Best Bluewater Sailboats to Buy in 2025 (Under $50k)

[@KingstoneS318]

Been watching most videos for years now and I really enjoy listening to your tutorial ones, your style is very direct and honest and that really helps make decisions thank you and all the best with your new adventures for 2025!

[@svevergreen3370]

fair comment on Pearsons. I own a 424 and exactly like you said solid, safe wont win any races but that's not why you buy them you want them solid, comfortable, safe and very logical designs...

[@2002guy]

I was afraid that the content was going to suffer when you announced that you were selling the boat. But I've really been enjoying these educational videos. Great work. Best wishes to you and the girls for 2025.

[@bobgranafei6809]

The MacIntosh 47 was built by Herb Gulter of Hansa Yacht and Shipyard. Herb built the Hans Christian 33T and 48T from the early 80s to 1987 when he had a falling out with Jeff White the new owner of Hans Christian . The MacIntosh was his next, and as far as I know his last, project. They were very well built and of a very modern look. When they appear on the market they move quickly as they have both excellent build quality and sailing performance. Herb built 2 boats for me. Hull 67 of the 33T series and hull 10 of the 48T series. The 48 was a total custom boat as she was the first aft cockpit 48T. I owned her for 32 years and she was a super boat. Fast and very well built. You will not go wrong with a Hansa built boat. One boat you passed over unfortunately was the Contest 38. Contests are excellent cruising boats which are Dutch built to a very high standard, and which sail very well. I think you pass on teak decks to quickly. Hansa used a technique which proved through the years to be both water tight and long lasting. They fastened the deck from below which eliminated any chance of water leakage.. A simply solution which did not require expensive equipment and re-training of the labor force. I agree which each and every boat you eliminated from the hunt, and often for the same reason. There is a simply rule to follow when looking for a used cruising boat: buy a good design from a quality builder. Age, condition, equipment are all things you can deal with. But you cannot change a bad design, and poor build quality is a nightmare which never ends.

[@thelastpirate]

Ah, I missed a Contest? I love those boats... Hard to keep focused on a livestream, lots going on. I'm a single-task kinda guy... ;)

[@alexnarconis]

Learned a ton, thanks for the walkthrough!

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Very interesting and informative thank you James, much appreciated!

[@thenomadicwebb]

First time checking your page out, and not disappointed. Loved the long form of going through so many boats. Lots of great information for a young cruiser like myself!

[@svevergreen3370]

Alluring artic sailing went over the money he put on top of the boat. It was huge amount so you are correct there is no way to get a seaworthy aluminum boat for less than 50K

[@JoseMariaOliveira]

I like the T-shirt :-) Great channel. Also, thank you for this episode. Very interesting.

[@melburt5968]

How do you know Teulu Tribe? Just curious. We watch them faithfully.

[@JoseMariaOliveira]

@melburt5968 everybody knows Teulu 😀. I follow them since before they crossed the Atlantic. It's a fabulous channel. They are both fun and interesting guys.

[@SailorMikeYYC]

This seems to be an interesting exercise in what 1982 Plymouth K car to fully refit to travel route 66. All these boats will need a $50,000 refit and a year in the yard before you can start.

[@hagaiabeliovich4276]

Worse than that. 99% of the 'highly thought of ' models that are going for less than 50k must have rotten deck cores. Otherwise they would not be listed for this price. And this is a killer that no amount of dough will fix.

[@milan_spasić]

Bought a '86 Najad 360 with glued teak deck. Zero leaks. Not all teak decks are bad.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

Another big Moody fan here. Really useful upload thank you. In insurance terms… like your Oyster (as you probably know) they are both Lloyds safety registered and the insurance is therefore a lot more straightforward on them. I’m looking at 1990s Moody 44… it fits my budget and what I want better than anything. Would love an Oyster but they are that bit more than Moodys. IMHO the best two makes we produced here in England. Moody also have a fantastic club with so many friendly and helpful members. I love the helm position on Amels… never got why more companies don’t do the same. Looking forward to your catamaran one. I am very torn between catamaran or monohull. Cost may be will kill catamarans for me. But I do love the use of space on them. I just don’t think I can afford a good one.

