trailer sailer catamaran

MIKE WALLER 

Yacht design.

WALLER TC 670 TRAILER CATAMARAN

Designed by Mike Waller

Our most popular catamaran design, the WALLER TC 670 was designed as an easy to build and sail multi-hull yacht, which could also be trailed by the average family car without the need for demounting or expensive collapsable trailers. Designed primarily for 2 people, the TC 670 is ideal for a couple, or a family with young children

L.O.A.                               6.70 Mtrs

Beam                               2.40 Mtrs

Draft (board up)               0.29 Mtrs

Draft (boards down)        0.90 Mtrs

Displacement                    1072 Kg

Weight (on trailer)               770 Kg

Hull Beam/LWL Ratio                1:9

Sail Area                 23.00 Squ Mtrs

Payload                               600 Kg

Note# All displacement and payload weights above are as per designed plan, and cannot be guaranteed.

CONCEPT The small cabin features a double berth, a good sized and easy to use galley, and a small table around which 3 can sit in comfort. There is also a chemical toilet beneath the foot of the double berth, and 2 children could bunk down in the cockpit under a boom tent. At anchor, the tent will turn the cockpit into a huge covered living area.It is also quite possible to add quarter berths in each hull under the cockpit seats for children. The multi chine hull (flat bottom with 2 chines) is constructed from sheet ply over plywood, with minimal timber framing. Construction employs the timber / epoxy building technique, is very strong to stand up to the rigors of trailing, and is simple and straightforward with the entire shell built as a single unit. When turned over, very little is required to complete the vessel. This yacht features a single centre board and rudder placed on the center line. On small, narrower cats, this configuration has proven to be most effective and efficient, and the lack of board cases in the hulls makes construction that much easier and quicker The rig is a simple 7/8 design, with simple spars and utilizing off the shelf fittings. The rig can be home built if desired. Particular care has been taken to ensure that this boat is both a safe and reliable performer, with an efficient sail plan and low profile for windward performance. Note that its intended use is sheltered and semi sheltered waters, and not open water. All sails can be reefed in a blow, and the yacht features removeable 'hobbie' style out-rider seats for sailing in stronger winds.For normal sailing these are unnecessary. The rig features an assymetrical spinnaker set from a bow pole, but a normal symetrical spinnaker could be used if desired

BUY YOUR PLANS HERE

Please read this before ordering plans

Study Plans  $25.00

Full plans  $275.00,  click on any photo for larger image and information .

My Cruiser Life Magazine

7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising

Many sailors balk at the idea of leaving their boat in the water at a marina. Slip fees are expensive, and maintenance bills get bigger the longer you leave a boat in the water. However, if you want a boat under 30 feet long, there are trailerable sailboats that will fit the bill.

Like any boat purchase, you’ll need to analyze precisely what kind of trailer sailer you want. Will a simple weekend sailboat suffice, or do you really need the best trailerable cruising sailboat you can find? 

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the best trailerable sailboat. Plus, we’ll look at how to compare them for your purposes.

Table of Contents

Best trailerable sailboats, easy to launch trailerable sailboats, quick setup time, towing weight, catalina 22/25 “pop-top”, com-pac horizon cat for classic coastal cruising, marshall sanderling — small, portable, classy, west wight potter 19 — the tiny go-anywhere sailboat, seaward 26rk with retractable lead keel, corsair f-24 trimaran – sporty sailing, macgregor 26m — maximum speed meets maximum living space, long-range cruising boats, 7 best trailerable boats – a recap, what’s the best trailerable sailboat for a cruise, trailerable sailboats faqs.

• Catalina 22/25
• Com-Pac Horizon Cat
• Marshall Sanderling
• West Wight Potter 19
• Seaward 26RK
• Corsair F-24 Trimaran
• MacGregor 26M

We’ll get into more detail about each brand in my post today, so hang tight!

What Is a Trailerable Sailboat, Exactly?

For this article, the priorities for a trailerable sailboat are:

• Easy to launch
• Require minimum setup to launch and store
• Lightweight enough to be towed by the average vehicle

Before you can really classify a sailboat as trailerable, you need to evaluate and narrow your search criteria. Truthfully, 50-plus-foot ocean-going sailboats are regularly put on trailers. But that’s done commercially, on a big rig, with special permits for oversized loads, and even led cars.  

That probably isn’t what most people mean when they think of a trailerable sailboat. But what is the priority here, the trailerable part or the sailboat part? Compromises are going to have to be made somewhere. 

If you’re looking at the 20-foot-and-under sailboat crowd, finding a trailerable example should not be hard. Most sailboats this size are designed for trailers anyway since they aren’t the sort of boats people want to pay to leave in a slip year-round.

Things get more interesting when you look at the 20 to 30-foot boats. In this class, there are stout ocean-going cruisers with deep keels and lightweight centerboard trailer sailboats designed from the get-go to be trailered by the average car or SUV. The differences between these boats are night and day.

Sailboats often have a hard time at boat ramps. First, deep keels mean that the trailer must extend farther into the water than the average boat ramp allows. This means the ramp needs to go back far enough, and the trailer tongue needs to be long enough not to swamp the car. 

If you have a boat like this, you’ll need to find the right boat ramps. Unfortunately, not all ramps are created equally. If your boat draws more than two or three feet on the trailer, you’re going to be limited to steep, paved, and high-quality boat ramps. Unfortunately, those aren’t standard features, so your cruising grounds are going to be limited.

Usually, ramps aren’t built steeply because they are often slippery. Your tow vehicle will need excellent traction and torque to pull your fully loaded boat out of a steep ramp. The steeper the ramp, the more trouble you’ll have. 

The alternative to finding steep ramps is to use a trailer tongue extender. This lets you get the trailer into deeper water without swamping the tow vehicle. But it also means that the ramp needs to extend deep enough. Many ramps end abruptly. Allowing your trailer to sink off the edge is an excellent way to get stuck or pop a tire.

Pick a boat as easy to launch and retrieve as a similarly sized powerboat to remove all of these boat ramp problems. The soft chines of most sailboats will always require a little more water, but a swing keel and the hinged rudder raised mean that the boat can sit low on the trailer bunks. That way, you only need one or two feet of water to launch, an easy feat at nearly every boat ramp you can find.

The next consideration for a sailboat to be portable enough to call it “trailerable” is the amount of time it takes to step the mast and get it ready to cruise. 

To accomplish this, you need a mast that can be stepped by a two-person team–maximum. Ideally, it will have some tabernacle hardware to enable one person to do the task for solo sailing.

There is an entire family of pocket cruisers that could ideally fit on trailers. But you won’t find the Fickas or the Falmouth cutters on my list, simply because they aren’t easy to launch or easy to rig. But, of course, they’re also too heavy for most vehicles to tow, which leads us to the final point of excluding them this trailable pocket cruiser’s list.

One of the most significant financial burdens the trailer sailer faces is their tow vehicle. You are all set if you already drive a two-ton dually diesel pickup truck. But if your daily driver is an SUV or light pickup, you need to think long and hard about the math of the towing equation. 

Whatever boat you buy cannot exceed the towing rating limits of your tow vehicle. If you don’t have a tow vehicle, you’ll need to buy one. This will double or triple the cost of getting a trailer sailer in most cases. For the same money, you may want to look at a boat that stays in the water at a traditional boat slip. For the cost of a trailer sailer and a tow vehicle, you can probably step into a nice boat that is larger and more comfortable than any towable.

If you have a tow vehicle, you need a light enough vessel for it to tow. Most modern SUVs tow less than 2,500 pounds. Anything more than 5,000 will require a full-size pickup. Remember that the tow weight isn’t just the boat’s displacement—it’s the empty hull weight, plus the weight of the trailer and any extra gear you need to pack into the boat. 

Finding a vessel that fits these limitations on weight isn’t easy. If the manufacturer’s goal is to make it towable, immediate limits are placed on the materials they can use. This means less seaworthiness since boats are built light and thin. As far as stability goes, lead keels are generally out, and water ballast systems or centerboards might be used instead. It doesn’t mean these boats aren’t safe and fun, but they aren’t designed for rough conditions, crossing oceans, or living on in the water full-time .

7 Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats

There are more trailerable sailboats out there than you might imagine. Here’s a look at seven popular options of all shapes and sizes to give you a taste of what you might want to take to sea.

