Sailboat reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 151 Reddit reviews across 9 subreddits and 24 posts to rank the best Sailboat brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/sailing, r/Sailboats, r/Seattle, r/liveaboard, r/flashlight. Top-rated brands include Hallberg Rassy (4.6/5), Catalina (4.5/5), Kraken (5.0/5).
Stats
Reviews151
Subreddits9
Posts24
Brands93
Products37
151 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Hallberg Rassy
4.6
(8)
"The quality is superlative, really well thought out and refined functional design, intended to last decades without deteriorating."
"Halberg Rassy"
"Hallberg Rassey is the best"
"Rustler, rassy, kracken"
"Hallberg-Rassy, Oyster, Swan are all amazing quality but considered luxury."
"Probably a Bestaevar (sp?) aluminum boat or a Hallberg Rassy."
"Hallberg Rassy? :)"
"The last few years Hallberg Rassy felt like they have been coasting on reputation and their finish quality has been iffy."
#2
Catalina
4.5
(8)
"A Catalina 22 is what I've soloed on many times."
"Catalina 22 is a great boat."
"Catalina 22 also a good starter"
"Catalina 25 Prob the Perfect Starter Boat."
"Catalina 25 would be a good choice."
"A catalina 22 could also be a good starting point for weekending."
"Otherwise, Catalina 30, or Ericson/Peterson."
"Tough to beat a Catalina 30, in that price range. It won't inspire you, on any level, but it's a solid boat for the money."
#3
Kraken
5.0
(6)
"The boat you are looking for is a Kraken."
"IMO Kraken builds the way I would build a boat if I had infinite money and safety as a top priority."
"Kraken"
"Of money is no option, I’d go with a Kraken."
"Rustler, rassy, kracken"
"A Kraken, easy choice."
#4
Sunfish
4.3
(6)
"If you want a good starter sailboat, just to learn and get the feel for it, I recommend a Flying Scot or a Sunfish or a Laser."
"Sunfish. Cheap, hard to hurt, easy to sail, a child can sail it and it's still fun if you are 60."
"Normally I'd say sunfish/laser but its cold, so maybe a 420/470."
"I have sailed a Sunfish from about age 15 to 20, then rarely."
"I'd say find a used one and go for it!"
"A sunfish is a fun boat to sail but you’ll have to be ready to get wet."
#5
Sailboat
3.4
(5)
"Whatever you get, make sure it has good ventilation, like dorades, that will vent, while under way."
"If you intend to do more travel than the loop, like travel the world, do a sailboat and deal with the overhead issues on the loop."
"Trash sailboats are fun if u don’t give a shit about them…do nothing to them except try to keep them afloat."
"My parents owned a 15ft boat day sailer that was ~5-10k$ per year in upkeep and slip cost."
"I do have one tip for you though in case he takes it and you guys realize what a mistake you've made."
#6
Flying Scot
4.3
(4)
"If you want a good starter sailboat, just to learn and get the feel for it, I recommend a Flying Scot or a Sunfish or a Laser."
"Flying Scot"
"Flying Scot. It's got a ballasted centerboard."
"Flying Scot or a Lightning are good boats for that lake."
#7
Nautor's Swan
5.0
(3)
"The quality is superlative, really well thought out and refined functional design, intended to last decades without deteriorating."
"Swan"
"Hallberg-Rassy, Oyster, Swan are all amazing quality but considered luxury."
#8
Hobie
5.0
(3)
"Used Hobie Getaway w/ wings. This is the answer for you."
"Beach catamarans like the Hobie 16 are easy to get started with."
"Hobie 16 is a blast to learn on for 2 people."
#9
Tartan
4.3
(3)
"The Tartan 34 is really coming out in the lead for recommendations. The centerboard will be great for Chesapeake exploring with all the shallows around there."
"The original Sparkman & Stephenson designed Tartan 34 with a centerboard."
"Hunter 34 tartan 34"
#10
Wayfarer
4.3
(3)
"I grew up on a wayfarer. I'd take it out in small craft warnings often."
"I really like the Wayfarers."
"Wayfarerer, is stable, capable and responsive."
#11
Sailing Club
4.3
(3)
"You might try a sailing club. Sometimes they end up being less expensive."
"I would look into a sail club in the area and use their boats for a year."
"May I suggest sailing with a club or renting for 6 months to a year?"
#12
Amel
4.3
(3)
"Amel"
"Amels remain really solidly built."
"An Amel is automated enough despite being pretty huge."
#13
Laser
5.0
(2)
"Get a laser. Best option, resell, and community to sail with."
"If you want a good starter sailboat, just to learn and get the feel for it, I recommend a Flying Scot or a Sunfish or a Laser."
#14
Freedom Boat Club
5.0
(2)
"I am a member of the Freedom Boat Club and absolutely love it for all the reasons that people talk about the horrors of boat ownership."