[@remogirlato2296]

may be a 1yr+ from buying my 1st boat and of course scanning the airways for the best and got the filter thinking all wrong. vis-a-vis this vid, my filter now is my budget, length and trusted brands/models [a la James] a whole new category of vessels has opened up. a new as you can beneteau or jeanneau or an older, far prettier naiad, contest, saga? answer for me, now, easy-peasy. appreciate your work James

[@toddwever4916]

The Tayana needs some love, but the big selling point for me would be the new Kabota/ Beta with less than 500 hours.

[@lindaward6985]

I’m grateful for the reviews. Of course what you have available to you in the States we can only dream of here in Oz.

[@SevenRavens007]

Thanks bro this was really helpful

[@davidgreenaway8481]

Magnificent video and content presentation!!! Tell me what you think about Scepter boats.

[@canawest]

Tayana is great boat but that one is one of those the most expensive boat is the free one!

[@TheOjoneso]

I have two 😆 not free. Deals too good to pass up for resell.

[@zacharytphelan]

I learned a ton from this video. I'm brand new, sooooo. Very useful info. I would love to see the same thing for Cats. The series ideas you have are great. You are qualified and when it comes time to buy, I'll be messaging you and hiring you.

[@petersnow5963]

What do you think of the bill garden designs? I have at truant, 370 I think it's a beautiful boat and well built and looking at going down the West Coast from British Columbia to Mexico and maybe across the French Polynesia,

[@MediaSlayerONE]

No Shannon's? :/ Great presentation. Exactly how I need to have things delivered to me. Thank you.

[@blackhawkteam8625]

Very nice boats, but you will not get one anywhere near 50 K

[@hagaiabeliovich4276]

​@@blackhawkteam8625 but in the second part he discussed boats beyond 50k and didn't mention Shannon. In addition I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of an old 38 coming to market in the 50-60k range. I believe I've seen this happen.

[@TheOjoneso]

@@MediaSlayerONE you might see a older 38 or 28 for under 50 but they get snatched up quickly

[@TheOjoneso]

@@MediaSlayerONE I have a 28 tiller project boat if you want to come to de islands mon 😄

[@blackhawkteam8625]

@ the quality of build with exceptional performance is a Shannon. But most Shannon‘s that I have seen her in the $150-$225,000 range and are in exceptional shape. The only Shannon I’ve seen under 100 grand was like $95,000 and it was not in great shape.

[@TheOjoneso]

That freedom is here on ST. Croix. Cool boats because you just turn the wheel to tac or jibe. No sheeting in lines

[@sailingsibongile]

Najad 390 for under $50K... that's amazing. They are build on the same hull, etc, as the HR. One sold in the UK last year for £120k, and it was a 1980 build. 44:02... That Tayana 37 with the pilot house is the most underrated boat. I'd buy that in a heart-beat... The righting characteristics on that boat are ASTONISHING, because when the companionway doors are closed, and you are unlucky enough to take a wave to the beam, that pilot house creates a huge amount of righting bouyancy. The work is almost purely cosmetic, outside.

[@cmolello]

Thanks Please do a video on once you buy a $50k boat..., How much ballpark to replace, running rigging, standing rigging, chart plotter, etc. Thank you!

[@HouseOfMcLoughlin]

Very sound advice, .".you wise old salty "💚

[@aaronrunalls375]

Ah dam you crushed me with Hunter stuff but thanks for keapin it real!

[@kosiekoos9408]

Here in South Africa you cant sell your boat for much. However buyers can have a field day with 40k and the rest towards some updating locally and a holiday

[@RobertLongo-y8j]

James, I love your content and your passion. I'm about to buy a 2009 Hunter 50 ($275,000). It is well-outfitted for Bluewater Cruising. You said you would never buy a Hunter, but the Hunter 50 checks every box for a Bluewater Cruiser. I'm in San Diego; I want to sail the boat to the South Pacific and Hawaii. I loved your episode about sailing back from Hawaii to the West Coast. I also want to sail through Panama and then sail the Caribbean and Europe for a year or two. Would you make an exception to your never buy a Hunter rule for the Hunter 50?

