first time I was in Tonga ('05) we ran into a couple from Berkely, CA who had sailed their Cooper 41 there. They had taken a leisurely 2 year trip to get to Tonga. I asked about the age-old issue of sailing a pilothouse across oceans. Never had a single issue or problem. But then he said that they always waited for good weather to make any crossings. If you do end up looking at both the Cooper and Discovery, I would be interested in your observations. Especially as the Discovery/US Yacht models generally have lower asking prices. Or, more likely, people just ask more for the Coopers... - Darren PS - A few of my other "favorite" pilothouse boats to potentially liveaboard around here (in the same general price range) are the Spindrift 43/Young Sun 43, Endurance 35/37, Pan Oceanic 43, Corbin 39, even the Tayana 37 PH. I even like the Nauticat PH boats, too (more for liveaboard than anything else) - the 33 and 38 models from the early-mid 80's, but the listing prices for those have gone way up over the last few years.  

US Yachts vs Cooper I can't comment on the Cooper 416, but we have had a US35 (Bayliner version of the Cooper 352) for 11 years and couldn't be happier. The 35 is the little brother to the 42 foot and fits our needs perfectly. Biggest among it's virtures is performance. She more than keeps up with traffic and is very easy to sail well. Capt Al Frozen in the mid-west  

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almiller said: I can't comment on the Cooper 416, but we have had a US35 (Bayliner version of the Cooper 352) for 11 years and couldn't be happier. The 35 is the little brother to the 42 foot and fits our needs perfectly. Biggest among it's virtures is performance. She more than keeps up with traffic and is very easy to sail well. Capt Al Frozen in the mid-west Click to expand...

cooper sailboat build quality

Last weekend I had a chance to look at both the Cooper 416 and the Discovery 42. Both Canadian built boats, the Discovery was evidently partially built (hull, decks and maybe more) by a boat yard and then finished by the owner (interior rigging etc.) The Cooper was apparently offered as a complete product. It is a much larger boat in terms of interior space and storage, with a 14.5 foot beam. Both boats are being offered at a little north of $100,000, the Cooper being far more completely equipped (TOO equipped for my pursposes) with two radars, two GPS's a trash compactor, water maker, and the list goes on. The cooper has the setee in a lower area, galley up in the pilot house and a fully enclosed stateroom in the pilot house. As a result, it seems darker and more traditional (re submarine like) than the discovery, at least in the dining area. I am continuing my search and hope to look at a Nauticat 36 this spring. Thanks for all the input so far, Captn's Moonfish, Al, and Faster. AJ Rogers  

Augustur The Discoverys were offered as "Kit boats" but I believe some were delivered fully built as well. (owner finished is not necessarily bad... depends on the craftmanship) The Coopers were never offered that way and would be factory finished. I think there is a one-off somewhere around here of the 416 hull with a different deck/house plan that more closely ressembles the Discovery 42 - perhaps that's where some of the confusion arises. I doubt you'll find a more voluminous boat than the Cooper 416 in its size/type range and it has much to recommend it in our soggy climate. Another related boat, if you're not stuck on 40ish feet, is the North Sea 34, a very similar looking boat to the Discovery in a smaller package.. Sailnetter jrd22 used to own one before moving up to his Brewer 42, and I believe he has good things to say about it. Nauticats are pretty nice, but I don't think they are the roomiest around, and come at a price (but with the quality to go with it)  

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cooper sailboat build quality

The Top Sailboat Manufacturers (According to Sailors)

Whether you are buying or chartering a boat, or whether you simply want to stay informed, you might be asking the question: who are the top sailboat manufacturers? As is the case with most 'who's the best' questions, the answer isn't simple. So this article takes a stroll among the crowds and asks - “who's your favorite?” .

cooper sailboat build quality

What are the top sailboat manufacturers?

Groupe beneteau.

This is the ultimate all-star list. Now let’s see why.

