Cruising Sailboats For Sale
Find cruising sailboats for sale that fit your needs. Shop all boats currently available on SailTrader, the sailor’s marketplace.
Find Your Next Adventure
Looking for a cruising sailboat? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning weekend trips to nearby harbors or thinking about that someday circumnavigation, we get it – finding the right boat is huge. It’s not just about length and beam measurements. You need a boat that works for how you actually sail.
SailTrader connects you directly with sailors selling their cruising boats. No dealer fees, no sales pitches about features you don’t need. Just real boats from real cruisers who can tell you exactly what it’s like to live aboard and sail these vessels.
What Actually Matters in a Cruising Boat?
Livability vs. Performance
Livability beats racing performance every time. Sure, it’s nice to keep up with the fleet, but when you’re anchored in a quiet cove for three days, you’ll care more about comfortable berths and a galley that actually works than whether you can point two degrees higher to windward.
Size vs. Budget
Size isn’t everything. We’ve met couples cruising happily on 30-footers and others who feel cramped on 45-foot boats. It depends on your sailing style, your crew, and honestly, your budget. Smaller boats cost less to maintain, dock, and equip – which leaves more money for the actual cruising.
Number of owners
Previous owner matters. The best cruising boats come from people who actually cruised them. They’ve figured out what gear works, what breaks, and what modifications make life better on board. That knowledge transfers with the boat.
Brands Cruisers Actually Buy
Catalina
These boats show up in every cruising anchorage for good reason. Comfortable layouts, solid construction, and parts are easy to find. The 34 and 380 are particularly popular among coastal cruisers.
Island Packet
Built like tanks with full keels. Not the fastest boats on the water, but they track straight and handle heavy weather well. Popular with sailors planning serious offshore passages.
Pearson
Classic American designs that have proven themselves over decades. Many are still cruising after 30+ years, which tells you something about the build quality.
Hunter
Roomy interiors that feel more like homes than boats. Good value for sailors who want comfort and don't mind sacrificing a bit of traditional sailing feel.
Beneteau
European designs with clever use of space. Generally well-built with modern conveniences that American sailors appreciate.
New or Used? Here's the Reality
New cruising boats are tempting – everything works, nothing needs fixing, and you get warranties. But you’ll pay full price for features you might not want, and the depreciation hit is real.
Used boats make more sense for most cruisers. The previous owner already installed the good stuff (solar panels, wind vane, better anchor, upgraded electronics) and figured out what doesn’t work. Plus, used boats cost less, which means more money for gear, maintenance, and actually going places.
Most experienced cruisers we know bought used. They’ll tell you it’s not about getting a perfect boat – it’s about getting a good boat and making it yours.
What to Actually Check When Boat Shopping
The Important Stuff
- Hull condition – Look for soft spots, crazing, or previous repair work
- Engine maintenance – Ask for service records, not just “runs great”
- Electrical system – Make sure it can handle your actual power needs
- Rigging date – Standing rigging older than 15 years needs budget planning
- Through-hulls – Know where they are and when they were last serviced
The comfort Stuff
- Berths that work for real sleeping – Not just cocktail party seating
- Galley layout – Can you actually cook underway?
- Storage – Cruising gear takes up more space than you think
- Ventilation – Critical for living aboard in warm climates
The Cruising Extras
- Anchor setup – Windlass, rode, and ground tackle quality
- Self-steering – Wind vane or autopilot for passages
- Water capacity – How long between fill-ups?
- Sail inventory – Storm sails and trade wind gear
Start Your Search
Ready to find your cruising boat? Our listings come from sailors who actually use their boats, not dealers trying to move inventory. You’ll get honest descriptions, real photos, and direct contact with owners who can answer the questions that actually matter.
Browse by what matters to you – size, price, location, or specific features. Every boat has a story, and the right one is waiting for you to continue writing it.