[@thelastpirate]

That is the wrong boat for that plan. I'd be happy to get on the phone with you for an hour and show you why. Contact me: sailingzingaro.com/ (top right of site: Contact)

[@terjeoseberg990]

I had an Islander 30 that I got for $3000. The biggest issue I didn’t like about it is the gasoline engine smelled really bad. The engine compartment should have been completely sealed from the living quarters.

[@glennboxshall1487]

What’s good about Rod rigging. I’d never have it again.

[@Drtool3]

Thanks for education

[@Angie-in8wc]

The Tayana with the canoe stern is gorgeous …but easy access on and off the tender onto the deck is vital. Sadly, much as I love it, that would be a deal breaker for me.

[@thelastpirate]

Yes, that is a personal choice. That choice will limit your choices, though. You can always get a little step for the side of the boat.

[@Angie-in8wc]

@ True, but there are hundreds of boats to choose from. Not gonna lie, I do look at Tayanas every time one shows up and admire them.

[@ConCoa]

Consider the Trintella range, no Trintella IV currently for sale, you might not like the walkover solution, but they have a full fibre deck, so no rotting core between, teakdeck causing less problems. - Ocean A rated sails very well like the other Trintella.

[@martymorse8967]

Interesting commentary! Totally second your comments on the marina queens you've mentioned in this video and others. Lots of 1970's-80's boats that were built as coastal cruisers at best, and are poorly suited for any offshore sailing. It's not just the flimsy construction of the hull/deck, but also undersized standing rigging, whimpy steering gear, and short/whimpy lifelines. These boats sold well at boat shows, the voluminous interiors popular with families, but dangerous at sea. How far can you fall if you go airborne inside the boat (and no handholds)? I'd like to add a big BEWARE of any boats with balsa coring, especially in the hull, but plenty of balsa decks have moisture problems. Yes, the deck can be repaired, but it's expensive. Freedom Yachts are cored with balsa, and is usually why they're cheep. Just not a good long term coring method. If the thru hulls were not rebedded on a regular schedule, or developed leaks, the core will be compromised. If water gets in, the core turns into oatmeal. ARGH! ALL the wiring on a 50 year old boat is suspect at best. Needs to be updated with fully tinned, ABYC approved wires, heat shrunk connectors, and proper bonding. I've seen plenty of green, corrosion dripping wires, nasty distribution plates, and antiquated fuse/breaker panels. There are excellent guides on DIY rewiring, but I also recommend getting a marine electrician to inspect things, consult on the wiring upgrade plan. Another item that requires very close inspection is the rudder, particularly on the old boats you've outlined. The rudder post has some sort of welded plate or webbing inside the fiberglass rudder (half's). Older boats are prone to having a weld failure if ANY saltwater has seeped in. Stainless will corrode if immersed in saltwater, the welds specifically. A weld failure means loss of steering, not pleasant at all. There was an old saying about wooden boats, that the best loved ones stayed around because of that love and attention. The crappy ones rotted away. Sadly, this is not the case with fiberglass boats, though insurance companies have gotten wiser, surveyors (sometimes) more knowledgeable. Thick fiberglass can have osmosis, and/or have been poorly laid up with a chopper gun. It might be thick, but it can also be brittle from excess resin and age. I strongly recommend everyone have a boat surveyed, by a competent, thorough, independent surveyor. Fair winds to all!

[@ciaranbyrne62]

Some geek make the list of his favourites 😊

[@scottboecher]

Livable monohulls sail like bathtubs. Multihull?

[@luisadriandelgado5343]

I know you're into big seaworthy apartament roomy bluewater cruisers, but would you be motivated enough to share some light n recommendentions on bluewater pocket cruisers for the solo sailors

[@thelastpirate]

Yes, I would love to. I just had a consulting call about that very thing. I'll do a video about it.

[@kuznetsovj]

What about motorsailers like Nauticat 38, 44 Fisher 34, 37

[@TheOjoneso]

@@kuznetsovj motor sailors, adjust that motor sailors, don’t really motor well don’t really sell well. Almost a trawler with a sail plan.

[@michelbastin4903]

I like my pan Oceanic 46.

[@jamesgraham6122]

Aluminium (UK Trade name) offers far more potential problems than simply cost.. Drop a screw into the bilges, you'd better find it.. electrolysis action is an ongoing nightmare.