First of all - I want to make this lineup relatively short. There are tens of names that bounce around when you ask about favorite manufacturers, and if I had made this a long list, in the end, it wouldn’t represent the famous all-stars that really stand out in the eyes of the people. If you want a longer, less detailed list, check out our article about 50 popular sailboat brands . This time though, we are looking only at the manufacturer champions of the ‘popular choice’ contest.

“This is a loaded question!”, the internet forums yell, “there are thousands of options!”, they cry, enraged, “it’s not about the boat, but about the crew!” they scream. But we don’t give up and continue, determined to find out who you all like the most.

Cover Image : Bavaria Cruiser 55 - Copyright BavariaYachtbau under CC BY-SA 4.0

I know, I know, I hear you. Let’s start with the cons of these boats to quench the thirst of the bloodthirsty critics. Yes, Wallys are very costly, they go all the way up to tens of millions of dollars and so won’t be more than a bedroom poster for most of the readers.

That’s about it when it comes to the negatives, though. The reason they made it on this list despite their price tag is that they are pioneers in many aspects. Visually they are beyond gorgeous, and their price allows for exquisite build quality. The cost of these hi-end racer/cruisers means they aren’t particularly user friendly since most users won’t be able to use them, but just as Rolls Royce belongs on the list of the best cars, Wally belongs on the list of the best boats. They are the brainchild of Luca Bassani, founder and chief of the brand, a stylish Italian man who knows what’s right.

And it is this poster worthiness that gained them popularity among the crowds. A video of a simple Atlantic crossing on a 100 foot Wally has millions of views not necessarily because that particular journey would be exciting, in fact, it is quite an uneventful one, but because it is on a boat that makes the design junkies salivate. The Wally designs alone were the reason these boats made it into Hollywood feature films and series, and if you look at one, you’ll understand why. This is what happens when extravaganza meets good taste and has all the money in the world to realize the idea.

What do they make in terms of sailboats? Superyachts around 100 ft long, each focused on sporty cruising, design, and comfort. They only make custom sailboats, no factory models here. Buying a used one is a safe situation, they hold up even after a long time both in terms of quality, performance as well as design. During their existence, Wally only made a handful of boats, so if you ever stumble upon one, take a selfie. It is like meeting a celebrity.

cooper sailboat build quality

To level the scales, let’s now jump at the opposite side of the spectrum and have a look at Catalina, the people pleaser. If Wally was the Rolls Royce of the boating world, Catalina is the Ford, making, as they say, “honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real-world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain”. The mission of this company then seems to be to make boats as practical as possible for the common folk. That means: a practical interior layout, practical handling, and last but definitely not least, a practical price.

And this strategy has worked out well - according to experiences of hundreds of thousands of sailors, Catalinas stand up to their reputation of a boat that’s got your back. It is one of the largest boat producers in the world, with over sixty thousand of its boats sailing the world. Boat manufacturers oftentimes go through quite a lot of rough patches, that turn into bankruptcy for many, it isn’t an easy business to be in, but Catalina has been on a roll for decades. And this success has come with its perks - the business stability allowed for some impressive manufacturing facilities, which helps mass production, which in turn helps drive the price down. So with Catalina, you’ll likely be getting more bang for your buck than from their competition.

They make boats ranging from tiny daysailers all the way to 50-foot seaworthy vessels. What made them the most famous though are their mid-sized cruisers - the staple of the classical American sailing fan. Whether you like it or not, slow and steady is the name of the game when it comes to mainstream, and that is precisely what Catalina understands so well. They don’t take large risks. Their models are long-running with slight tweaks and facelifts, concepts that don’t surprise or insult, but offer stability. This conservativeness has been what some sailors hold against Catalinas, which is easy to understand when looking at many other brands that offer more in terms of fanciness, but this is the Catalina way, and it has worked out splendidly for them.

