Racer/Cruiser Sailboats For Sale
Racer/cruiser sailboats for sale on SailTrader connect you directly with sellers who understand what makes these versatile boats special. We’re the only online marketplace built exclusively for sailboats and sailors: no powerboats, no jet skis, just sailing. This focused approach means every racer/cruiser listing comes from someone who knows the difference between a boat that’s just fast and one that’s been properly set up for both weekend racing and comfortable cruising. Our sellers can tell you about PHRF ratings, sail inventories, how the boat handles in different conditions, and whether it’s been campaigned hard or sailed gently.
When you’re shopping for racer/cruiser sailboats for sale, those details matter. You won’t win every race against stripped-out performance boats, and you won’t have the amenities of a dedicated cruiser. But you can race competitively on Saturday and still anchor out with your family on Sunday without feeling like you’re camping in a racing shell. The trick is finding out how the previous owner actually used the boat. Did they race it hard every weekend? Make it more comfortable for cruising? Those choices show up in everything from the sail inventory to the interior layout. Generic boat marketplaces bury that information under dealer speak and vague descriptions. SailTrader puts you in direct contact with owners who can answer the specific questions that racer/cruiser buyers actually need to know. No broker commissions, no sales pitches, just honest information from sailors who’ve lived with these boats and understand what you’re looking for.
The Best of Both Worlds
Racer/cruiser sailboats for sale split the difference between pure speed and comfortable living. They’re fast enough to be competitive on the race course but livable enough for weekend cruising or longer trips. If you want one boat that can do club racing on Saturday and take the family out on Sunday, this is your category.
These boats don’t do either thing perfectly, but that’s the whole point. You get reasonable performance without giving up the ability to actually live aboard for a few days. No stripped-out interior, no missing galley, no choosing between speed and comfort.
What Makes a Good Racer/Cruiser
Performance that matters. These boats are faster than pure cruisers but easier to handle than all-out race machines. You’ll keep up with the fleet on race day without needing a full crew of pros. Most can be sailed short-handed when you’re just cruising.
Livable space. The interior isn’t gutted for weight savings, but it’s not packed with unnecessary features either. You get comfortable berths, a functional galley, and enough storage for a weekend or week-long trip. Just don’t expect the luxury of a dedicated cruiser.
Versatile rigging. Most racer/cruisers use fractional rigs that give you options. The sail plan is manageable for cruising but still delivers the performance you need for racing. Many come with furling systems that make sail handling easier when you’re not competing.
Popular Racer/Cruiser Brands
Beneteau builds some of the most popular racer/cruisers on the water. Their First series is designed specifically for this dual purpose, with good speed and comfortable accommodations. You’ll see them in both racing fleets and cruising anchorages.
Catalina offers affordable racer/cruisers that lean more toward the cruising side but can still be competitive in PHRF racing. The 320 and 350 are particularly popular among sailors who race occasionally but cruise more often.
C&C has a racing heritage but their boats are practical enough for cruising. Older C&Cs are bargains right now and can still compete if you put the work in.
J/Boats builds some of the best racer/cruisers available. The J/109, J/111, and similar models are serious racing boats that you can actually live on for short periods. They’re not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Tartan focuses on quality construction and good sailing characteristics. Their boats handle well and are built to last, though they cost more than some competitors.
Jeanneau offers European styling with good performance. Their Sun Odyssey line includes several models that work well for both racing and cruising.
Size Considerations When Shopping Racer/Cruiser Sailboats For Sale
Under 30 feet – These smaller racer/cruiser sailboats for sale are affordable and manageable but cramped for extended cruising. Good for sailors focused more on racing who occasionally want to overnight.
30-35 feet – The sweet spot for many sailors. Big enough to cruise comfortably for a weekend, small enough to race competitively without a huge crew.
36-40 feet – More space below but higher costs for everything. You can cruise with guests and still have decent racing performance if you campaign seriously.
Over 40 feet – These boats lean more toward cruising with racing capability rather than true dual purpose. Expensive to maintain and campaign, but you get real comfort along with the speed.
Racing vs. Cruising Setup
Most racer/cruiser sailboats for sale get optimized for one purpose or the other by their owners. Racing-focused boats strip out unnecessary weight and add performance gear. Cruising-focused boats add comfort items and safety equipment.
