Top 17 Liveaboard Sailboats Under 50 Feet

Here are 17 sailboats under 50 feet and their rating based on the most basic key features of a liveaboard sailboat:

Boat model	Comfort	Interior	Headroom	Storage space	Seaworthiness
Catalina 30	★★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★
Islander 36	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★
Hunter 33	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★
Peterson 44	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Nordic 40	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Passport 40	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Baba 40	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Nor’Sea 27	★★★	★★	★★★	★★★	★★★
Island Packet 38	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Tayana 37	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Gunfleet 58	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★
Valiant 40	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Crealock 37	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Morris 36	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★
Tartan 37	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Oyster 46	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★
Bermuda 40	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★

1. Catalina 30 is an ideal sailboat for liveaboard sailors

Design and features of Catalina 30

This sailboat has a classic design with moderate displacement and a fin keel that provides excellent stability and maneuverability.

Accommodations and layout of Catalina 30

It has a comfortable and spacious interior with a traditional layout. It also has a V-berth cabin forward, a main salon with a dinette that converts into a double berth, a galley, and a head with a shower. The boat can comfortably accommodate up to six people or more.

Performance and handling of Catalina 30

This boat is reliable and easy to handle. It has a moderate sail plan that provides good performance in a variety of wind conditions. It is also easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it ideal for navigating in crowded marinas.

2. Islander 36 is a versatile sailboat perfect for liveaboard

Design and features of Islander 36

The Islander 36 has a moderate displacement hull with a fin keel and a spade rudder, making it stable and easy to handle in a variety of conditions. It also has a large sail area, making it a great performer on the water.

Accommodations and layout of Islander 36

This boat has a spacious and comfortable interior, and a large salon area with plenty of seating and storage, as well as a full galley with a stove, refrigerator, and sink. There are also two private cabins, one in the bow and one in the stern, providing plenty of sleeping space for a small family or group of friends.

Performance and handling of Islander 36

The Islander 36 is a fast and responsive sailboat that is easy to handle, even for novice sailors. The boat is also very stable in a variety of conditions which makes it great for long-distance cruising or racing.

3. Hunter 33 is a modern sailboat considerable for liveaboard

Design and features of Hunter 33

The Hunter 33 is a modern sailboat that features a sleek and stylish hull design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It also features a large swim platform at the stern that is perfect for swimming, diving, or just lounging in the sun.

Accommodations and layout of Hunter 33

The Hunter 33 has a spacious and comfortable interior that features two private cabins, a large salon area, and a full galley. The salon area is bright and airy, with large windows that provide plenty of natural light.

The galley has a stove, oven, refrigerator, and plenty of counter space. It also has a spacious head with a shower and plenty of storage space.

Performance and handling of Hunter 33

The Hunter 33 is a reliable and easy-to-handle sailboat equipped with a large mainsail and a furling jib, making it easy to handle in various wind conditions. The boat also has a shallow draft that helps to navigate in shallow waters.

4. Peterson 44 is a classic sailboat suitable for liveaboard

Design and features of Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 is a classic design by Doug Peterson, a renowned naval architect. It has a moderate draft and a long waterline that provides good speed and stability. It is equipped with a cutter rig, which allows for versatile sail configurations in different wind conditions.

Accommodations and layout of Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 has a spacious interior layout with a large aft cabin and a forward V-berth. It can comfortably accommodate up to six people.

The interior is well-appointed with a galley, a salon, and a navigation station. The boat also has ample storage space for long-term liveaboard use.

Performance and handling of Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 is designed to be fast and responsive in a variety of wind conditions. The cutter rig allows for easy sail handling, and the boat's center cockpit provides good visibility for the helmsman. The boat is also equipped with a powerful diesel engine for when the wind is not favorable.

5. Nordic 40 is a well-built and comfortable boat suitable for long-term liveaboard

Design and features of Nordic 40

The Nordic 40 is a classic design with a full keel and a displacement hull. It has a relatively narrow beam, a moderate draft, and a large fuel and water capacity, which allows for extended cruising.

Accommodations and layout of Nordic 40

The Nordic 40 has a spacious and comfortable interior, with a traditional layout that includes a large saloon, a galley, and two cabins. The saloon area has a U-shaped dinette and a settee, which can be converted into a double berth.

The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, and refrigerator, and there is plenty of storage space throughout the boat. The two cabins include a forward V-berth and an aft cabin.

Performance and handling of Nordic 40

The Nordic 40 has a moderate sail area and a relatively low aspect ratio, which makes it a comfortable cruiser rather than a high-performance racer. The boat is also easy to handle and can be sailed by a small crew.