The long years of experience make for a great manufacturer that makes boats which won’t be the fastest, won’t be the prettiest or the boldest in terms of design or technological innovation, but they will do precisely what they are made to do - their job.

cooper sailboat build quality

Bavaria is to Europe what Catalina is to the United States. Affordable, practical, nothing special, but does what it’s supposed to. It is the main diet of many Mediterranean sailors. To stay with the cars equivalent, just because I like it so much, if Catalinas were the Ford, Bavarias would be the Volkswagen. They are generally cheaper than Catalinas but don’t see that as an indicator, sailors can’t seem to find one or the other significantly worse or better in build quality. There are of course a few voices rooting for one or the other, but that can be assigned to fandom rather than to actual benefits. The price difference is there partly due to a different manufacturing process, the Bavaria factories are more efficient (they are German after all), and the production is more streamlined, allowing cutting costs without cutting corners.

Reliability, ease of use, and affordability are aspects that lead the design decisions here - which is what makes them so prevalent in charter companies. Even a nonexperienced sailor can get on a Bavaria and operate it with relative ease. But as I’ve been told by the boss of an unnamed charter company, after five or so years, you will start to feel the lower price tag as their reliability starts to go down unless money is put into repairs. With an older Bavaria, you will feel its age more than with other manufacturers. As one owner puts it, they tend to get “quite exhausted”.

So in case you belong among the Bavaria fans and have your eye on a used one, keep the above sentences in mind and when shopping, make sure you understand the ‘health’ of the boat in question. Moreover, be aware of the difference between a boat that was used by a handful of sailors over the years versus one that was chartered to more people than you could count. In other words, you wouldn’t want to buy a few-year-old rental car because who knows what the poor thing had to suffer, - especially since you can bet that many of the clients weren’t particularly good sailors due to generous sailing license policies in Croatia, which allows virtually anybody to ‘become a sailor’ within hours for a friendly fee.

What can you expect when you get on one? Good things - the manufacturers know what their products are used for, and that is why Bavarias are designed as easy comfortable cruisers. Everything you need to have within reach will be within reach, to the point of you having something to hold on almost all the time wherever you go through the boat - Bavaria knows well that many of its users won’t have their ‘sea legs’ and act accordingly. Even smaller models have generous amounts of space because it is the smaller models that are charter kings - Bavaria gives a lot of attention to them. The layouts will be comfy, so Bavarias make good boats for longer voyages - pair that with reliability and price and you will understand why the vox populi speaks so fondly of them.

cooper sailboat build quality

The reason I am mentioning the name of the parent company here is that they own both Beneteau and Jeanneau, brands that are distinguishable on the surface, but if you look close enough, you will find them pretty similar, down to the fact that they are produced in the same factory. So since both Beneteau and Jeanneau are very popular sailor’s choices, both deserve a place on this list, but dedicating a subchapter to each would feel like making a duplicate.

By the way, Groupe Beneteau also owns Lagoon, a renowned catamaran maker, Prestige, luxury yacht manufacturer, Monte Carlo Yachts, CNB Yacht builder, the semi-custom sailboat maker, Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, Wellcraft, Excess, and Delphia… some of these make motor yachts only, but if you combine fans of all of these, you get a sizable crowd. This company has figured out what people of various tastes want and serves quite a few of these niches.

cooper sailboat build quality

Business aside, let’s see how this French company managed to find its way into the hearts of so many. Well, first of all, they are French. So chic style is to be expected. And with this, fans come. Image wise (and design-wise to a bit) Jeanneau is the sporty one that sails better, while Beneteau aims at the family comfort market. But on both, you will feel loved by the designer. They are made to make you feel good when you use them, and they’ll spoil you with luxury that fits within the specific price tag.