The beauty of these boats is you can switch between modes. Add racing sails and instruments when you’re campaigning, swap them out for cruising gear during the off-season. Many sailors do exactly this.
For racing focus:
- Full racing sail inventory
- Performance instruments and electronics
- Weight reduction where possible
- Running backstays and adjustable rigging
For cruising focus:
- Comfort items like dodgers and biminis
- Larger anchors and ground tackle
- More comprehensive electronics for navigation
- Interior upgrades for livability
Buying Smart
Know your priority. Are you racing more than cruising, or the other way around? Buy a boat that matches your actual usage. Don’t convince yourself you’ll race every weekend if you really want a comfortable cruiser.
Check the PHRF rating. If you’re racing, the boat’s handicap matters. Some racer/cruiser sailboats for sale have good ratings that make them competitive, others don’t. Research before you buy.
Sail inventory matters. Racing boats need multiple headsails and spinnakers. Cruising boats can get by with a main, working jib, and maybe a light air sail. Factor in the cost of sails you’ll need.
Condition varies widely. Some boats have been raced hard and put away wet. Others have been pampered by cruising owners. Look closely at rigging, sails, and the engine. Racing boats get more wear and tear.
New vs. Used Racer/Cruiser Sailboats For Sale
New racer/cruiser sailboats for sale give you the latest designs and technology. Hulls are stiffer, rigs are more efficient, and interiors make better use of space. But you pay full price and take the depreciation hit.
Used racer/cruiser sailboats for sale are better value for most sailors. Boats from the 1990s and 2000s can still race competitively in PHRF fleets and cruise comfortably. A well-maintained 20-year-old racer/cruiser costs half what a new one does and sails 90% as well.
The depreciation curve favors buying used. Let someone else pay for the first 5-10 years, then buy the boat when it’s hit the bottom of the curve.
What to Look For
Hull and deck – Check for soft spots, crazing, and stress cracks. Racer/cruisers that have been raced hard show it.
Rigging – Standing rigging should be replaced every 15-20 years. Running rigging wears out faster on racing boats.
Sails – Count what’s included and check their condition. Racing sails wear out faster than cruising sails.
Engine – Hours matter, but maintenance matters more. Get service records.
Interior – Racing-focused boats often have stripped interiors. Make sure what’s there meets your needs.
Electronics – Racing boats have expensive instruments. Cruising boats need good navigation gear. Know what you’re getting.
Why Buy Your Racer/Cruiser on SailTrader
Racer/cruiser buyers need specific information that generic boat marketplaces don’t provide. You need to know if a boat has been raced hard or sailed gently. Whether it’s set up for performance or comfort. What the actual PHRF rating is and if the boat is competitive.
Direct contact with owners who know the boat. The sailors listing racer/cruiser sailboats for sale here can tell you how they’ve used the boat. Racing every weekend? Occasional club events? Just cruising with the ability to race if they wanted? That matters when you’re trying to figure out condition and setup.
No broker commissions eating into your budget. Racer/cruisers already cost more than pure cruising boats. Why pay an extra 10% to a broker when you can buy direct? That commission money is better spent on new racing sails or cruising upgrades.
Listings from people who understand these boats. Generic marketplaces mix racer/cruisers in with everything else. Here, you’re dealing with sailors who know the difference between a boat that can race and a boat that’s set up to win. The descriptions reflect that knowledge.
Better filtering for what actually matters. Search by PHRF rating, sail inventory, racing pedigree, or cruising equipment. Our search tools are built for sailors who know what they’re looking for, not generic boat shoppers.
Community of dual-purpose sailors. The people buying and selling racer/cruisers here get why you want both capabilities. They’ve made the same compromises and can tell you what works and what doesn’t.
Find Racer/Cruiser Sailboats For Sale
The racer/cruiser sailboats for sale listed here come from sailors who’ve used them for both racing and cruising. You’ll get honest descriptions about how they’ve been sailed and what condition they’re really in.
Whether you’re looking for a boat to campaign seriously while still being able to cruise, or a comfortable cruiser that can compete occasionally, you’ll find options here.
Browse by Brand:
Browse by Focus:
- Racing-oriented setups
- Cruising-oriented setups
- Balanced configurations
Your next boat is here. Find it now.