The boats here are selected for their storage and living space. With these boats and a little outfitting, you can spend weeks gunk-holing in the Chesapeake Bay or island hopping the Bahamas. If you broaden your scope to include daysailers with no cabin space, there are countless more options.

One of the worst parts of a small trailerable sailboat or pocket cruiser is the lack of stand-up headroom. One clever solution that you’ll find on some weekend sailboat types is the pop-top. 

The pop-top is simply an area around the companionway hatch that extends upward on struts. So when you’re at the dock or anchor, you get standing headroom down below—at least right inside the pop-top.

You can build a canvas enclosure for your pop-top to use it in all weather. A pop-top makes your boat feel much larger than it is and allows you to move freely to cook or get changed down below or even do a nice boat bed area. 

Later models of the Catalina Sport 22 and Capri 22s lacked this cool pop-top feature, so if you want it, you’ll need to seek out an older model on the used market.

Com-Pac has been building small sailboats since the early 1970s. They currently sell two lines, each with various-sized boats. All are well built, and a majority of their boats are trailerable. 

Most interesting at the Com-Pac traditional catboats . The rigging is more straightforward than modern sloops, with only one large mainsail. Com-Pac boats come with a unique quick-rig system to make getting on the water fast and simple.

The Horizon Cat Coastal Cruising has a displacement of 2,500 pounds with a 2’2″ draft when the board is up. She has a separate head forward and space to lounge either topside or down below. The smaller Sun Cat has slightly few amenities but shaves off a few feet and pounds, making it easier to tow and it is one of these amazing small sailboats. Com-Pacs features stub keels, so their centerboard and hinged rudder do not take up space in the cabin.

On the sloop rig side, the Com-Pac 23 comes in a 3,000-pound traditional sailboat or a very interesting pilothouse. Both are incredibly livable for their size , with shallow two-foot-long fixed keels and high-quality construction.

Another option if you like catboats is the Marshall Sanderling. This salty 18-footer oozes traditional charm , all while being easy to sail and easier to tow. And while she has wooden boat lines, she has a modern laminated fiberglass hull.

The Sanderling has a 2,200-pound displacement, so tow weights will be around 3,000 pounds. At only 18-feet, she’s on the small side for cruising. The cuddy cabin has no galley, and the portable toilet is not enclosed. But that small size means a simple boat that’s easy to maintain and take anywhere. 

An electric motor package is an exciting option on this weekend sailboat!

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You can’t mention tiny trailer sailers without touching on the famous West Wight Potter . These 15 and 19-foot pocket cruisers have earned a worldwide reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere coastal cruiser.

The West Wight Potter 19 offers the most living space for staying aboard and cruising. So even though its dimensions are diminutive, this little boat packs a lot in. There’s a single burner hotplate and sink and a porta-potty tucked under a cushion. Yes, it’s tight—but the company claims the little boat can sleep five people. Any more than two will feel pretty crowded, however.

The boat comes standard with a mast-raising system that a single person can manage alone. It has a daggerboard for a shallow draft of a half-foot when the board is up. The total towing weight is around 1,500 pounds, which means nearly any car can tow a West Wight Potter.

This little-known trailer sailer is produced at the same Florida factory that makes Island Packet Yachts. That should give you a little bit of an idea of what sort of boat it is—trailerable, yes, but also high-quality, beautiful, and built for cruising. In other words, it’s one of the nicest all round pocket cruisers and it feels like a much larger boat.

The Seaward is easily the saltiest boat on this list . It’s beefy and seaworthy. Instead of a lightweight centerboard, Seaward fits the RK with a bulb-shaped retracting keel. Other big-boat items include a Yanmar diesel inboard motor and an enclosed head. The spacious cabin of the boat features a double berth and is ready for salt water cruising.

According to sailboatdata.com , the tow weight of the 26RK is 6,000 pounds. With the keel up, the draft is 1.25 feet.

Multihull sailors need not feel left out from the trailer sailer club and the pocket cruiser. Beyond the ubiquitous beach Hobie Cat, there are not many options for catamarans. But trimarans are uniquely suited to be towed.

Why? For one thing, performance oriented boats like trimarans are based on it being built light. There is no ballast—a trimaran’s stability comes from its two outer hulls. Additionally, the living space is entirely housed in the central hull–the outer floats are small and sometimes foldable. Finally, there are no keels on tris, so they are extremely shallow draft and perfect for trailering.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping sporty and fun sailing, it’s impossible to beat what a trimaran will offer. Let’s not beat around the bush—most of the trailer sailers on this list have hull speeds around five knots. The Corsair has no such limits, routinely sailing at 15 knots or more .

The new Corsair 880 trimaran has an unloaded weight of 3,659 pounds. It is trailerable behind a big SUV or small pickup and is probably the most fun sailing option that is trailerable at all.

An even more portable option is the older Corsair F-24. It has a light displacement of under 2,000 pounds—so nearly any SUV can tow it.

MacGregor owns the market on trailerable motor sailers since they more or less created the product to fit the bill. The MacGregor 26 is not like other boats. The design combines a planing powerboat with a centerboard sailboat. Imagine scooting along at 20 knots or more when the wind is down or enjoying a sporty sail on a breezy day–in the same boat.

The entire boat is built from the ground up for towing and long-range sailing. So if you want a big sailboat that you can tow behind pretty much any SUV, the MacGregor has to be on your list. 

Depending on the model, the 26-foot-long boats have incredibly light dry weights of between 1,650 and 2,350 pounds. Considering the massive volume of the roomy cabin, the ability to tow such a large vessel opens up an entire world of opportunities for owners. 

It’s not all good news, of course. MacGregor owners love their boats, but they are built light and are not ideally suited for offshore cruising or rough weather. But in bays and for coastal sailing on nice days, few boats can get as much use as a MacGregor. 

The motorboat capability of the 26M and 26X might not appeal to hardcore sailors, but for those looking to maximize their use of the boat depending on the weather, their mood, or location, it makes a lot of sense. 

MacGregor shut down in 2015, but the daughter and son-in-law of the original owners took over production and renamed the boat the Tattoo 26 . The company will soon release a smaller version, the Tattoo 22 .

If the 26 is a bit big to make your list of best trailerable small sailboats, consider the smaller Powersailer 19. It’s nearly identical to the 26, just smaller and lighter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dale Roddick (@droddick33)

What Do You Want Your Trailer Sailer To Do?

After you’ve settled on how you will tow and launch your trailer sailer, now it’s time to dream about what you want it to do. Where will it take you? 

The beauty of a towable boat is that you can travel anywhere. A boat in the water might take weeks or months to move a few hundred miles. But if you can attach it to your car and do 65 mph on the interstate, you could sail on the Pacific on Monday, the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, and the Atlantic on Friday.

We can divide our trailerable sailboats into three groups – daysailers, weekenders, and cruisers.

These are designed with open cockpits and no space to sleep. This is a majority of the sub-22-foot boats on the market. They are designed to be launched, play for the day, and return to the ramp or dock.

A weekender will have rudimentary sleeping facilities. Think of it as a floating tent—it’s not a five-star hotel, but you can sleep under the stars or get out of the rain. Conceivably you could stay aboard indefinitely, but it doesn’t have much room for gear. So most people are ready to get off after a day or two. 

A cruising boat has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities built-in. These might be small and simple, but in any quantity, they mean you can disconnect from shore for a long time. Unfortunately, squeezing all of this into a tow-friendly package isn’t easy, and very few boats do it well. 

The best trailer sailor for your adventures will depend on many factors. Like any boat, whatever you decide on will be a compromise – boats always are. But there are plenty of choices out there, no matter what size your tow vehicle is and no matter what sailing adventures you have in mind.

What size sailboat is trailerable?

Even large yachts are routinely transported by towing across land, so the question is more of how big a sailboat can you tow? Your tow vehicle will be the limiting factor. The upper limit for most large SUVs and trucks is usually a sailboat around 26 feet long.

Sailboats are generally very heavily built, with ballast and lead keels. Sailboats specifically made to be trailer sailers are lighter. They may use drainable water ballast tanks instead of fixed ballast and have fewer fixtures and amenities.

To find the best trailer sailer, you need to balance the total tow weight, the ease of rig setup at the boat ramp, and the boat’s draft. Shallow draft boats with centerboards are the easiest to launch and retrieve.

Is a Hunter 27 trailerable?