Comfort is a big deal here. On Jeanneaus for instance, you will sometimes find quite unique layouts, often different from the traditional ones, to really pamper the sailors - such as their two master bedroom setup, with the stern one being under the cockpit. A lot of them come with the 360 docking system, which allows you to move the boat around with a joystick and makes maneuvering in marinas so easy you feel like you are cheating. Or consider their decision to make the hull finer to cut through the water better, resulting in less movement - something that helps with comfort. All of this comes for a price but less so than you would expect since the buying power of the enormous Groupe Beneteau helps with shaving off dollars where smaller manufacturers couldn’t. This is, for instance, the reason why they can afford to use wood on their crafts to an extent you wouldn’t expect from a production boat for that price - again, buying volume allows for this even without you necessarily having to pay the expected premium.

Of course, you will mostly find them in Europe, where they are plentiful in marinas, though the aforementioned Bavarias dominate as far as numbers go. But that is mostly because of charters, since last year, over 80 percent of chartered boats were Bavarias. As personal boats, products of Groupe Beneteau belong among the top choices.

cooper sailboat build quality

Now, this is a bit of a tricky one. The manufacturer doesn’t exist anymore, in fact, it produced boats from 1960 to 1989, making it over thirty years old, but despite that, the Cal models are still a favorite and worthy member of the cruising as well as performance world.

During the company’s existence, almost twenty thousand boats were built, partially because they were one of the first brands to mass-produce fiberglass sailboats. That, along with Cal models winning impressively in races, helped them to make a name for themselves, a name that still sounds to this day.

cooper sailboat build quality

Why is it on this list? Partially because of its prevalence on the seas, partially because of its prevalence in internet forums and pub talks. Cal sailboats are loved by their owners mostly for their responsiveness when under sail, good build quality, (even though many say the interior could have been done way better) as well as reliability even after long years of use. Many of the design features have indeed been improved since, so if thirty years ago you could dominate races with Cals, today you won’t be on the lightest and most up to date boat around anymore. But you won’t be sailing a cruiser either. The boat might not be a pureblood racer, but it was built with racing in mind. Which might give the more sporty ones of your peace of mind that no Bavaria or any traditional cruiser will provide.

Quite a few owners say though that the success from the sixties gained Cal a name that you will pay for when buying one. If you are one of those who want to make sure they are paying for physical value rather than reputation, this might be a dealbreaker for you. There is a certain portion of slight arrogance that comes with racing success, one that shows in later models. But given the brand’s popularity, this is not too big of a deal.

So if cruising is your goal, if long crossings are what you desire, if you simply want a boat that was built with honesty and can take you basically anywhere you want, Cals are a safe bet. You’ll be joining a big, happy and an old family. And an affordable one at that.

In conclusion

To sum it all up, it seems that practicality, affordability, and reliability are the main factors that influence whether a sailboat manufacturer will become popular among sailors or not. As well as extravagant design and beauty, but that’s another story.

There have been many shipyards throughout the ages, some long-lasting, some surviving but a couple of years. Each tried to come up with an angle to sell well. Sometimes it was quirky design, and sometimes it was an intriguing feature, sometimes it was the use of new technology. Sometimes it worked out quite well, other times it did not. But in the end what sailors seem to want is a boat that will not fail them when they need it the most, a boat that is well built enough to cross oceans, because that gives one a sense of freedom and a boat that is built with the user-friendliness in mind. Simply, a boat that is your good friend.

A road to a sailor’s heart is simple, after all.

Daniel O'Connell

Really good article. I was enlightened.

Dan O’Connell

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The Cooper 416 is a 41.5ft masthead sloop designed by Stan Huntingford and built in fiberglass by Cooper Enterprises Inc. (CAN) since 1978.

The Cooper 416 is a heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is good. There is a good water supply range.

Cooper 416 sailboat under sail

Cooper 416 for sale elsewhere on the web:

cooper sailboat build quality

Main features

Model Cooper 416
Length 41.50 ft
Beam 14 ft
Draft 6.58 ft
Country Canada (North America)
Estimated price $ 0 ??

