References›Curated List

Boats to Consider for Ocean Cruising

John Neal, Mahina Offshore Services · v4.26 · updated April 2026

John Neal has sailed more than 410,000 offshore miles over 52 years and run Offshore Cruising Seminars and paid Boat Purchase Consultations for over 12,000 sailors through Mahina Offshore Services. His Boats to Consider for Ocean Cruising is a working reference he keeps current: a plain 1-5 value rating (5 highest) across roughly 150 builders and model families, monohulls and catamarans, each with a short line of his own hands-on commentary, good and bad.

Unlike some of the other curated lists indexed here, this one is a live document tied to an active consulting business, not an archived orphan. The source below links straight to Neal's own site, and this page covers only the subset of his list that overlaps with boats already in the PassageBoats catalog, plus a rating-sorted queue of what he covers that we do not, as a genuine research pipeline rather than a full copy of his work.

Legend: Reviewed in PassageBoats Pending / draft stub exists

158

Builder groups rated

Models in our catalog

Already live

125

4-5★ candidates, not yet reviewed

In the PassageBoats catalog

Each of these already has a full PassageBoats page with real specs, sourcing, and a bluewater confidence assessment, more than this list alone provides. Neal's rating and note are shown for comparison only.

Boat	Neal's rating	Neal's note	PassageBoats
Alajuela 33	1/5	33 is a good design, 38 is a classic dinosaur with long bowsprit and boomkin.	View review →
Alajuela 38	1/5	33 is a good design, 38 is a classic dinosaur with long bowsprit and boomkin.	View review →
Alberg 30	1/5	Proven, but ancient, narrow, short waterlines, limited interior volume.	View review →
Alberg 35	1/5	Proven, but ancient, narrow, short waterlines, limited interior volume.	View review →
Alberg 37	1/5	Proven, but ancient, narrow, short waterlines, limited interior volume.	View review →
Albin Vega 27	1/5	At least six have circumnavigated. Inexpensive, light and fast.	View review →
Allied Princess 36	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.	Pending research
Allied Seawind II 32	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.	View review →
Amel Sharki 39	4/5	Strong, well designed passage makers, great value, but systems-rich and AC generator-dependent. Overall, a very solid choice.	Pending research
Bristol 27	3/5	Good boats. Later models were better quality. Long since out of production.	View review →
Bristol 29	3/5	Good boats. Later models were better quality. Long since out of production.	View review →
Bristol 30	3/5	Good boats. Later models were better quality. Long since out of production.	View review →
Bristol 41.1	3/5	Good boats. Later models were better quality. Long since out of production.	View review →
Bristol Channel Cutter 28	2/5	Solidly-built, but cockpit and cabin are not comfortable.	View review →
Cabo Rico 38	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.	View review →
Caliber 33	3/5	Fairly well-built. Michael McCreary designs. LRC models have substantial tankage but smallish interiors. The 47 is not an attractive boat.	View review →
Cavalier 32	2/5	Limited production, fairly good quality vessels, but narrow, dated designs.	View review →
Contessa 26	1/5	Tania Aebi and B.J. Caldwell circumnavigated in 26's, but these are tiny boats. The 32 is small, sturdy and truly a classic.	View review →
Contessa 32	1/5	Tania Aebi and B.J. Caldwell circumnavigated in 26's, but these are tiny boats. The 32 is small, sturdy and truly a classic.	View review →
Contest 36	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	Pending research
Elan Impression 434	4/5	Excellent design and good build quality. Very roomy.	Pending research
Fast Passage 39	1/5	Some built in Canada, some by Tollycraft, WA. Canadian models better.	View review →
Freya 39	2/5	Stiff and fast, but many owner-completed, so quality varies greatly.	View review →