No. The Hunter 27 is a one of those fixed-keel larger boats built from 1974 to 1984. The boat’s displacement is 7,000 pounds, not including trailer and gear. That alone makes it too heavy to tow by all but the beefiest diesel trucks. 

Furthermore, the fixed keels had drafts between 3.25 and 5 feet, all of which are too much for most boat ramps. In short, the standard Hunter Marine 27 is too big to tow for most people.

On the other hand, Hunter has made several good trailer sailers over the years. For example, the Hunter 240 and 260 were explicitly designed for trailering. They have drainable water ballast and shallow keel/centerboard drafts less than two feet. 

Is a Catalina 22 trailerable?

Yes, the Catalina 22 is easily trailerable and makes a wonderful weekend sailboat. In fact, there were over 15,000 Catalina 22s made and sold over the years. 

The boat’s displacement is 2,250 pounds, which means your total tow weight with trailer and gear will be under 3,000 pounds. This is within the capabilities of most mid to full-size SUVs and light trucks. Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity, of course.

The centerboard on the Catalina 22 is another factor in its easy towing. With the board up, the boat draws only two feet. This makes it easy to float off the trailer at nearly any boat ramp. You should avoid fixed keel versions of the 22 for towing unless you have access to extra deep ramps. 

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Can someone tell me why no other manufacturer makes pop tops? Those who have them, love them. Makes sense for head space with a trailerable boat too. Catalina stopped making them decades ago, yet people still swear by them. So, why isn’t there any newer models?

MacGregor put pop tops on many of its trailerables

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• Articles and Guides

Best Trailerable Sailboat Brands to Cruise or Race

18th dec 2023 by samantha wilson.

Being able to trailer your sailboat opens up many possibilities, from cost saving  boat storage solutions to being able to take your boat to new cruising grounds. It's common to see trailered motorboats on the roads in the United States, Canada, and Europe, but sailboats tend to be trailered in smaller numbers.

Of course the act of trailering a sailboat involves a bit more preparation, namely lowering the mast, but as we'll see there are many excellent brands out there ensuring that the sailboats they build can be trailered nearly as easily as a RIB or center console. And they're not just bathtub-sized sailboats either. Some of the best trailerable sailboats are up to 30 feet in length. While it's trickier to trailer a large catamaran due to its wide beam, the multihull world hasn't been left behind, as you can find clever trimarans that fold up in different ways.

We have picked out some of our favorite trailerable sailboat brands in this article but it's important to remember there are many excellent brands building excellent boats.

Corsair Marine photo. 

What Is the Biggest Sailboat I Can Trailer?

Daysailers have long been trailered, thanks to their compact size, simple rigs, and easily lowered, relatively short mast. For those who want a slightly larger boat that they can take the whole family out on or use for overnight trips, then a 20- to 25-foot sailboat may be more useful than a 16- to 19-foot one. Going up a size category allows for a whole new range of activities, with proper galleys, running water, electricity, and an enclosed head to provide more substantial home comforts. But how big is too big to trailer?

You might be surprised to hear that in the United States, sailboats up to around 31 feet in length can be trailered legally. In fact, it typically depends less on length, and more on the weight, beam, and height of the vessel and the trailer together, must meet several legal requirements.

• Weight : While there is no specific weight limit to be towed, the sailboat has to be able to be towed easily by your vehicle, usually a pickup-style truck or full-size SUV with substantial power. Most single- and tandem-axle trailers can handle a maximum combined load of 7,000 to 8,000 pounds, so your weight limit will also be dictated by your trailer.
• Beam : To travel without permits, the trailer and vessel must fit on the road in regular traffic. In the US, that's a maximum width of 8 foot 6 inches (a couple inches less in the EU at 2.55 meters). Most trailerable monohull sailboats will be less than this for ease of maneuvering in traffic, but when it comes to catamarans and trimarans, adjustments have to be made (we'll look at those later).
• Length : The upper length limit of a sailboat can be anything up to 65 feet, but that's a moot point because vessels of that size would never meet the width limits. In reality, a 30-footer is the longest sailboat you're likely to tow, with 15- to 25-footers being much more common.
• Height : Your trailer and sailboat have to fit under bridges and highway overpasses and so for most states the maximum height is 14 feet. This will obviously require lowering the mast onto the deck and including that into your height calculation.

For more advice on the practicalities of trailering see our guide to Buying a Boat Trailer .

The Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats

The best trailerable cruising sailboat brands.

• Catalina Yachts : As one of North America's best-known sailboat brands of sailboats, Catalina has a long history of building trailerable models. Their entire Sport line cruising boats—except for the 275—can easily be trailered, and the 22 and 22 Sport, in particular, make for a great step up from daysailing to enjoying a pocket cruiser.
• Beneteau : Beneteau 's reputation for affordable, capable yachts spans the globe, and their skill at building trailerable sailboats up to 30 feet is just one of many attributes. Take the First 27SE and 24; they are not luxury cruiser (although the 27SE can sleep six crew!) but they sure can sail fast on short distance races or fast adventure cruises. With impeccable and high-quality design featuring double rudders, these are some of the nicest fast cruisers on the market.

Beneteau First 27SE. Beneteau photo. 

The Best Trailerable Sport Sailboats

Several brands on this list create high performance sports sailboats , and one of the top names you think of in this sector is Laser whose speedy tiny racers are now an Olympic event in themselves. But there are many excellent brands building ultra-fast sports sailboats – several on our list are considerably bigger than a Laser too. Here we take a look at some of our favorite sports dinghies which are the quintessential trailerable sports boat.

The Best Trailerable Sport Sailboat Brands

• Melges : Founded in 1945 by Harry C. Melges, Sr., this is an iconic Midwestern brand made famous, in part, by Harry's son, Harry “Buddy” Melges Jr, an Olympic medalist in the ‘60s and National Sailing Hall of Fame member. Today the business is run by Harry III, also a championship sailor, who oversees a range of high performance vessels from the award-winning Melges 14 and 15 dinghies, to A, C, E and MC scow classes, and international sportboat classes, the Melges 20 and 24—the latter has more than 900 boats sailing competitively all over the world. All of their models are trailerable, allowing them to be transported easily to competitions. Melges boats for sale
• J/Boats : The most successful volume builder of trailerable, performance keelboats is also a family-run brand founded by brothers Rod and Bob Johnstone and now led by second-generation Johnstones—Jeff, Al and Stuart. Starting with the J/24 (more than 5,500 boats built) and most recently with the J/70, the company has popularized a series of international racing classes from 22 to 26 feet while also building many popular larger racer/cruiser-style models that don't fit easily on a trailer.  J/Boats for sale
• RS Sailing : British-built RS Sailing performance dinghies and keelboats are spreading in popularity across the world. Distributed widely on the east coast of the US, they're excellent pocket racing dinghies, easily trailered and ultra-fast. Their range of boats runs from 12 feet and 21 feet and includes dinghies, catamarans, and keelboats, allowing you to find exactly the right boat for your experience level and interest, but it's their Racing Series which sets them apart as high performers in the market. They're lightweight, simple in their design, and well-suited to being trailered thanks to their compact sizes.

Melges 24. Melges photo. 

The Best Trailerable Youth Sailboats

Trailerable sailboats designed for younger sailors are lightweight, easy to rig, and easy to sail. They should offer a simple platform in which to learn the mechanics of sailing, the movement of the boat on the water, and the basic maintenance of a sailboat. For more guidance check out our guide to choosing the best beginner sailboat .

The Best Trailerable Youth Sailboat Brands

• ILCA : Formerly known as the Laser, the ILCA design is one of the most popular sailboats of all time, a responsive yet high-performance one-person sailboat that is an excellent step up, particularly for sailors who outgrow their smaller dinghies as teenagers. As a racing class, ILCA offers three different mast sizes so sailors can start in what's called the ILCA 4 class and as they gain weight, move to ILCA 6 and 7. By that time, you're in a class of boat that can take you all the way to the Olympics. Designed in the 1970s by Canadian sailor Bruce Kirby, the 13'10.5” boat teaches high-performance skills, subtle steering and trimming techniques, and astounding speed once on a plane.
• Hobie Cat : We've put Hobie Cat in this category simply because of the brand's long-standing legacy of creating fun, simple, and compact catamarans that are loved by families and easily trailered. The classic Hobie 16 model with more than 100,000 built remains an active international class worldwide for the young and the young at heart; newer models provide a good, stable platform for a variety of off-the-beach and daysailing contexts. Catamarans are obviously wider than their monohull counterparts, but beach cats like the ones made by Hobie are well within the maximum width allowance to be towed on American roads. And because of their lightweight fiberglass or rotomolded hulls, they can be towed by much less powerful vehicles too.

