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
- Hunter 23
- San Juan 21
- Precision 21
- Com-Pac Horizon Cat
- O'Day 240
- 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.
Summary
- 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.
On this page:
Biggest Trailerable Sailboats
| Trailerable Sailboats | Size (Length) | Beam (Width) | Weight | Accommodation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacGregor 26 | 26 feet | 7'9" | 2,500 lbs | 6-8 people | $10,000-$25,000 |
| Catalina 22 | 22 feet | 7'8" | 2,500 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Hunter 23 | 23 feet | 8'3" | 2,500 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
| San Juan 21 | 21 feet | 7'9" | 1,300 lbs | 2-4 people | $3,000-$10,000 |
| Precision 21 | 21 feet | 8'4" | 1,900 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Com-Pac Horizon Cat | 20 feet | 8'4" | 2,500 lbs | 4-6 people | $20,000-$30,000 |
| O'Day 240 | 24 feet | 8'2" | 3,200 lbs | 4-6 people | $8,000-$20,000 |
| Seaward 26RK | 26 feet | 8'4" | 4,000 lbs | 4-6 people | $30,000-$50,000 |
| Beneteau First 235 | 23 feet | 8'2" | 3,600 lbs | 4-6 people | $10,000-$25,000 |
| West Wight Potter 19 | 19 feet | 7'6" | 1,500 lbs | 2-4 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Cape Dory 28 | 28 feet | 8'10" | 8,000 lbs | 4-6 people | $20,000-$40,000 |
| Marshall Sanderling | 18 feet | 7'4" | 1,500 lbs | 2-4 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Islander 24 | 24 feet | 8'0" | 3,000 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
MacGregor 26
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.
Catalina 22
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.
Hunter 23
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.
San Juan 21
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.
Precision 21
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?
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
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.
O'Day 240
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.
Seaward 26RK
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.
Beneteau First 235
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.
West Wight Potter 19
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.
Cape Dory 28
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.
Marshall Sanderling
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.
Islander 24
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.
The Size of Sailboat You Can Trailer
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.
What Makes a Good, Cheap, and Big Trailerable Sailboat?
| Trailerable Sailboats | Ease of Assembly | Seaworthiness | Functionality | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacGregor 26 | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
| Catalina 22 | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Hunter 23 | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
| San Juan 21 | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
| Precision 21 | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
| Com-Pac Horizon Cat | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
| O'Day 240 | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Seaward 26RK | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Beneteau First 235 | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| West Wight Potter 19 | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Cape Dory 28 | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Marshall Sanderling | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
| Islander 24 | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
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.
Durability
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.
Cost
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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