Hallberg-Rassy 31	5/5	Stiff, strong, fast, comfortable, good tankage and systems integration. Newer Frers designs faster than earlier models. Incredible support through HR Parts.	View review →
Hallberg-Rassy 34	5/5	Stiff, strong, fast, comfortable, good tankage and systems integration. Newer Frers designs faster than earlier models. Incredible support through HR Parts.	Pending research
Island Packet 380	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	Pending research
Malo 36	5/5	High quality offshore boats with good sailing performance. Multiple instances of skeg failure reported on 45 and 46.	Pending research
Morgan 382	3/5	Ted Brewer design for around $45-55K. Good value if they've been repowered.	Pending research
Morris 28 Linda	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	View review →
Najad 390	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	Pending research
Outbound 44	5/5	Fast, well-built boats with excellent customer service. New company owners now.	Pending research
Oyster 42	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	Pending research
Pacific Seacraft 40	3/5	Well built, classic lines with graceful overhangs and short waterlines mean slow and small.	View review →
Pacific Seacraft Crealock 34	3/5	Good value and solidly built but graceful overhangs, canoe sterns, short waterlines mean these boats can hobbyhorse upwind in a chop. Limited tankage.	View review →
Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37	3/5	Good value and solidly built but graceful overhangs, canoe sterns, short waterlines mean these boats can hobbyhorse upwind in a chop. Limited tankage.	View review →
Pacific Seacraft Dana 24	2/5	Attractive, solid, expensive and slow miniature pocket ocean cruiser.	View review →
Passport 40	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.	View review →
Pearson Vanguard 32	1/5	Sturdy but ancient 1960's Phil Rhodes design, built by Pearson.	View review →
Rustler 36	4/5	Totally impressive, high-quality boats and excellent company.	View review →
Sirius 35 DS	5/5	Highest quality, incredibly well designed German-built cruiser.	Pending research
Southern Cross 28	2/5	Moderate quality, limited on deck storage, old.	View review →
Southern Cross 31	2/5	Moderate quality, limited on deck storage, old.	View review →
Southern Cross 35	2/5	Moderate quality, limited on deck storage, old.	View review →
Southern Cross 39	2/5	Moderate quality, limited on deck storage, old.	View review →
Spencer 35	1/5	Ancient, solid boats, built in Vancouver, B.C. Very dated now.	View review →
Tartan 37	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.	View review →
Tashiba 31	2/5	High maintenance Perry designs built by Ta Shing.	View review →
Tashiba 36	2/5	High maintenance Perry designs built by Ta Shing.	View review →
Valiant 32	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.	Pending research
Valiant 39	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.	View review →
Valiant 40	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.	View review →
Valiant 42	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.	View review →
Valiant Esprit 37	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.	View review →
Vancouver 27	2/5	Also built in Taiwan and England. Solid pocket circumnavigator for the patient.	View review →
Wauquiez Pretorien 35	3/5	Strong, solid and attractive, built by Wauquiez. Great value. Modest tankage, many have saildrives, a negative. Later models better.	View review →
Westsail 28	2/5	Sturdy boats, traditional design. Watch for leaky aluminum tanks.	View review →
Westsail 32	2/5	Sturdy boats, traditional design. Watch for leaky aluminum tanks.	View review →
Westsail 42	2/5	Sturdy boats, traditional design. Watch for leaky aluminum tanks.	View review →
Whitby 42	2/5	Brewer designs, roomy and fairly well built but slow and old.	View review →

Research queue: not yet in our catalog

Builders and models Neal rates 4 or 5 out of 5 that PassageBoats does not cover yet, sorted highest-rated first. This is the natural next-batch source for growing the catalog, alongside the AtomVoyages and book-sourced lists.