Laser sailboats. Laser Performance photo. 

The Best Small Trailerable Sailboats

There are many benefits to opting for a small towable sailboat , and plenty of excellent brands out there are producing high performance pocket cruisers. A smaller sailboat won't require a large trailer and together they will weigh less and be able to be towed by a regular family car rather than a pick-up truck. Navigating smaller roads or heavier traffic will be less of a consideration, plus getting your sailboat launched will be a simpler affair. Several brands on our list could be in this category but special mention must be made of:

The Best Small Trailerable Sailboats Brands

• Cape Cutter : The traditional beauty of these sailboats, twinned with modern-day advancements, makes them really stand out from the rest. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today it's one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. At 22 feet long, 7 foot 7 inches wide, and under 5 foot in height with the mast lowered, it's perfect for trailering too. Cape Cutter boats for sale.
• NorseBoat : These beautiful, hand-crafted, and impressively versatile Canadian-built sailboats offer good performance and are described by the manufacturer as "the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats". Whether it's the 12.5 model, which can be sailed, rowed, and motored, or the 17.5 or 21.5 models, they can all be trailered, easily beached, and even used as camp cruisers, allowing for overnight adventures. And with traditional styling they're absolute head-turners whether you're cruising along the road or water.

NorseBoat 17.5. NorseBoat photo. 

The Best Trailerable Catamaran and Trimaran Sailboats

Multihulls have gained popularity in the last 20 years thanks to their stability, lack of keel, performance, and increased space on board compared to a monohull of the same length. Yet there are obvious challenges when it comes to trailering a sailboat with a very wide beam such as a catamaran or even more so a trimaran. In fact, by having three hulls, the trimaran type has bred for some innovative engineering, folding in the two outer hulls thus creating a smaller overall beam for transport. This is trickier with catamarans as they're not foldable in the same way. We've mentioned the well-known Hobie Cat brand of small beach cats above but there are some other innovative brands out there making it easier to trailer multihulls.

The Best Trailerable Catamaran and Trimaran Sailboat Brands

• Nacra : Catamarans are difficult to trailer because their beam is likely to exceed the legal road limits due to their double hull structure. Having said that, small models such as Nacra's lightning fast racing cats will squeeze within the beam limits at 8 foot 5 inches wide including the 15, F16, and F18 Infusion. If you're after trailerable performance and some competition, these cats provide a whole different level for serious and athletic sailors.
• Corsair : Corsair makes some of the best trailerable trimaran sailboats on the market and were pioneers in the folding trimaran sector for more than three decades. Yes you read that correctly…foldable trimarans up to 20 feet in length. With technology straight out of a Transformers movie, a 15-foot beam folds down into a neat little 8-foot wide package ready for trailering. Even the 31 foot 10 inch long 970 Cruze, with its standing room cabin, can be put on a trailer thanks to the folding system and retractable daggerboard and rudder.
• Dragonfly : With a focus on beautiful, cruise-worthy, high-quality, and high-performance trimarans up to 40 feet, Dragonfly offers two models— the 25 and 28—that can be folded and trailered for ease of transport and to allow you the freedom to access different cruising grounds. At a folded width of 8 feet 3 inches, the 28 is still just within legal width for towing on US roads, while offering you a true weekend cruiser complete with saloon, cabin, and galley.

Dragonfly 28.1. Dragonfly photo. 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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James Wharram Designs

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Mana 24: a new trailer sailor in the pipeline, a new trailer sailer catamaran in the pipeline...

James Wharram’s vision for this new design:

At any one time there are always two or three design ideas floating around in my design consciousness. Social, political or personal events will bring a particular design to the forefront for a new launching (my staff call them my obsessions!) Due to the present tight financial situation a large number of would-be sailors are having a hard time financing their dream sailing boat. You can buy good small second hand boats at a reasonable price, but the problem is where do you keep them? All over Europe high marina/mooring costs make it impossible for many would-be sailors to own a boat. The most economical way to enjoy sailing is to build your own small lightweight boat, to keep it at home and trail it to the waters you want to sail in. This gives opportunity to explore many more sailing areas than if based on a permanent mooring and at much lower cost.

Whilst exploring this idea I am looking sideways into the world of camping and the living equipment you need for a camping holiday bought at a reasonable price, as against highly priced yachting equipment.

All these ideas have come together, resulting in the new MANA 24 design, a catamaran specifically designed for trailer sailing.

In trailer/sailer design every increase in length equals harder launching and recovery work. At 23’6”- 7.15m hull length MANA 24 sits between our TIKI 21 and TIKI 26 designs (both very popular trailer sailers), with easier launching and handling like the smaller TIKI 21 , but an interior space close to that of the Tiki 26 . Her new chined hullshape gives more width for the bunks, which are placed aft where the hulls are widest.

MANA’s 23’6” hull length has a special significance for me. In 1956 I made the first successful catamaran voyage across the Atlantic in my first catamaran, the ‘Tangaroa’, which was 23’6” long (see Two Girls Two Catamarans ).

The Tiki 21 also has a fantastic sailing history, we trailed an early one across Spain twice in the mid 1980s to swim with dolphins (driven by a heavily pregnant Hanneke); Rory McDougal sailed a TIKI 21 around the world in 1994-97 and with the same boat came second in the Jester Atlantic Challenge in 2010; nearly 1000 Tiki 21 Plans have been sold. TIKI 26s have also made many exciting voyages including Atlantic and Pacific crossings.

We have learned a lot from all these past experiences, ideas we are incorporating into the MANA 24.

Here are some of MANA’s special design features:

For speedy assembly the hulls and beams of the MANA 24 will be connected with quick-fit webbing straps with over-centre buckles, very strong and much easier to fit than bolts (already used on the Tiki 30 and Tiki 8m ).

There will be two ways to launch the MANA 24 depending on personal preference:

• Using a versatile flat box trailer (which can have other uses), the hulls sit on dollies and are taken off individually and then assembled with the beams and platform at the waters edge (this is my personal preference, we used it on our TIKI 21 many years ago).
• The hulls are launched straight off the trailer with the beams fitted one to each hull. The hulls are then floated apart and beams locked into place. With the webbing strap connections this is easy to do (Hanneke tried this method for the much heavier TIKI 8m, where man-handling the hulls was out of the question).

Accommodation

We accept that the two single bunks of the MANA 24, no matter how comfortable, are not enough for a ‘vigorous’ couple (they need a double berth) or small family with children, however on the camping market are numerous economical dome tents, particularly some with inflatable tubes instead of tent poles. The one we use on the Amatasi (made by Vango) gives us a 3-man tent with porch in a few minutes of pumping.

With the main mast of the MANA placed well forward the platform gives ample flat space for such a harbour tent (soft top double cabin). One can of course fit a custom-made pramhood tent, which can double as spray hood when sailing, but a camping dome tent at much lower cost will fit perfectly on the large flat deck area. Adapting camping habits to a sailing lifestyle gives you European wide sailing opportunities at minimum cost.

MANA 24 uses the well-proven Wharram Wingsail rig in a new Catrig configuration, as developed on the AMATASI . The mainsail gives the drive with a very clean leading edge. The small mizzen aids with balance and steering. Having no jib, there is no need for a very tight forestay. The standing rigging on MANA 24 uses the latest concept, dyneema rope, which is light and easily set up. The mizzenmast can be used as sheer pole for single-handed mast raising.

Construction

I see the MANA 24 as a kit boat built in ply/epoxy, with all the wood cut out by CNC cutter, so assembling/building the boat at home will be a bit like assembling a flat pack IKEA kit. We are putting a lot of thought into making it slot together perfectly so the hulls will come together in a day.

In the next year we will be building models and a prototype so all building hitches are ironed out before kit production starts.

We will keep you informed of progress.