6. Passport 40 is an excellent liveaboard sailboat

Design and features of Passport 40

The Passport 40 is a cruising sailboat designed by Robert Perry and built by Passport Yachts. It has a classic design with a long waterline, moderate beam, and a deep draft fin keel. The deck is uncluttered, with all lines led aft to the cockpit.

Accommodations and layout of Passport 40

This boat has a comfortable and spacious interior layout, featuring a large salon with a U-shaped settee and a dining table that can be converted into a double berth.

The galley has a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The boat has two private cabins, one forward and one aft, each with a double berth and plenty of storage space. The boat also has a head with a shower.

Performance and handling of Passport 40

The Passport 40 is a fast and seaworthy sailboat that has a powerful rig and a deep draft fin keel that provides excellent stability and upwind performance.

The boat is easy to handle and the large wheel makes steering a breeze. The boat is also equipped with a reliable engine that can power the boat in calm conditions or in case of emergency.

7. Baba 40 is a popular liveaboard sailboat

Design and features of Baba 40

The Baba 40 is a popular liveaboard sailboat known for its sturdy construction, classic lines, and comfortable living space. It was designed by Robert Perry and built by Ta Shing Yacht Building Company in Taiwan.

It is a full-keel, heavy displacement sailboat with a clipper bow, teak decks, and a long overhang aft. It also has a cutter-rigged sail plan with a tall mast and a large sail area.

Accommodations and layout of Baba 40

The Baba 40 has a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic teak finish. It has a traditional layout with a large saloon, a galley, a navigation station, and two private cabins.

The saloon has a U-shaped settee and a dining table that can seat up to six people. The galley has a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The navigation station has a chart table and space for electronic equipment.

The cabins are located forward and aft and each has a double berth and ample storage space. There is also a head with a shower and toilet.

Performance and handling of Baba 40

The Baba 40 is not a fast sailboat, but it is known for its stability and comfort in rough seas. It is a heavy displacement boat that can handle heavy weather and offshore conditions.

The boat has a moderate sail plan that is easy to handle, and it can be sailed by a small crew. The boat has a full keel and a skeg-hung rudder that provide good tracking and stability. However, it can be tough to maneuver in tight spaces.

8. Nor’Sea 27 has many pros as a liveaboard sailboat

Design and features of Nor'Sea 27

The Nor'Sea 27 is a small, seaworthy sailboat that has a full keel and a cutter rig. It is also built with high-quality materials, including fiberglass and teak wood.

Accommodations and layout of Nor'Sea 27

This sailboat is designed with a cozy and functional interior, with a V-berth forward, a main salon with a dinette that converts to a double berth, a galley with a sink, stove, and icebox, and a head with a marine toilet and shower. The boat also has ample storage space for gear and provisions.

Performance and handling of Nor'Sea 27

The Nor'Sea 27 is easy to handle in a variety of conditions, and it is capable of sailing long distances offshore. It is also known for its stability and seaworthiness, making it a safe choice for live-aboard sailors.

9. Island Packet 38 can also be a liveaboard sailboat

The Island Packet 38 is a popular cruising sailboat that was first introduced in 1985. It was designed by Bob Johnson and built by Island Packet Yachts.

Design and features of Island Packet 38

The Island Packet 38 has a classic design with a full keel and a cutter rig. It has a displacement of 21,500 pounds and a ballast of 9,000 pounds, making it a sturdy and stable boat. To know more about the ballast-displacement ratio, read here.

It has a LOA of 41 feet, a beam of 12 feet, and a draft of 5 feet. The boat also has a bow thruster for easy maneuvering in tight spaces.

Accommodations and layout of Island Packet 38

The Island Packet 38 has a large salon with a U-shaped settee and a dining table that can convert into a double berth. The boat has a well-equipped galley with a three-burner propane stove, oven, and a large refrigerator.

It has two private cabins, one forward and one aft, each with a double berth and plenty of storage. The boat also has two heads, one forward and one aft, each with a shower.

Performance and handling of Island Packet 38

The Island Packet 38 has a moderate sail area, a low aspect ratio, a cruising speed of around 6 knots, and a top speed of 8 knots. It is not a boat designed for racing, but it is a reliable and stable cruiser.

10. Tayana 37 is a bluewater cruiser which can also be a liveaboard

Design and features of Tayana 37

The Tayana 37 is a classic bluewater cruiser designed by Robert Perry and built by Taiwan's Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. It has a full keel, a cutter rig, and a moderate displacement.

The boat has a fiberglass hull and deck, teak trim, and a spacious cockpit with a centerline helm. It also features a bowsprit, a stern pulpit, and a swim ladder.

Accommodations and layout of Tayana 37

The Tayana 37 has a comfortable interior layout that can accommodate up to six people. The boat has a forward cabin with a V-berth, a main salon with a U-shaped settee, and a dining table.