"I am a member of the Freedom Boat Club and absolutely love it for all the reasons that people talk about the horrors of boat ownership."
#15
Gunboat
5.0
(2)
"I'd say 'Gunboat' For a story that is the ultimate in luxury and performance."
"Gunboat."
#16
Rustler 44
5.0
(2)
"Rustler 44."
"Rustler 44"
#17
Alubat
4.5
(2)
"I remember being Awed by the Super Maramu the first time I worked on one. Fantastic craft."
"As is an Alubat."
#18
Sailing Dinghy
4.0
(2)
"If he won’t give up on the idea of owning a sailboat, try and convince him to buy a dinghy."
"Have him buy a sailing dinghy."
#19
Island Packet
4.0
(2)
"Island Packet"
"Although I do think that Island Packet has one."
#20
Compac
4.0
(2)
"I recently upgraded to a Compac 27. Same builder, but with standing headroom and an enclosed head."
"This looks like a great first boat for sailing the Columbia."
#21
Tiwal
4.0
(2)
"Tiwal"
"Also worth looking into Tiwal and Reverso"
#22
Pearson
4.0
(2)
"Also the Pearson Vanguard 33."
"Morgan 34, Pearson Vanguard 33. One criteria that is important for electric drive is weight, so don't buy a West Sail for example."
#23
Cape Dory
4.0
(2)
"Old vs. new? Some boat brands aren't around anymore but are solidly built. For example Cape Dory, Alberg, Sea Sprite, etc."
"A Cape Dory with some nice upgrades/repairs for sea-worthiness should meet your budget."
#24
Rustler
4.0
(2)
"Don’t forget rustler"
"Rustler, rassy, kracken"
#25
Hunter
4.0
(2)
"I got my 26 ft hunter for 3k, could have paid less but I didn't care to negotiate."
"Hunter 34 tartan 34"
#26
Ericson
4.0
(2)
"I paid 6400 for my 72 Ericson 29’ a few months back."
"Very comfortable and great"
#27
Morgan
4.0
(2)
"Morgan. Early production are solid fiberglass. Many still floating."
"Morgan 34, Pearson Vanguard 33. One criteria that is important for electric drive is weight, so don't buy a West Sail for example."
#28
Nordship
5.0
(1)
"The quality is superlative, really well thought out and refined functional design, intended to last decades without deteriorating."
#29
Schock
5.0
(1)
"My first sailboat was a WD Schock Capri 14. It's a fin keel, pretty stable, and a ton of fun."
#30
Marshall
5.0
(1)
"If you you got the money. I'd go for Marshall Sandpiper or Sanderling. They are top of the line in quality"
#31
Sailboat Listings
5.0
(1)
"Sailboatlistings.com, Craigslist, FB marketplace, Class website (if there is one)"
#32
Local Sailing Club
5.0
(1)
"Buy him a membership to a local sailing club"
#33
Windworks
5.0
(1)
"He should look into joining Windworks to take out different sailboats and try them out."
#34
Oyster
5.0
(1)
"Hallberg-Rassy, Oyster, Swan are all amazing quality but considered luxury."
#35
Carroll Marine
5.0
(1)
"Look for boats built by Carroll Marine. They are the most reputable builder, and used the highest grade materials."
#36
Pacific Seacraft
5.0
(1)
"Especially if its a Pacific SeaCraft"
#37
Tradewinds
5.0
(1)
"I'd get started with classes at Tradewinds or Cal Sailing Club."
#38
Yanmar
5.0
(1)
"Something at or near 40', monohull... refrigeration, loads of solar power w/ large battery banks, water maker, Yanmar or Volvo diesel."
#39
Spinnaker
5.0
(1)
"I had a great time at spinnaker in Redwood City, learned a lot."
#40
Zebralight
5.0
(1)
"I recently got the Zebralight h600fc and I love the floody beam on it."
#41
Super Moo
5.0
(1)
"The Super Moo is one of the best go anywhere workhorses in the business."
#42
Corsair Marine
4.0
(1)
"Check out Corsair Marine."
#43
Melges
4.0
(1)
"If you want to race Melges are great"
#44
Dragonfly
4.0
(1)
"Probably the danish Yacht brands, dragonfly, luffe, x-yachts and more"
#45
Luffe
4.0
(1)
"Probably the danish Yacht brands, dragonfly, luffe, x-yachts and more"
#46
Beneteau
4.0
(1)
"Benetau First 36 is a great option."
#47
Bestevaer
4.0
(1)
"For expedition vessels a Boreal, Garcia or Bestevaer are aluminum and insulated"
#48
Garcia
4.0
(1)
"For expedition vessels a Boreal, Garcia or Bestevaer are aluminum and insulated"
#49
Boreal
4.0
(1)
"For expedition vessels a Boreal, Garcia or Bestevaer are aluminum and insulated"
#50
Valiant
4.0
(1)
"Valient"
#51
Sirius Yachts
4.0
(1)
"Sirius Yachts"
#52
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
4.0
(1)
"Maybe a Wayfarer."