Builder / model	Rating	Neal's note	Type
Allures 40	5/5	Top quality, innovative, aluminum hulls/lifting keel design with fiberglass decks and house on newer models.	monohull
Allures 45	5/5	Top quality, innovative, aluminum hulls/lifting keel design with fiberglass decks and house on newer models.	monohull
Allures 51	5/5	Top quality, innovative, aluminum hulls/lifting keel design with fiberglass decks and house on newer models.	monohull
Alubat (Ovni, Cigale) 36-58	5/5	Builders of simple and innovative lifting-keel aluminum cruising boats.	monohull
Antares 44	5/5	Most impressive construction details and quality. No saildrives.	catamaran
Bestevaer 36-70	5/5	Highest quality Dutch aluminum cruising boats.	monohull
Exploration (Garcia) 45	5/5	Innovative, impressive, go-anywhere aluminum lifting keel designs with protected steering positions.	monohull
Exploration (Garcia) 52	5/5	Innovative, impressive, go-anywhere aluminum lifting keel designs with protected steering positions.	monohull
Fantasi 37	5/5	High quality attractive pilothouse boats built on Orust Island, Sweden.	monohull
Fantasi 50	5/5	High quality attractive pilothouse boats built on Orust Island, Sweden.	monohull
Garcia 40.9-51.9	5/5	Strong, semi-custom, highest quality aluminum lifting keel designs built in France.	monohull
Garcia Explocat 52	5/5	A development of the very successful Garcia Exploration monohulls. Aluminum, go-anywhere construction. Expensive with a serious waiting time.	catamaran
Heyman 42	5/5	Innovative Swedish designed pilothouse built in Estonia.	monohull
HH all models	5/5	Highest quality, performance and prices.	catamaran
KM Yachtbuilders all models	5/5	Highest quality semi-custom Dutch-built aluminum lifting keel designs.	monohull
Malo 38	5/5	High quality offshore boats with good sailing performance. Multiple instances of skeg failure reported on 45 and 46.	monohull
Malo 39	5/5	High quality offshore boats with good sailing performance. Multiple instances of skeg failure reported on 45 and 46.	monohull
Malo 45	5/5	High quality offshore boats with good sailing performance. Multiple instances of skeg failure reported on 45 and 46.	monohull
Malo 46	5/5	High quality offshore boats with good sailing performance. Multiple instances of skeg failure reported on 45 and 46.	monohull
Najad 330	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	monohull
Najad 361	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	monohull
Najad 370	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	monohull
Najad 420	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	monohull
Najad 490	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	monohull
Najad 520	5/5	Quality, attractive boats. Excellent sailing performance. Good tankage, storage and high level of craftsmanship.	monohull
Outbound 46	5/5	Fast, well-built boats with excellent customer service. New company owners now.	monohull
Outbound 52	5/5	Fast, well-built boats with excellent customer service. New company owners now.	monohull
Ovni 35	5/5	Sturdy, low maintenance excellent aluminum, lifting keel. Newer the better.	monohull
Ovni 395	5/5	Sturdy, low maintenance excellent aluminum, lifting keel. Newer the better.	monohull
Ovni 445	5/5	Sturdy, low maintenance excellent aluminum, lifting keel. Newer the better.	monohull
Ovni 495	5/5	Sturdy, low maintenance excellent aluminum, lifting keel. Newer the better.	monohull
Ovni 58	5/5	Sturdy, low maintenance excellent aluminum, lifting keel. Newer the better.	monohull
Puffin 42	5/5	High quality aluminum expedition yachts built in The Netherlands.	monohull
Puffin 50	5/5	High quality aluminum expedition yachts built in The Netherlands.	monohull
Puffin 58	5/5	High quality aluminum expedition yachts built in The Netherlands.	monohull
Regina of Vindo 38	5/5	Gorgeous, exquisitely built, highest quality deck saloon. In a class of their own.	monohull
Regina of Vindo 43	5/5	Gorgeous, exquisitely built, highest quality deck saloon. In a class of their own.	monohull
Regina of Vindo 49	5/5	Gorgeous, exquisitely built, highest quality deck saloon. In a class of their own.	monohull
Sirius 40	5/5	Highest quality, incredibly well designed German-built cruiser.	monohull
Balance 42-70	4/5		catamaran
Boreal 44	4/5	Innovative design suitable for high latitudes, consistent late delivery problems.	monohull
Boreal 47	4/5	Innovative design suitable for high latitudes, consistent late delivery problems.	monohull
Boreal 50	4/5	Innovative design suitable for high latitudes, consistent late delivery problems.	monohull