Its galley has a stove, an oven, a sink, a refrigerator, a head with a shower, and a large aft cabin with a double berth. The boat also has plenty of storage space and natural light.

Performance and handling of Tayana 37

This boat has a moderate sail area, which makes it easy to handle for a couple or a small crew. The cutter rig allows for versatile sail options, and the full keel provides stability and tracking. The boat also has a cruising speed of around 6-7 knots and a maximum speed of 8-9 knots.

11. Gunfleet 58 is a luxurious and comfortable liveaboard sailboat

Design and features of Gunfleet 58

The Gunfleet 58 is a luxurious bluewater cruiser that has a sleek and modern design. This boat features a powerful sail plan and a deep keel. It also has a range of modern features, such as a hydraulic lifting keel, electric winches, and a bow thruster.

Accommodations and layout of Gunfleet 58

The interior of the Gunfleet 58 is designed for comfort and relaxation, with a spacious saloon, a large galley, and multiple cabins. It can accommodate up to six guests in three cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom.

The master cabin is located aft and features a king-size bed and a private seating area. The other two cabins are located forward and have twin beds that can be converted into double beds. The boat also has a crew cabin with its own bathroom.

Performance and handling of Gunfleet 58

The Gunfleet 58 is easy to handle, with electric winches and a bow thruster that makes docking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The hydraulic lifting keel allows the boat to access shallow anchorages and marinas, making it more versatile than many other sailboats of its size.

12. Valiant 40 is another classic liveaboard sailboat

Design and features of Valiant 40

The Valiant 40 is a classic bluewater sailboat designed by Robert Perry and was first introduced in 1973. It has a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it sturdy and reliable. The boat is made of fiberglass and has a displacement of 22,500 lbs.

Accommodations and layout of Valiant 40

The Valiant 40 has a spacious interior with a comfortable living space and sleeping quarters. It has a large V-berth cabin in the bow, a main salon with a dining area, a galley, and a head. It can accommodate up to six people, perfect for families or groups of friends who want to live aboard.

Performance and handling of Valiant 40

The Valiant 40 is a fast and responsive sailboat that can handle rough seas and strong winds with ease. It is also very stable and comfortable, which is suitable for long-distance cruising.

13. Crealock 37 has a practical design perfect for liveaboard sailors

Design and features of Crealock 37

The Crealock 37 was designed by Bill Crealock, who was known for his seaworthy and practical designs. The boat has a full keel and a moderate displacement, which makes it stable and able to handle rough seas.

To know more about the advantages of a full-keeled sailboat, you may want to read this article.

Accommodations and layout of Crealock 37

The Crealock 37 has a large salon with a U-shaped dinette and a settee, which can be converted into a double berth. The galley is located on the port side and has a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink.

There is also a navigation station on the starboard side. The boat has two private cabins, one forward and one aft, each with a double berth. The head is located aft and has a shower.

Performance and handling of Crealock 37

The Crealock 37 is a seaworthy and capable sailboat that is easy to handle. Its full keel provides stability and makes it easy to handle in rough seas. The cutter rig allows for easy sail handling. The boat also has a good turn of speed.

14. Morris 36 is a good choice as a liveaboard sailboat

Design and features of Morris 36

The Morris 36 is a classic sailboat designed by Chuck Paine and built by Morris Yachts. It has a traditional look with a long overhang and a low freeboard.

Accommodations and layout of Morris 36

The Morris 36 has a comfortable and spacious interior with a classic teak finish. The boat can accommodate up to six people with a V-berth cabin forward, a main salon with two settees that can convert into berths, and a quarter berth aft. The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, and refrigerator. The head has a shower and toilet.

Performance and handling of Morris 36

The boat is built with high-quality materials and features a full keel, making it stable and easy to handle. The cockpit is spacious and well-designed, with ample seating and storage. The boat has a cutter rig, which provides versatility in sail handling.

15. Tartan 37 is a popular choice for liveaboard sailors

Design and features of Tartan 37

The Tartan 37 features a classic design with a long waterline and a moderately sized rig. It is built with a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck, which provides good insulation and reduces weight aloft.

Accommodations and layout of Tartan 37

The Tartan 37 features a spacious and comfortable interior layout, with plenty of room for living and sleeping quarters. It includes a large aft cabin with a double berth, a forward V-berth, and a convertible settee in the main salon. The boat also has a full galley, with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, as well as a head with a shower.

The boat has a wide beam of 11'9", which provides plenty of room for moving around and socializing. The main salon is located in the center of the boat, with the galley to one side and the navigation station to the other. This creates an open and airy feel, with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Performance and handling of Tartan 37

The Tartan 37 is known for its excellent sailing performance, with a balanced helm and good upwind performance. The boat is also easy to handle, with a simple rig and well-designed sail controls.