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best trailer sailboats: Our trailer sailing expert offers his recommendations

• Colin Haines
• March 28, 2022

PBO reader Paul Adamson wants to know what are the best trailer sailboats. Our trailer sailing expert Colin Haines has this advice…

Paul Adamson wonders if a Beneteau First 21.7 like this is the ideal trailer-sailer for him. Photo: David Harding

Paul Adamson from the Isle of Man, writes: “My wife and I are looking to buy a trailer sailboat, mainly for coastal cruising with an overnight before returning to berth.

“We have room to store over winter and so are looking forward to all those upsides that trailer sailing offers.

“My research so far is leading me to a Beneteau First 21.7. Is there anything else out there that I should also seriously consider as a trailer sailboat?”

PBO trailer sailing expert Colin Haines replies: “These days the limitations of getting a boat to the water are clearly defined.

“Obviously, your driving licence defines your limits with regards to weight you’re allowed to be in control of.

“The maximum weight of trailer that a car can pull is defined by the car’s VIN plate and the maximum allowable weight on a single axle is 1,800kg.

“Double axle trailers can carry more weight but are effectively impossible to turn round by muscle power alone when manoeuvring. The 3,500kg limit of combined car and trailer weight may also apply.

Article continues below…

Trailer-sailing? Tow your boat safely

Simple stop and check technique

What is a lugger? And why they make great trailer-sailers – answered!

Compulsive boat owner Clive Marsh explains why little luggers make perfect trailer-sailers

“The internet tells me the official weight of a Beneteau First 21.7 is 1,245 kg, but this will be the minimum. Reality may well see the boat weighing more.

“Steel-built trailers typically weigh about 40% of the weight of the boat they carry, suggesting you’re looking at towing something like 1,750kg, perilously close to the 1,800kg limit for a single axle trailer.

“However, having personally towed a similar weight for many thousands of miles, provided your rig is well set up and you take your time it presents little to worry about if the trailer’s brakes are better than adequate.

“Launching and recovering a heavy boat depends on the trailer’s design. Submersion launching will lead to problems with rusting trailer wheel bearings. Sealed bearings keep grease in but won’t keep water out – they can rust after a single submersion.

Quite large yachts can be successfully trailed and sailed with the right tow vehicle and trailer combination. This is a Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 26

“One solution is to carry the boat on a launching trolley resting on the trailer, adding weight to be towed down the road. The other is some form of break-back trailer that pivots in the middle.

“Getting the trailer’s wheels wet to allow the boat to be launched into deeper water is not a problem provided the water level does not reach the bearings.

“Trailer brakes do not prevent the trailer from running backwards down a slipway, so the tow vehicle needs a very effective handbrake.

“The Beneteau First 21.7 is ‘unsinkable’ but everything has a price. In this case, being unsinkable the boat is effectively two boats, one inside the other with foam in between.

“The inner ‘boat’ is therefore smaller and there’ll be a lack of stowing spaces compared with similar sized single-skin boats. This I know because much of my trail-sailing was done with an unsinkable Etap 22i .

“The adverts don’t mention thermal insulation, but it is an important consideration. One Easter on the Norfolk Broads we were warm enough in the cabin when we woke up to be surprised to see an inch or so of snow on the decks.

“I wouldn’t limit your search to a single trailer sailboat at this stage. Instead, I suggest you prepare a list of desirable features and then look for the best trailer sailboats that tick as many boxes as possible.

“There may be some mileage in the idea of buying your first trailer sailboat knowing that it’s not perfect, and with the full intention of sailing it for two years and then selling it.

“By then, you may have the same tick-list, but the priorities for you and your wife will be very, very, different. What you actually end up buying will then depend on what is for sale at the time. As ever, the final choice will be a compromise.

“The benefit of a trailer sailboat, of course, is that it opens up a whole new world of cruising grounds. A Spring Bank Holiday on Scotland ’s west coast can be followed by a summer holiday cruise of Brittany’s Gulf of Morbihan. I’ve done that, and during the same year spent Easter on the Norfolk Broads.

“If you choose a trailer sailboat that’s easy to launch and rig the mast, then when fair winds coincide with a weekend, the whim to spend a night anchored somewhere sheltered can be turned into a reality.”

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Boating News

Trailer sailer summer specials.

Multihull Central Trailer Sailer summer specials – order one of the new boats before end of December 2018 and be in the running to get a free road trailer to allow you to take your boat to those dream holiday destinations.

Featuring lightweight carbon reinforced construction, this boat will get your pulse racing in even the lightest of winds. The Pulse 600 is a sports boat that is about pure fun… Designed for conveniently easy rigging and setup so you can quickly launch, unfold the floats and get out on the water. With modern reverse bows and high volume floats, even the most performance oriented sailors have plenty to get hooked on with our smallest addition to the Corsair range.

The open cockpit is designed for a crew of up to four but can equally be sailed single or double handed. Versatility is a key feature of the boat and the forward area provides enough storage and cover for day sailing / weekend adventures or can simply be left empty for go-fast racing. Family, crew mates or friends, it doesn’t matter with whom you sail, unfold your freedom on a Pulse 600.

Corsair 760

Introducing Corsair Marines newest pocket cruiser, the Corsair 760. This new trailerable trimaran is destined to bring trailer sailing to the next level. Originating from the ever popular Corsair 24 and 750 range this new model has received a radical redesign by our partners at Perus Yacht Design.

The 760 offers sailors more comfort, performance and safety than any other trimaran range in this size. This has been achieved by cleverly designing high volume, wave piercing floats. Offering additional buoyancy and significantly increasing the vessels righting moments and safety margins.

The 760 offers a comfortable cruising interior with compact galley and pop top. This compact cruising trimaran has been designed to comfortably sleep couples for weekend getaways and with the addition of an optional collapsible dining table will sleep up to 4 making the 760 a performance cruiser the whole family can enjoy.

Being able to easily fold and quickly trailer is an important feature for all Corsair trimarans and is a feature that will make the 760 such a great choice for people looking to get out on the water and have fun with minimal effort.

The 760 is also sold in a SPORT version including carbon rotating wing mast and additional performance enhancements.

Learn why the Corsair 760 is your multihull of the year 2018  http://blog.corsairmarine.com/5-reasons-why-the-corsair-760-trimaran-your-multihull-year-2018/

Corsair 760R

The new Corsair 760R is Corsairs ultimate regatta boat! Fast, fun and affordable this 24′ sports boat is the perfect day boat for families, friends and racers alike. Keeping true to the 760 range the new R version offers an identical underwater profile and sail plan however features a huge full length cockpit at the loss of internal volume and comforts. Unlike the other 760 Variants the R does not offer the versatility of sleeping accommodations and comfortable interior but is instead focused record breaking speed and a large open deck layout.  Not only is the 760R is a competitive racer in the popular Corsair 750 fleets but will also punch above its weight in mixed fleets with multi hulls over twice its size. It’s not all about winning races and breaking records though, at the core this trailerable sports boat is easy, safe and a load of fun!

2017 Corsair 760 $109,990

2008 Corsair Sprint 750 $50,000

2010 Farrier 36 $199,000

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Trailer Boats - Monohull | Used Boats For Sale

Best Trailerable Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Trailerable sailboats are the perfect solution for weekend or day cruisers. They're easy to store, transport, and set up, which gets you on the water fast.

Trailerable sailboats come in many different shapes and sizes. Many trailerable sailboats even have retractable keels, which not only comes in handy for towing, but also for sailing around shallower waters. Depending on how you plan on sailing, there's sure to be a trailerable sailboat that suits you and your family.

Below are the best trailerable sailboats under 20 feet, separated into their best use: day sailing and cruising.

Table of contents

Best Sailboats Under 30' for Day Sailing

Small, trailerable sailboats are great for daily use because they're easy to set up, and you can take them anywhere within driving distance and explore new areas.

This category of sailboat won't have a cabin, instead, these sailboats have plenty of room on deck for the whole family to enjoy a sailing adventure together. Many of these sailboats are faster and have less amenities than a cruising boat, which makes them easy to set up for a day use and offer a fun, sporty day activity.

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-15"}}

The Hunter 15 is designed for safety and versatility. Without a cabin, it can fit up to four people on its benches. The Hunter 15' features high sides and a self-bailing cockpit, which makes it a great option for novices and kids.

The sailboat tows at 750 lbs, which means most vehicles can tow it. The retractable keel makes it so even lower vehicles can tow the boat.