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cooper sailboat build quality

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Sail area / displ. 13.96
Ballast / displ. 43.75 %
Displ. / length 312.11
Comfort ratio 31.36
Capsize 1.95
Hull type Monohull fin keel with rudder on skeg
Construction Fiberglass
Waterline length 32.50 ft
Maximum draft 6.58 ft
Displacement 24000 lbs
Ballast 10500 lbs
Hull speed 7.64 knots

cooper sailboat build quality

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Rigging Masthead Sloop
Sail area (100%) 723 sq.ft
Air draft 0 ft ??
Sail area fore 453.25 sq.ft
Sail area main 270 sq.ft
I 51.80 ft
J 17.50 ft
P 45 ft
E 12 ft
Nb engines 1
Total power 48 HP
Fuel capacity 100 gals

Accommodations

Water capacity 150 gals
Headroom 0 ft
Nb of cabins 0
Nb of berths 0
Nb heads 0

Builder data

Builder Cooper Enterprises Inc. (CAN)
Designer Stan Huntingford
First built 1978
Last built 0 ??
Number built 0 ??

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cooper sailboat build quality

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10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

Table of contents

‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

  • Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
  • Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
  • Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
  • The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

Happy sailing!

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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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The COOPER 34 is the largest model in the range and a true ‘multiday cruiser’. The Cooper team has started a new journey with the new model, one that is the logical next step for any water sports enthusiast looking to take longer trips with all the comforts on board.

cooper sailboat build quality

Length over all 10,30 m
Beam 2,90 m

Vertical clearance

without spray hood

1,62 m
Draft 0,75 m
Weight 3,6 t
Fuel tank 250 l
Water tank 150 l
Engine Yanmar 250 hp
Max speed 56 km/h

cooper sailboat build quality

The shapes of the new hull are still unmistakably a Cooper design, although this model is slightly more tapered along the length and the sheer has been raised a little. The modified underwater hull has further improved the handling characteristics of this yacht, and the new deck layout gives plenty of outdoor space on the fore and aft decks. The interior of the Cooper34 has also been completely redesigned. It has been given a fresh and contemporary design and features a double bed, kitchenette, shower and toilet. Below deck, everything is comfortably furnished and finished to a high standard, ideal for longer stays on board.

There are also changes on board in terms of technology. Most striking on this first Cooper34 is the CZone system. This system makes the boat completely digital and gives optimal control over all electronic systems on board, so that, for example, all lights and even the anchor can now be easily controlled from a mobile phone.

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Cooper standard wins 2024 seraph operational excellence award for quality excellence.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. , June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing its world-class culture and agility to support the evolving automotive and industrial markets, Cooper Standard 's (NYSE: CPS) Aguascalientes, Mexico mixing facility was awarded a Quality Excellence Award during the 2024 Seraph Operational Excellence Awards ceremony.

Cooper Standard (PRNewsfoto/Cooper Standard)

The Seraph Operational Excellence Awards recognize automotive manufacturing facilities in North America that demonstrate outstanding performance and innovation across five categories. Cooper Standard is one of five companies Seraph is celebrating this year.

"I would like to congratulate the entire team at our Aguascalientes, Mexico , facility for their dedication to excellence," said Patrick Clark , president, sealing systems and chief manufacturing officer, Cooper Standard . "The Cooper Standard team strives for excellence in all parts of our business and continues to achieve world-class results. This commitment enables us to serve as a trusted supplier to our global customers by delivering consistent, world-class quality in everything we do."

The winners of the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards were chosen through a comprehensive two-step process designed to assess and evaluate performance across key operational areas. In the first step, all candidates completed an online assessment, which thoroughly reviewed their logistics, operations, human resources, and quality practices. This assessment helped identify the organizations that exhibited exceptional operational excellence.

The top candidates from the initial assessment proceeded to the second step, where each received a one-day onsite assessment conducted by the Seraph team. During this phase, the Seraph experts conducted in-depth evaluations of the shortlisted organizations, gaining deeper insights into their operational strategies, practices and culture.