16. Oyster 46 offers a comfortable liveaboard option for sailors

Design and features of Oyster 46

The Oyster 46 is a classic bluewater cruiser designed by Holman & Pye. It has a sleek and elegant design with a long waterline and moderate beam.

Accommodations and layout of Oyster 46

This sailboat has two cabins and two heads. The forward cabin has a large double berth, while the aft cabin has twin berths.

The saloon is spacious and features a U-shaped settee with a dining table that can be converted into a double berth. The galley has a stove, oven, fridge, and plenty of storage space. The boat also has a navigation station and a chart table.

Performance and handling of Oyster 46

The boat has a powerful rig and a deep keel that provides excellent stability and performance. It is also equipped with all the necessary safety features, including a life raft, EPIRB, and a comprehensive navigation system.

17. Bermuda 40 is well-suited for living aboard

Design and features of Bermuda 40

The Bermuda 40 is a classic sailboat design that was first introduced in the 1960s. It has a full keel and a moderate displacement, making it a stable and comfortable boat for long-term living aboard. The boat is typically made of fiberglass and has a traditional sloop rig with a large mainsail and a smaller jib.

Accommodations and layout of Bermuda 40

The Bermuda 40 typically has two cabins, with a large V-berth in the forward cabin and a smaller double berth in the aft cabin. The boat also features a spacious saloon area with a U-shaped dinette and settee, a galley with a stove, oven, sink, and refrigerator on the port side, and a head with a shower on the starboard side.

Performance and handling of Bermuda 40

The Bermuda 40 is not a fast sailboat, but it is known for its comfortable and stable ride. It is easy to handle and can be sailed single-handedly. The boat is also well-suited for long-distance cruising.

Key Features of Liveaboard Sailboats

Below are some key features to look for when selecting a liveaboard sailboat:

Living aboard a sailboat requires a certain level of comfort

Try to look for a boat with comfortable seating, a good-sized bed, and plenty of storage space. Perhaps consider also one with a comfortable salon and galley for relaxing and cooking meals.

The interior is an important feature to consider

The interior of a liveaboard sailboat should be designed to maximize space and provide all the necessary amenities. Try looking for a boat with a well-designed layout that includes a galley, head, and sleeping quarters.

You might also want to look for features like good ventilation, ample storage space, comfortable sleeping arrangements, a functional galley (kitchen), and a well-designed head (bathroom). Additionally, the interior should be well-constructed and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of living aboard.

Consider the size and space of the boat

A boat that is too small can feel cramped, while a boat that is too large can be difficult to maneuver and maintain. Look for a boat that strikes a balance between size and space.

A head and shower are essential features of a liveaboard sailboat

Try to make sure that the head and shower area are large enough to be comfortable and easy to use. The head should be easy to clean and maintain, with a reliable and efficient waste management system.

The shower area should also be functional and spacious enough to allow for comfortable showering. You may look for boats with a separate shower stall, as this can help to keep the rest of the head area dry and clean.

Headroom is also an important consideration in a liveaboard sailboat

Headroom refers to the amount of vertical space available in the cabin, and it can greatly impact the comfort and livability of the boat. With plenty of headroom throughout the cabin, especially in the galley and sleeping quarters, it allows you to move around comfortably and avoid feeling cramped or claustrophobic.

Additionally, if you are tall or have a larger build, you'll want to pay special attention to headroom when choosing a liveaboard sailboat. You could measure your height and compare it to the headroom measurements provided by the boat manufacturer or seller.

In case you want to read about the 7 trailerable sailboats with standing headroom, you can click here.

Look for a boat with enough storage

You might want to look for a boat with ample storage space for clothing, food, and other essentials. This can include cabinets, drawers, lockers, and other storage solutions throughout the boat.

In addition to the amount of storage space, perhaps consider also the accessibility and convenience of the storage areas. Look for boats with storage areas that are easy to access and use, and that are designed to keep your belongings organized and secure.

Find one with a well-designed center cockpit

Try to look for boats with a well-designed center cockpit that provides plenty of seating and storage space, as well as easy access to the helm and sail controls.

A center cockpit can also provide added safety and security while sailing, as it can help to keep the crew protected from the elements and provide a stable and secure platform for sailing in rough conditions.

A liveaboard sailboat should be seaworthy

Seaworthiness refers to a boat's ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and remain safe and stable while at sea. This will ensure that the boat is able to handle a variety of conditions, including rough seas and strong winds.

Aside from the boat's design and performance, try to consider the quality and condition of the boat's equipment and systems, such as the engine, navigation equipment, and safety gear. Go for ones that have been well-maintained and have a good track record of reliability and safety.