The retractable keel also makes it so you can beach the sailboat, something you can't do with a bigger sailboat. That makes sailing the Hunter 15 around coves and islands even more enjoyable. Explore hidden beaches by yourself or with friends and family. 

{{boat-info="/boats/laserperformance-laser-13"}}

The Laser sailboat has been a favorite among dinghy racers for years. That's because it's super lightweight, really fast, and fun.

Not only is the laser a fun craft, but it's also very easy to use and transport. Its lightweight is due to the fiberglass hull construction and lack of a keel. You can either tow the Laser, or you can even strap it to the top of a vehicle.

While going fast is fun, you don't have to race the Laser to have fun. The Laser is great for leisure sailing. Thankfully, since it is so light, you don't need much wind to have a great sailing day.

Since it is so small, it fits one to two people in its cockpit. Also, it's lack of keel means it is very easy to tip over . But, it's also very easy to flip back. If you're someone who doesn't want to get soaked, the Laser might not be for you.

But if you're looking for a way to get on the water without much fuss and special towing equipment, the Laser is perfect for you.

Catalina 16.5

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-16-5"}}

Catalina has been a popular sailboat brand for decades, and there's no question that their larger crafts are some of the most common sailboats you see at any marina.

They're popular for good reason. Catalina sailboats are made with lightweight fiberglass and include standard, good quality rigging. They're affordable sailboats to buy new and easy to find used.

The Catalina 16.5 came into existence in 1994 and has remained on the market ever since. It comes in at under 500 lbs, which makes it easy to tow with just about any vehicle, so don't worry about adding a massive truck to your purchase.

This trailerable sailboat has a storage compartment in the front (great for packing a picnic and extra supplies) and can accommodate up to four adults. If you're looking for a boat you can spend all day sailing comfortably and not break the bank to purchase, the Catalina 16.5 might be the one for you.

{{boat-info="/boats/hobie-16"}}

Chances are, you've seen a Hobbie 16 on a beach somewhere. They're popular anywhere there's a body of water because they're fast and easy to operate. They're one of the most popular small crafts for youth sailing and racing. They're so popular that they were recently inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame.

Hobbie 16s are recognizable because of their "banana-shaped" hulls and often colorful sails. Unlike the previously listed sailboats, these are catamarans. So, you get two hulls and a trampoline in between them. They also hold 1-4 people in their cockpits.

As a trailerable catamaran, you can't get much better. It's super lightweight, it has no keel, and it's easy to set up. Because of the catamaran style, you'll often see people having fun on these ocean beaches.

The two-hull design makes it less likely to capsize, and it's sturdy enough that you can take on bigger waves and stronger winds than some other trailerable sailboats .

Norseman 17.5

{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-17-5"}}

The Norseman 17.5 is one of the more attractive boats on this list. It's not a racing boat-in fact, it's an ideal day cruiser.

It's a handcrafted cruiser, and it's designers nicknamed it the swiss army knife of sailboats because it's a sailboat and a rowboat all in one.

If you want something that looks and feels seaworthy but is still trailerable, the Norseman 17.5 hits the spot. It's low maintenance and expertly designed to be as efficient as possible. Because it's designed to mimic a more traditional, larger sailboat, it does have a fixed keel. But, that doesn't mean you can't trailer it still.

The dual purpose of the Norseman 17.5 is appealing because no matter what setting you're in, the Norseman 17.5 can perform, not unlike a swiss army knife. First and foremost, this boat is for sailing, and it gives a great sailing experience, not unlike any larger sailboat.

Best Trailerable Sailboats Under 30' for Cruising

Sailboats for camping come with a few more amenities. Many people prefer this kind of sailboat because it offers more freedom to stay overnight on the boat and make longer trips. Most of the time, they come equipped with a cabin for sleeping and cabin lights for a comfortable sleeping experience.

Most trailerable sailboats for cruising and camping are over 20' and cost more than a daysailer. They also typically weigh more and require a towing vehicle and special trailer because of their larger cabin space and equipment. Many people opt to put a trolling motor on the back of their pocket cruiser for getting in and out of slips and docks.

Even though they're tiny, many people spend their entire weekends or days on a small cruiser. Since they're more equipped for extended trips, you can sail along the coasts comfortably.

Catalina 22 Sport

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-22-sport"}}

The Catalina 22 is one of the most popular sailboats in the United States. No matter where you are, you'll find a fleet of Catalina 22s at just about any marina. After they stopped making the original Catalina 22, the only way to find one (if you wanted to join a racing fleet) was to buy one used.

After years of demand, the sailboat manufacturer finally came out with the 22' Sport. It's just about the same as the original 22, so much so that you can join a Catalina 22 fleet among the original sailboats.

Catalina 22 Sport is a racing boat and a pocket cruiser. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and a great family sailboat.

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-22"}}

Like its smaller relative, the Hunter 22 is known for being safe and sturdy, ready for adventure. It makes for an ideal daysailer or weekend tripper. Even though it's family-friendly, it's still capable of going fast. You can enter in a race or beach hop.

The Hunter 22 features a small cabin that's very comfortable for camping. It comes with a small stove, cooler, and toilet. There's a small dinette that converts to a bed, so you can go from breakfast to bed easily within the boat cabin.

The original Hunter 22 stopped production in 1985, but Hunter has since recently started making a new Hunter 22 that's even better than the original. Still, you'll find plenty of used Hunter 22s.

{{boat-info="/boats/sage-marine-sage-15"}}

The Sage 15' is a good looking compact, abstract-style sailboat. It's almost identical to its bigger counterpart, the Sage 17, but this model has a retractable keel.

On the water, you wouldn't guess the Sage 15 was a trailer sailer . It's got all the charm of a classic sailboat, with many of the amenities desirable in a pocket cruiser.

One thing to note is the mast and its rigging only weighs 20 pounds, which makes it easy to raise and lower by yourself. When you're towing to and from your location, you want the set up to be as easy as possible, so this is a huge plus.

This boat has room for two people on the deck and in the cockpit. It's perfect for people who enjoy a solo voyage here and there or for couples looking to have a day on the water every once in a while.

West Wight Potter 19

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

According to the West Wight Potter website, it only takes 45 minutes to rig a simple setup and get on the water. As far as trailerable sailboats go, the Potter 19' has all the amenities you could want for comfortable weekend getaways on the water.

Like almost all the boats on this list, the Potter 19 has a retractable keel and a self-bailing cockpit. It's stable and very unlikely to heel over too far. The Potter 19 is one of the most responsive sailboats in its class.

What makes the Potter 19 a great trailerable sailboat for camping is the spacious cabin. The cabin features two berths that can sleep four and seating for up to five people. The cabin also comes with a burner stove and a cooler. Depending on what your plans are, you can get the boat customized to your needs.

The West Wight Potter 19 makes the most out of its compact space, which makes it versatile. Also, with the trailer, the Potter 19 fits inside the standard garage. So, don't worry about paying marina fees when you can store your boat right in your garage.

{{boat-info="/boats/moore-24"}}

The last boat on this list is a trailerable sailboat that's proven seaworthy. The Moor 24 was famously sailed from Santa Cruz, California to Honolulu, Hawaii in 17 days. Not only is it seaworthy, but it's fast. The Moor 24 is a prime racing boat, and it's won many Cups.

The Moor 24 sailboat is not only a performance vessel. It also offers comfortable cruising with a cushioned v-berth for overnight or weekend trips. The Moore 24 is easy to handle and one of the smoothest sails. Experienced sailors will appreciate how it sails, and novice sailors will appreciate how easy it is to master.

It's such a gem of a sailboat, it's hard to believe it fits on a trailer.

Which Sailboat is Right for You?

Choosing to buy a trailerable sailboat is a good choice for people who don't want to break the bank or worry about marina fees and docking fees. For people who want to go on the occasional weekend sailing trip or day trip, there is no more affordable option.

To choose the right trailerable sailboat, consider what kind of sailing you want to do. A day sailor offers you a smaller boat that's easy to tow and that's more affordable. These boats are great for training kids to sail or learning how to sail yourself.

But, likely, you'll eventually want to graduate to a slightly more capable sailboat. That's because a trailerable cruising sailboat gives more of a traditional sailing experience, including overnight trips and more seaworthiness.