" Cooper Standard's Aguascalientes mixing plant has a powerfully integrated manufacturing and quality testing process," said Pete Metcalfe , the senior consultant responsible for all assessments. "Their proprietary LoMOS system controls and confirms recipes with shop floor testing, that is then verified by an impressive QCLab. With over 5,000 tests per day this lab is world class in 5S and Safety with signs of continuous improvement mixed into their daily operations."

This is the second consecutive recognition for Cooper Standard's Aguascalientes, Mexico facility. Last year, it was one of two plants recognized with a 2023 IndustryWeek Best Plants Award for its outstanding operational excellence, customer service and employee engagement.

About Cooper Standard

Cooper Standard , headquartered in Northville, Mich. , with locations in 21 countries, is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components. Utilizing our materials science and manufacturing expertise, we create innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard's approximately 23,000 employees are at the heart of our success, continuously improving our business and surrounding communities. Learn more at www.cooperstandard.com or follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook , Instagram or YouTube .

Contact: Chris Andrews Cooper Standard (248) 596-6217 [email protected]

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SOURCE Cooper Standard

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  • Sailboat Guide

Cooper Enterprises Inc.

aka Cooper Yachts Ltd. Founded by Forbes Cooper. Builder of ‘Prowler’ line of Powerboats. Initially built Catalina sailboats under license for sale in Canada. Address was: Cooper Enterprises Inc. 1642 Langan Ave. Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3C 1K5 Canada No longer in business.

Associations

  • Catalina 27-270 Association
  • One Ton Class
  • Half Ton Class
  • Catalina 22 National Association
  • Doug Peterson
  • Frank V. Butler
  • Harden/Huntingford
  • Huntingford/Hardin/Cooper
  • Robert Finch
  • Stan Huntingford

17 sailboats built by Cooper Enterprises Inc.

cooper sailboat build quality

Catalina 22

cooper sailboat build quality

Catalina 27

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Sea Bird 37 MS

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Maple Leaf 48

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Maple Leaf 54

Maple leaf 42.

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Sea Bird 37

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Maple Leaf 45

1985 Catalina 27 cover photo

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COMMENTS

  1. Cooper pilothouses (353 & 316)

    19468 posts · Joined 2005. #2 · Sep 7, 2010. There were several sizes built - 316, 353, 416 and 508. Only a couple of 50s were built, but the 416 was quite popular.. a very large boat despite it's relatively pinched ends (by today's standards, anyhow) Max beam is around 14' if I recall. Build quality is average, far as I can tell, very little ...

  2. Cooper Sailboats

    Posts: 19. Cooper Sailboats. To the folks who asked re Cooper's sailing qualities. First I should tell you mine's a 51' 1982 pilothouse. Cooper made lots of different types of sailboats including Mapleleafs and Sceptres. All are quite different but you may already know this. They all seem to have good reps in terms of quality of build.

  3. COOPER 353

    Cooper Yachts Ltd. (CAN) Designer: Stan Huntingford: KLSC Leaderboard. Sailboat Calculations Definitions S.A. / Displ.: 16.26 ... Like the LWL, it will vary with the weights of fuel, water, stores and equipment. A boat's actual draft is usually somewhat more than the original designed or advertised draft. For boats with adjustable keels ...

  4. Quality of Cooper Prowler 42 with DD 8.2 engines?

    Re: Cooper Yachts in general - I've owned a smaller Prowler (28') for 21 years now. The quality of the boat, hull, furniture, etc. is outstanding. The hull is massively thick (which I confirmed a few months ago when installing a through-hull) and solid. The boat handles far better than any in this size range I've ever operated.

  5. Cooper 416 vs Discovery 42

    4 posts · Joined 2008. #6 · Feb 18, 2009. Last weekend I had a chance to look at both the Cooper 416 and the Discovery 42. Both Canadian built boats, the Discovery was evidently partially built (hull, decks and maybe more) by a boat yard and then finished by the owner (interior rigging etc.)

