Sailing Books Worth Owning
4 classic references behind the boat lists on this site.
These are the books whose curated boat lists feed the PassageBoats database. Each has shaped how a generation of sailors shortlists an offshore boat. Buying through the Amazon links below supports this site at no extra cost to you.
The Best Used Boat Notebook
Editors of Practical Sailor
A curated roundup of offshore-capable used sailboats compiled by the Practical Sailor editorial staff. Entries evaluated for construction quality, offshore performance, known weak points, and value on the used market. Source: user's own notes from the book.
Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere
John Vigor · 1999
John Vigor's selection of twenty small sailboats under 32 feet proven capable of offshore and ocean passages. Emphasis on simplicity, seakindliness, and affordability. Published by International Marine.
Twenty Affordable Sailboats to Take You Anywhere
Gregg Nestor · 2006
Gregg Nestor's reviews of twenty used cruising boats from 30 to 38 feet. Each chapter covers design, construction, accommodations, performance, and items to inspect. Published by Paradise Cay Publications.
The World's Best Sailboats
Ferenc Maté · 1986
Ferenc Maté's opinionated survey of the world's finest ocean-going sailboats, covering design philosophy, construction quality, and offshore capability. Published by W.W. Norton. A classic reference with strong editorial voice.
As an Amazon Associate, PassageBoats earns from qualifying purchases. Book lists were extracted from reader notes; seethe full cross-reference tables for which boats each book covers.