Thankfully, sailboats are easy to find used and cheaper than brand new. Trailer sailors especially are easy to come by and get a good deal on. Whether you're just starting out or just looking for some fun on the weekends, finding the right trailerable sailboat under 30 feet is a breeze.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Simpson Formula One Simpson Formula 1

Solid fibreglass catamaran full head room in hulls, gallery fridge freezer starboard side ...

• 26' 3" / 8.00m
• AU $52,500 Ono

New Erik Lerouge Pulsar 20

Designed by the renowned naval architect Erik Lerouge, this 20ft trimaran is crafted for the ...

• 19' 7" / 5.96m
• AU $45,000 Available to order

New Scarab 650 Project Boat.

Scarab 650 folding trimaran project boat. Partly constructed, most parts available to complete ...

• 21' 4" / 6.50m
• AU $12,500 Or nearest offer - New & In Stock

Corsair Sprint 750 Mkii

Bare Necessities is back on the market after a short spell to have small cosmetic scratches ...

• 24' 7" / 7.50m
• AU $55,000 Negotiable

Hobie 18 Catamaran

Good condition racing boat with plenty of extra sails. Spare set of rudders registered trailer ...

• 18' 0" / 5.49m

Windrider 17

Windrider 17 (ft) Awesome little sailing trimaran, designed by Jim Brown, a notable and ...

• 17' / 5.18m
• 2005 approx

Crowther 36 Sailing Catamaran

Crowther Eureka. Masthead sloop. GRP MINIKEELS, can sit on sand. 2 x 9.9 yamaha out ...

• 36' 1" / 11.00m
• 1985 approx
• AU $160,000 Negotiable

Haines Hunter Tramp Trimaran Haines Hunter Tramp - Fun Family Boat

For sale is our Haines Hunter Trimaran, a swift, secure fun little boat that will always put a ...

• 19' 6" / 5.94m
• AU $12,500 Negotiable

Windrush 14 Surf Cat

Complete set of sails Fully registered trailer All in good condition ...

• 14' 0" / 4.27m
• 1999 approx
• AU $1,800 Ono

Trifli trimaran, great lightweight sailing boat. Easy for 1or 2 people. Comes with trailer ...