#53
Topper
4.0
(1)
"I have a Topper which is specifically designed to cartop."
#54
GH 37
4.0
(1)
"Look up a GH37. Basically all the GH-37 and GH47 are loop boats. Very comfortable for the majority of the loop."
#55
Sailing Dinghies
4.0
(1)
"Sailing Dinghys are fun but you will get wet. A pocket cruiser would let you make overnight trips."
#56
MacGregor
4.0
(1)
"A MacGregor 26X might be a good fit for you. It's basically a floating Winnebago with a mast on it."
#57
Facebook Marketplace
4.0
(1)
"I’ve done well with Facebook marketplace just make sure you avoid the usual scams."
#58
Old Boat
4.0
(1)
"This boat looks fine for $2500. I bought one for $2000 from a farmer's field and got it fixed up easy."
#59
Production Boat
4.0
(1)
"If you want some modern conveniences a 10-25 year old production boat with a swim platform, shower, etc is a good choice."
#60
Santana 35
4.0
(1)
"Not the shock 35 but the tamer Santana 35"
#61
C&C 27
4.0
(1)
"A keel boat is a completely different beast than a dinghy."
#62
Pacific Seacraft 31
4.0
(1)
"I know of a couple elderly couple that made the crossing in a 31-foot Pacific Seacraft."
#63
Commodore
4.0
(1)
"I have a 26' commodore with shoal draft keel. Solid little boat, loads of fun."
#64
Columbia
4.0
(1)
"I’m 6’3” and lived in a 29’ columbia defender from 1963 that my buddy got for $6k."
#65
Manker
4.0
(1)
"I'd get a headlamp that takes rechargeable 14550 or AA batteries."
#66
RS Sailing
4.0
(1)
"Still can capsize, but much more stable than a Vago."
#67
Sofirn
4.0
(1)
"I’d grab an HS21, as well as an LT1S."
#68
Ranger
4.0
(1)
"We had a ranger 26 for the longest time. With 2 tiny kids and a dog."
#69
Mighty Swedish Fish
4.0
(1)
"He bought the boat for $2500 and spent a year and another $10K outfitting it."
#70
Macgregor
4.0
(1)
"I have 2 kids under 3, and have a Macgregor 25."
#71
West System
4.0
(1)
"Fiberglass work isn’t rocket science and can be done well if you take it seriously."
#72
GetMyBoat
4.0
(1)
"You could try something like this and ask the captain if you can sail the boat."
#73
Armytek
4.0
(1)
"I’m surprised nobodies talking about armyteks. The wizard seems to have the capabilities mentioned."
#74
Hallberg-Rassy
4.0
(1)
"I'll probably be selling my Hallberg-Rassy Rasmus 35 next year."
#75
Hansa
4.0
(1)
"Something like a Hansa Jolle?"
#76
Nautical
4.0
(1)
"Even if I had the money I would say an nautical 441 with a nice refit."
#77
Jeanneau
4.0
(1)
"We have gone from a 18 ft ensign Pearson to a ranger 26 to a Jeanneau 42."
#78
RM
4.0
(1)
"For a production boat maybe an RM is a better match."
#79
Latitude 38
4.0
(1)
"Check out 'Latitude 38' or 'Longitude 121' magazine."
#80
Pacific Seacraft 37
4.0
(1)
"For me I'd be quite happy with a Pacific Seacraft 37."
#81
Catamaran
4.0
(1)
"If money were no issue probably a catamaran."
#82
Catalina 25
4.0
(1)
"My wife and I started on a Catalina 25 with one child at 2 years old."
#83
Minneys Used Sails
4.0
(1)
"When you need sails or cheap gear, look at Minneys Used Sails."
#84
Thunderbird
3.0
(1)
"Almost about to buy a wooden Thunderbird 26 (YIKES!)"
#85
Mainship 34
3.0
(1)
"I’d recommend a slow diesel like my mainship 34, which is for sale here in tx lol."
#86
Ericsson 29
3.0
(1)
"A 1973 Ericsson 29’ for $2500."
#87
Coronado 32
3.0
(1)
"I see a 1978 Coronado 32’ for $2k."
#88
San Juan 24
3.0
(1)
"A 1972 San Juan 24’ for $2500."
#89
Ranger 26
3.0
(1)
"Ranger 26 for $2500."
#90
Ericsson 27
3.0
(1)
"I see an Ericsson 27 for $3."
#91
Hunter 26
3.0
(1)
"I got my 26 ft hunter for 3k."
#92
Sailboat 30ft
2.0
(1)
"A 30 foot sail boat sounds like an experience headache for a 1st time boat owner."
#93
Sailboat 36 foot
1.0
(1)
"A boat is just a hole in the water into which you throw money."
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