[@jonjonsson4270]

Can you give some more insight on Columbias? Why is the "old design" bad? Specifically, there is a Columbia 11.8m where I live. Cutter rig, Alan Payne design, which I would think would be a good, sturdy, cruiser. Maybe too slow, bad pointer? I'd love to hear your thoughts on Columbias in general and the 11.8m specifically someday. Cheers. Love your insight.

[@tigersharkzh]

That amel 41 has an aft cabin with no walkthrough.

[@uilfrido1]

Lv the vid

[@Rlee1776]

How about 1982 46' Island Trader

[@rdembow]

What about Tartan’s ?

[@melvinhindmarch800]

Maybe you need to brush up on the Nicholson's, 32, 35's, 38, 39...interesting long keels, go anywhere

[@bradleydaniels9639]

I got a dream never been off shore 👍

[@trollboy665]

what are your thoughts on morgan out islands, as you're ok with older boats

[@trollboy665]

the 50's have centerboards

[@peterhomann2140]

Regarding the Najad as regarding ALL boats with screwed on teak decks: this would be a total no go / no buy / no way. Coming from Europe myself I hold Najad as most Swedish manufacturers in the highest esteem. Of course everyone knows Hallberg Rassy, Malo and Najad, however these and especially HR are notoriously overpriced. Take a look at Regina, Comfortina /Comfortbatar (now under German ownership) if you can find those, less known to the aforementioned 3 means lower price. Having said all this: to remove hundreds of screws (even if you are lucky and no water seeped into the core) and fill the holes, seal them and paint antiskid is either a nasty, lengthy job that will drive you insane or you drop another 10 G for a yard to do it. And if (as it will be very likely) water has already seeped into even one hole you have an even more serious and costly problem. Imo only if the teak deck is glued should one consider the boat: step on the edge of any iffy looking teak panel and if water comes up between the planks: walk away or ask for a 10 G price reduction.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

I put in a new teak deck once. Never again. Never.

[@canawest]

What’s up with PSS shaft seal? I’m curious. Had them since they came out and zero issues. Lime anything knowledge and maintenance is key. I also think you need to emphasize you are focused on offshore blue water boats. Most people want a coastal cruiser. Big difference.

[@faircompetition1203]

They need to be replaced every few years as a failure can sink the boat fast . Having said that you get a dry bilge .

[@jojoerider5828]

What do you think about trimaran’s?

[@quicolainezdereichel5174]

How about a Motiva.

[@larrydugan1441]

You make some good points. However comparing a Morgan 380 series designed by Ted Brewer to an Out Island tells me you really do not know what you are talking about. They are completely different designs.

[@dennisgrones4745]

Show us what you are looking at?

[@todddunn945]

I noticed that you completely skipped over the Hinckley Bermuda 40 at about the 1 hour mark. Why? That is one of the best built boats - period. The biggest question with that one would be why so cheap?

[@johnparker3065]

Catalina 38 = Hughes 38 S&S Design for Congressional Cup Fatty Goodlander did a couple of circumnavigations.

[@kevinsmedley8023]

How about a 2000 B-50 2 cabin

[@TheOjoneso]

I’ve got two Tayana 37s. Love em but they don’t steer in reverse. The trade off of a full keel boat…

[@blackhawkteam8625]

The Tayana 37 has an impeccable record for ocean passages. It’s hard to argue if someone has a 37 that there’s a better boat available. Who cares if it can’t back up most the time you’re going forward I hope.

[@TheOjoneso]

@ I have three ta shing boats. Mason 43 and two T37s. The Tayanas are darn near bomb proof. One tayana got hit by another boat and broke her mooring and sailed out to Long reef during Beryl. Two days to kedge her off and the only damage was some scraped up gel on the bottom of the keel, some broken stanchions, and damaged piece of wooden rub rail.

[@blackhawkteam8625]

@ great boats the Mason is a step up from the Tayana 37 in my opinion as far as fit and finish but you will not find one for $50,000 unless it’s a wreck

[@MrFlashoveride]

I have a family member with a Bavaria 39 cruiser and offering it to me. Mind sharing why you are a no on Bavaria?