• 14' 9" / 4.50m
• 1990 approx

Beam:  7'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  8'    Draft:  2'     Beam:  7'8'    Draft:  3.5'     Beam:  3'    Draft:  1'     Beam:  6.67'    Draft:  3.25'     Beam:  6'     Beam:  8.67'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  5'8'     Beam:  8'    Draft:  10'     Beam:  6.2'    Draft:  3.6'     Beam:  5.8'    Draft:  3'     Beam:  9'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  6.83'    Draft:  5.50'     Beam:  4.75'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  5'    Draft:  .5'     Draft:  10"'     Beam:  5.83'    Draft:  3.5'     Beam:  4'     Beam:  4'    Draft:  2'     Beam:  4.5'     Beam:  7'    Draft:  3'     Beam:  7'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  10.10'    Draft:  5.3'     Beam:  6.6'    Draft:  3.50'     Beam:  8'     Beam:  8.8'    Draft:  3.9'     Beam:  6'9'     Beam:  5.2'    Draft:  1.5'     Beam:  6'    Draft:  2'     Beam:  5'    Draft:  -'     Beam:  2.5'    Draft:  2.3'     Beam:  8'    Draft:  1'     Beam:  6.5'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  7'    Draft:  1'     Beam:  8'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  9'    Draft:  5.8'     Beam:  6.25'    Draft:  .67'     Beam:  8.5'    Draft:  4.5'     Draft:  5'     Draft:  1'     Beam:  4.5'    Draft:  .7'     Beam:  8'    Draft:  2.5'     Beam:  7.67'    Draft:  3.0'     Beam:  7'    Draft:  4.5' © 2001-2024 ./)   . . ./)   . . Load Rite Aluminum Catamaran Exceptional security in lightweight aluminum Load Rite introduces a range of aluminum I-beam framed trailers for popular catamaran boats.  An exclusive, patented I-beam frame protects and conceals brake lines and wiring and eliminates over-the-frame U-bolts. Our bunk system provides exceptional security and support and easy loading and unloading. A long list of standard features including torsion axles, bead-balanced radial tires, LED lighting, Quick-Slide® support bunk covers and carpeted adjustable inner guides, along with a wide range of options make these models as close to custom as you can get, but at the reasonable price point of an adjustable trailer. We offer aluminum dual-axle and tri-axle trailers for catamarans up to 15,000 pounds with numerous standard features and options. All of these features are backed by the industry leading Load Rite 2 + 3 Warranty. Specifications subject to change without notice.  Not responsible for publishing errors. MODELS & SPECIFICATIONS MODEL CAPACITY AXLES BRAKES TIRE SIZE OVERALL WIDTH BETWEEN FENDERS Spec Sheet LR-ACAT23T6000102TB1 6,000 2 1, 2 ST215/R14C 102" 82" LR-ACAT25T7300102TB2 7,300 2 2 ST225/R15D 102" 82" LR-ACAT26T8225102TB2 8,225 2 2 ST225/R15D 102" 82" LR-ACAT26T9000102TB2 9,000 2 1, 2 ST235/R16D 102" 82" LR-ACAT29R12000102TB3 12,000 3 3 ST225/R15D 102" 82" LR-ACAT29R15000102TB3 15,000 3 3 ST235/R16D 102" 82" Patented Aluminum I-Beam Frame Patented designs offer many features that add functionality to a great look.  Integrated wire gutter beneath the top flange securely protects wiring and brakelines.  Models to 7,300 lbs. capacity feature a captured fastener channel along the bottom flange offering invisible mounting points for other features.  Web mounted crossbars strengthen the overall frame assembly. Torsion Axles Torsion axles provide independent suspension, exceptional rigidity, corrosion resistance, and a far superior ride to any leaf spring suspension.  Available on most models. Greaseable Hubs Trailer with peace of mind knowing that you’ve inspected the condition and topped off the lubricant level in each hub of your trailer. Disc Brakes (Where Installed) This trailer is equipped with disc brakes (where installed).  Load Rite recommends disc brakes on all wheels where available.  Disc brakes are self-adjusting and self-cleaning and require minimal maintenance in order to continue to deliver top performance.  Follow maintenance tips in your Owners Manual for more detailed instructions. Radial Tires Tow smoother, quieter, and farther with radial tires installed on your trailer.  Original equipment on Load Rite Elite 5 STARR models with 13″ and larger wheels except skiff and pontoon models.  Optional on all pontoon and skiff / jon models.  Includes  KENDACARE – LOADSTAR TIRE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM . Balanced Wheels 13″ and Larger CounterAct Wheel Bead Balancing is now included on all 13″ and larger wheel assemblies as a standard feature.  The wheels dynamically balance during each use. Visit counteractbalancing.com for more information. LED Lighting LED lights offer far greater reliability than incandescent fixtures.  Long-lasting and waterproof design make these lights ideal for any trailer application. Heat-Shrunk Sealed, Concealed Wiring Standard equipment on all trailers 17′ and longer except welded frame models. DOT Rated Tires and Lighting All Load Rite original equipment tires and lighting components are fully DOT approved. One-piece aluminum fender Stylish one-piece aluminum diamond-plate fender design is featured on all tandem and triaxle boat trailers. Aluminum Fender Steps Exclusive to the Load Rite Elite LR-AB, LR-AR, and LR-ASKI models.  These steps are ribbed for added grip. Quick-Slide® Bunk Covers These multi-purpose covers provide a smooth surface to help the boat or pontoon to slide easier when launching and loading.  They also offer an insulating barrier to help prevent corrosion for metallic hulled craft.  Highly recommended for pontoon applications. Tongue Jack Tongue jacks are standard equipment on all Load Rite Elite models 90″ wide and wider except two-place PWC models, all 5 STARR models, and all UT, EQ, and CH models.  Appearance and specifications vary by application.  Tongue jacks are optional on all other models. Drop Style Tongue Jack Standard equipment on many high capacity galvanized and aluminum models. A winch is standard equipment on all boat and PWC models.  Capacity and features vary by application. Winch Stand Standard equipment on all boat and PWC models.  Specifications vary by applicaton. NMMA / NATM Certified Each year Load Rite trailers undergo a detailed inspection process in order to earn the right to proudly display this certification on products we manufacture. 2 Plus 3 Years Coupler to Taillight Warranty Load Rite’s premiere warranty exclusive to our Elite line of trailers. Aluminum Wheels A stylish option available with bias-ply or radial tires for most models in 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″ and 16″ sizes. Spare Tire and Carrier The most important option to consider, every trailer should have a spare tire readily available.  Consult dealer for recommended bracket for individual application. Brakes on All Axles Important Safety Issue – Brake Requirements    Brake laws vary by state and require dealers to sell trailers that comply with the brake laws of the state where the trailer will be registered.  This is a very important safety issue .  For full information contact the appropriate state Motor Vehicle Department.  As always, Load Rite recommends brakes on all axles where available. Stainless Steel Disc Brakes Optional stainless steel brakes available for most 14″, 15″ and 16″ wheel applications. Can be used with surge and electric over hydraulic actuators.* May require optional axle installation.  Check with your local dealer before ordering. Stainless Brakelines A valuable upgrade to any trailer, but especially those to see service in coastal regions with salt water exposure. Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes EOH brakes offer electric in-cab control of standard hydraulic disc brakes.  Requires in-cab controller and 7-pin round electrical connection to the tow vehicle. Stainless Main Frame Hardware Available for most Load Rite Elite LR-AB, LR-ASKI, LR-AR, LR-AS and 5 STARR 5S-AC aluminum models. Includes main frame hardware.  Excludes bunk, roller, winchstand, and coupler / actuator hardware.  Not available for galvanized frame models. Drop-Style Tongue Jack An upgraded jack that provides greater capacities and fast setup with no need to swivel. Rubber Fenders Rubber fenders are intended for use on dealer yard trailers.  Yard trailers need the flexibility to adapt to many different hull shapes without imparting any damage in the process.  Rubber fenders minimize the possibility of damage should the fender contact the boat hull. LR-ACAT23T6000102TB1 LR-ACAT23T6000102TB2 LR-ACAT23T6000102TB2-LR34 LR-ACAT32R15000102TB2 Shown with optional equipment. Glacier Bay Glacier Bay on aluminum I-beam LR-ACAT29R12000102TB3. Glacier Bay 1 Glacier Bay on aluminum I-Beam LR-ACAT26T8000102TB2. Glacier Bay 2 Warranty Information Elite Trailer Warranty Kenda Tire and Wheel Warranty Owners Manual Load Rite Owners Manual 334 IMAGES 1978 RED BARRON TRAILER SAILER CATAMARAN Sailfish 18 buyer’s guide: This affordable trailer sailer is 14ft Hobie Cat ****with Trailer & Rego**** Boat Yacht Catamaran Trailer We bought a trailer sailer catamaran // Our maiden voyage to Lake Kepwari Mike Waller Yacht Design Genesis Galvanized Catamaran Trailer COMMENTS 9 Best Trailerable Sailboats The Hunter 27 is a truly livable trailer sailor, featuring accommodations that make it suitable for extended cruising or even living aboard. The salon features over 6 feet of standing headroom, with plenty of seating and counter space throughout. TC670 Trailer Catamaran The Waller TC670 trailer cat is a small cat with narrow beam to allow it to be easily trailed on the road. It features a double berth, a galley, w.c. and small dining area for 2. This delightful little boat provides weekend cruising for 2 and day sailng for more. Our most popular design. 7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising This little-known trailer sailer is produced at the same Florida factory that makes Island Packet Yachts. That should give you a little bit of an idea of what sort of boat it is—trailerable, yes, but also high-quality, beautiful, and built for cruising. Catamaran Trailer-Sailing Catamaran Trailer-Sailing The best piece of boat-buying advice I received was this: buy the boat that suits your present needs, not the boat you dream you will need. We keep our big-boat desires in check by chartering in the Caribbean and New Zealand, but a trailer-sailer suits most of my needs. Neil Blavin Updated: Aug 2, 2017 Original: Jul 16, 2012 The Working Man's Guide to Trailer Sailing Let me introduce you to the Trailer Sailer. A trailerable sailboat is in many ways better than a keel boat or a dinghy. You can get a trailer down a boat ramp, it stores for free in your backyard, and it has many of the benefits of a keel boat or dinghy, with fewer drawbacks. Some might argue that the perfect sailboat is the trailer sailer. Best Trailerable Sailboat Brands to Cruise or Race The Best Trailerable Catamaran and Trimaran Sailboat Brands Nacra: Catamarans are difficult to trailer because their beam is likely to exceed the legal road limits due to their double hull structure. We bought a trailer sailer catamaran // Our maiden voyage to Lake We bought a trailer sailer catamaran // Our maiden voyage to Lake Kepwari Wild Adventures 415 subscribers Subscribed 248 17K views 2 years ago The best trailer sailer boats for weekend cruising… or longer The best trailer sailer boats for weekend cruising If you're happy just day sailing in fair weather then you won't really need more than a sprayhood to duck in out of the odd shower or to make a brew. But many more enthusiasts, especially those with young families or grandchildren, like to get involved in more than just the sailing. Mana 24: A new trailer sailor in the pipeline All these ideas have come together, resulting in the new MANA 24 design, a catamaran specifically designed for trailer sailing. In trailer/sailer design every increase in length equals harder launching and recovery work. At 23'6"- 7.15m hull length MANA 24 sits between our TIKI 21 and TIKI 26 designs (both very popular trailer sailers ... All Trailer Sailer Sailing Yachts for sale Viko S21, trailer sailer - 2022 Lifting keel, folding rudder, E-Propulsion Spirit 1.0 with two power packs. Self lowering mast for transport, 4 berths including large double aft cabin, separate heads with seatoilet. Trailer Boats Trailer Boats - Multihull Used Boats For Sale in Australia. Boat Shares and Yacht Charter. Yacht brokers. Catamarans, trimarans, power boats, sailing boats, monohulls, mulithulls, trailer sailers, cruisers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Trailer sailboats for sale by owner. Trailer preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Trailer used sailboats for sale by owner. Best trailer sailboats: Our trailer sailing expert offers his PBO reader Paul Adamson wants to know what are the best trailer sailboats. Our trailer sailing expert Colin Haines has this advice… Trailer Sailer summer specials Multihull Central Trailer Sailer summer specials - order one of the new boats before end of December 2018 and be in the running to get a free road trailer to allow you to take your boat to those dream holiday destinations. This exciting new 20′ trimaran is full of Corsair DNA modernized to meet the latest generation of sailors. On a product more compact and affordable than ever before, you ... Biggest Trailerable Sailboats The maximum trailer length for standard trailers is 65 ft, but it's nearly impossible for a trailerable sailboat of this length to meet the width requirements. In practice, the longest trailerable sailboats are around 30 ft in length or shorter. Trailerable Boats with Comfort and Speed Since the advent of trailerable trimarans, in particular, trailer-sailing can now mean blistering speeds as well as comfort afloat. In more recent years, modern materials and design concepts have also resulted in a number of trailerable monohulls that make knots as well as memories underway. Most notable among these are the boats comprising the upper end of the Slovenian-based Seascape line ... Trailer Boats Trailer Boats - Monohull Used Boats For Sale in Australia. Boat Shares and Yacht Charter. Yacht brokers. Catamarans, trimarans, power boats, sailing boats, monohulls, mulithulls, trailer sailers, cruisers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Yacht Hub for Boats and Yachts for Sale. trailer sailboats for sale by owner. trailer preowned sailboats for sale by owner. trailer used sailboats for sale by owner. Best Trailerable Sailboats Under 30 Feet Trailer sailors especially are easy to come by and get a good deal on. Whether you're just starting out or just looking for some fun on the weekends, finding the right trailerable sailboat under 30 feet is a breeze. Trailer Boats Sail For Sale in Australia 211 Trailer Boats Sail For Sale in Australia. New and Used boats for sale. Trailer Boats Sail Multihull For Sale in Australia 27 Trailer Boats Sail Multihull For Sale in Australia. New and Used boats for sale. trailer sailboats for sale by owner. trailer preowned sailboats for sale by owner. trailer used sailboats for sale by owner. Load Rite Aluminum Catamaran Load Rite introduces a range of aluminum I-beam framed trailers for popular catamaran boats. An exclusive, patented I-beam frame protects and conceals brake lines and wiring and eliminates over-the-frame U-bolts. Our bunk system provides exceptional security and support and easy loading and unloading. A long list of standard features including torsion axles, bead-balanced radial tires, LED ... catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat trimaran yacht