  6. Cooper 353

    The Cooper 353 is a 35.0ft masthead sloop designed by Stan Huntingford and built in fiberglass by Cooper Enterprises Inc. (CAN) since 1979. The Cooper 353 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

  7. Cooper 353

    Cooper 353 is a 35′ 0″ / 10.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Stan Huntingford and built by Cooper Enterprises Inc. starting in 1979. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds ...

  8. Cooper 508

    The Cooper 508 is a 50.67ft masthead sloop designed by Stan Huntingford and built in fiberglass by Cooper Enterprises Inc. (CAN) since 1981. 5 units have been built. The Cooper 508 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized.

  9. The Top Sailboat Manufacturers (According to Sailors)

    Groupe Beneteau. Beneteau First 25. The reason I am mentioning the name of the parent company here is that they own both Beneteau and Jeanneau, brands that are distinguishable on the surface, but if you look close enough, you will find them pretty similar, down to the fact that they are produced in the same factory.

  10. Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

    Sailboats that you can build from home will likely be a small boat under 20 feet. These could be from many different boat suppliers such as B&B Yachts, Brooks Boat Designs, and Chase Small Craft. Boat plans will vary based on your budget and how much time you have on your hands. Based on my previous experience, building your own boat will take ...

  11. Cooper 416

    The Cooper 416 is a 41.5ft masthead sloop designed by Stan Huntingford and built in fiberglass by Cooper Enterprises Inc. (CAN) since 1978. The Cooper 416 is a heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat.

  12. 10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

    1. Hallberg-Rassy. Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

  13. Cooper Enterprises

    Cooper Enterprises Inc. (sometimes referred to as Cooper Yachts Limited) was a Canadian boat builder based in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. The company specialized in the design and manufacture of fibreglass sailboats and powerboats. [1] [2] The company was founded by Forbes Cooper in 1970 and closed in 1990. [1] [2]

  14. COOPER 508

    A Ballast/Displacement ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more powerful boat that will be better able to stand up to the wind. Bal./Disp = ballast (lbs)/ displacement (lbs)*100 Disp./Len.: The lower a boat's Displacement/Length (LWL) ratio, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed. less than 100 ...

  15. HOME NEW

    Our Cooper 680 is on the market since 2019 and became "Boat of the Year 2020" as she was chosen to be the most ideal yacht for the Dutch waters. An easy to handle sports tender with elegant lines: A real family yacht. The Cooper 800 is the most popular model in the range and has been innovated and perfected throughout the years.

  16. Cooper34

    The modified underwater hull has further improved the handling characteristics of this yacht, and the new deck layout gives plenty of outdoor space on the fore and aft decks. The interior of the Cooper34 has also been completely redesigned. It has been given a fresh and contemporary design and features a double bed, kitchenette, shower and toilet.

  17. Cooper Standard Wins 2024 Seraph Operational Excellence Award for

    NORTHVILLE, Mich., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing its world-class culture and agility to support the evolving automotive and industrial markets, Cooper Standard's (NYSE: CPS) Aguascalientes, Mexico mixing facility was awarded a Quality Excellence Award during the 2024 Seraph Operational ...

  18. Fortune 30

    Fortune 30 is a 29′ 11″ / 9.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Stan Huntingford and built by Philbrook's Boatyard and Cooper Enterprises Inc. starting in 1974.

  19. Cooper Enterprises Inc.

    Banner 37. 1982 • 11.2 m. aka Cooper Yachts Ltd. Founded by Forbes Cooper. Builder of 'Prowler' line of Powerboats. Initially built Catalina sailboats under license for sale in Canada. Address was: Cooper Enterprises Inc. 1642 Langan Ave. Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3C 1K5 Canada No longer in business.

  20. SEA BIRD 37

    A Ballast/Displacement ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more powerful boat that will be better able to stand up to the wind. Bal./Disp = ballast (lbs)/ displacement (lbs)*100 Disp./Len.: The lower a boat's Displacement/Length (LWL) ratio, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed. less than 100 ...