[@paolognecchiruscone9081]

please show us the listings

[@blackhawkteam8625]

Here is my two cents. First off I have a lot of ocean miles as well as having been a Shipwright and restorer of boats for quite some time. A $50,000 boat? Please do not think that you’re gonna take off and sail across the ocean on $50,000. The boat will need 100 K worth of work maybe more and that’s with you doing a lot of the work yourself if you’re qualified. Do not shy away from the older boats such as the Tayana 37‘s many of their owners have cared for them and many perhaps have quite a bit of work already done. These are true ocean passage type of boats. In reality, I would suggest you save your money and spend between 125 and 150 K this will allow you a proper boat, properly fitted and an owner that properly cared for the boat and has already completed much of the refit. If you don’t spend this much, you will spend a lot more than this before you feel comfortable leaving with a boat that you purchase for 50 K.

[@ciaranbyrne62]

Mad money

[@sveinnygard8745]

Are you the new lady K sailing? Skipper on land..

[@paulburgess3996]

Pffff… not even close… James has way more nautical miles relative to L-k…

[@Drtool3]

you live in Colombia?

[@bobdailey9533]

Hello

[@robyoung5455]

Re: Columbia ( at least the 50 you glossed over- the people who literally wrote the modern cruising bible, and one of the best weather books out there, the Dashews, circumnavigated in a Lumbo 50 before developing and popularizing the Deerfoot concept. Double handed with 2 small daughters. Guess you’re not old enough to remember. 😂

[@thelastpirate]

I'm aware of that. Doesn't mean it's a great design. It was a largest fiberglass boat on the market back then, I imagine that had something to do with the decision. They obviously weren't thrilled with it or they would have stayed on it. Kudos to the Dashews. If you're reading this you need to be reading the encyclopedia Steve Dashew wrote: setsail.com/free-books/

[@faircompetition1203]

The modern flat runs are not comfortable - they pound

[@terjeoseberg990]

Why would you want an electric toilet?

[@waynehelsel3949]

Are you going to show us what you’re looking at ?

[@WillN2Go1]

A trend seems to be is if a specific boat design has several different names, it's probably not good. Seems logical. If the Whozit Ebsenon 42 was an amazing boat, but the Whozit boat company went out of business. When the BabyMaybe boat company bought the design and continued building them.... they would call it the BabyMaybe Ebenson 42, not the BabyMaybe Neverheardofit 42. And thanks James. For reasons I won't go into you kind of ruined my day... but it needed to be done. So not a snarky thank you. It's sincere.

[@tomeckhardt5406]

Are you the one thats hung over??? :)

[@TaaroaWilkes]

Show the boats

[@robertgold2643]

😎😎😎

[@TaaroaWilkes]

Show boats

[@wallywombat164]

How would you like to be offshore for a few weeks with four Piukkies on board? 😂😂😂😂

[@gordoninlosangeles4407]

LOL come on guv

[@Jarek12010]

NONSENSE about aluminum. They do not "sloth off" You ar confusing aluminum with steel, which does sloth off.

[@markthomas7442]

What is up with you? If you did this on the first everything makes sense. Your hair's a mess, acted distracted, slugging water, wearing a stretched out tee .....hungover it looked like, but you don't drink, do you? I always look forward to your content and especially was for this, oh well. How about a do over? I really can't believe I wrote this, but I've been with you from the very beginning. In a way my dedication to your channel is part of your success. Take care

[@lathavaratharajan5071]

It's the contents that matters

[@thelastpirate]

Stretched out tee? The Tulu guys just gave me that tee... It's brand new! Jeez, you guys are fucking brutal, this was recorded on Jan 1st after I was up all night with my 1 year old scared of the fireworks. LOL. Plus it's 90° here (cartagena), and I have the A/C off so the sound is better for YOU. Settle down Mr. Judgy McJudgerson.

[@TheXanthoman]

Too long winded for me , im out

[@WJSpies]

Yep..

[@aaronrunalls375]

Long winded? I definitely am surprised by that comment

[@jeffreymoore600]

U are not good at learning 😂

[@ciaranbyrne62]

Time for your nap😊

[@NewZealandPakeha]

Doodles electric boat is dead. Electronic engine at sea = stupid

[@NewZealandPakeha]

You can do exactly the same video at 40' 50' 60, cats, trimarans warrams😂.