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Sailboats for sale

Sailboats reward patience and pay it back in quiet mornings under canvas, weekend club races, and the freedom of a long cruise. Buoy List connects you with sailors who know their boats inside out, from trailerable daysailers to bluewater cruisers ready for the next owner. Buy and sell in your own harbor community, where the person selling can tell you exactly how she points and what the last survey found.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a used sailboat cost?

Trailerable daysailers under 22 feet often sell for 2,000 to 15,000 dollars, coastal cruisers in the 25 to 35 foot range typically run 15,000 to 90,000 dollars, and larger bluewater cruisers and catamarans commonly start around 80,000 and go well into six figures. Older fiberglass cruisers can be remarkable value, since a sound hull from the 1980s can cost less than the sails and rigging aboard it.

What should I inspect when buying a used sailboat?

Check the standing rigging age (many insurers want it replaced around 10 to 15 years), look for deck core softness by tapping around fittings, and inspect the hull-to-keel joint for cracks or grinning. Test the engine, examine the sails for stretch and UV damage, and check that the electronics and thru-hulls work. For any keelboat you will cruise, a rigging inspection and a full survey out of the water are strongly recommended.

Is a bigger sailboat harder to sail?

Up to about 35 feet, modern boats with roller furling and self-tailing winches are very manageable, even single-handed. Past 40 feet loads climb and docking gets trickier, though good systems and a bit of experience keep it approachable. Many sailors are happiest in the 28 to 35 foot range, which balances comfort, cost, and easy handling.

What does it cost to own a sailboat?

Beyond the purchase, budget for a slip or mooring (a mooring is far cheaper where available), annual bottom paint and haul-out, and eventual rigging and sail replacement, which are the big-ticket items. A rough annual figure is 5 to 10 percent of the boat's value, less for a trailer-sailer you keep at home.

Can I learn to sail on a boat I buy?

A small, forgiving daysailer or a stable 25 to 30 foot keelboat is a fine boat to learn on, and many sailors do exactly that. A weekend of formal instruction first will shorten the learning curve and make you a safer, more confident owner. Buying local also means the seller can often show you how the boat is rigged and sailed.