Boreal 53	4/5	Innovative design suitable for high latitudes, consistent late delivery problems.	monohull
Boreal 63	4/5	Innovative design suitable for high latitudes, consistent late delivery problems.	monohull
Catana 401	4/5	Good, fast design, but customer service seriously lacks upon delivery, complicated systems and expensive to maintain.	catamaran
Catana 431	4/5	Good, fast design, but customer service seriously lacks upon delivery, complicated systems and expensive to maintain.	catamaran
Catana 471	4/5	Good, fast design, but customer service seriously lacks upon delivery, complicated systems and expensive to maintain.	catamaran
Catana 521	4/5	Good, fast design, but customer service seriously lacks upon delivery, complicated systems and expensive to maintain.	catamaran
Contest 31	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 35	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 38	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 40	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 41	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 42	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 44	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 46	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 48	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 55	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Contest 60	4/5	Newer models are very attractive and expensive. Yard continues to build highest quality boats and sells refitted trade-in boats - great value.	monohull
Dazcat 55	4/5		catamaran
Elan 43	4/5	Excellent design and good build quality. Very roomy.	monohull
Farr Pilot House 50	4/5	Powerful, fast, good quality. Hold value very well.	monohull
Farr Pilot House 56	4/5	Powerful, fast, good quality. Hold value very well.	monohull
Farr Pilot House 60	4/5	Powerful, fast, good quality. Hold value very well.	monohull
Farr Pilot House 63	4/5	Powerful, fast, good quality. Hold value very well.	monohull
Gunboat 48-90	4/5	Expensive, innovative semi-custom rocketships now built in France.	catamaran
Hylas 46	4/5	Good performance, tankage and storage. Substantially better quality and fewer deck leaks on newer models.	monohull
Hylas 49	4/5	Good performance, tankage and storage. Substantially better quality and fewer deck leaks on newer models.	monohull
Hylas 54	4/5	Good performance, tankage and storage. Substantially better quality and fewer deck leaks on newer models.	monohull
Hylas 54 raised saloon	4/5	Good performance, tankage and storage. Substantially better quality and fewer deck leaks on newer models.	monohull
Hylas 56	4/5	Good performance, tankage and storage. Substantially better quality and fewer deck leaks on newer models.	monohull
Hylas 70	4/5	Good performance, tankage and storage. Substantially better quality and fewer deck leaks on newer models.	monohull
Island Packet 349	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 350	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 370	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 420	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 440	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 445	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 485	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet SP Cruiser	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet 42 MS	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Island Packet Estero	4/5	Roomy and comfortable, good tankage and storage but some unusual features. Only consider IP's built after 1998 when chainplate issue was addressed.	monohull
Leopard 38	4/5	Good designs, well built, easily maintained. Moderate bridge deck clearance. 44 and 48 breakthrough design with forward cockpit. Look for non-charter, owner 3-cabin versions. Research structural problems.	catamaran
Leopard 42	4/5	Good designs, well built, easily maintained. Moderate bridge deck clearance. 44 and 48 breakthrough design with forward cockpit. Look for non-charter, owner 3-cabin versions. Research structural problems.	catamaran
Leopard 44	4/5	Good designs, well built, easily maintained. Moderate bridge deck clearance. 44 and 48 breakthrough design with forward cockpit. Look for non-charter, owner 3-cabin versions. Research structural problems.	catamaran
Leopard 46	4/5	Good designs, well built, easily maintained. Moderate bridge deck clearance. 44 and 48 breakthrough design with forward cockpit. Look for non-charter, owner 3-cabin versions. Research structural problems.	catamaran
Leopard 47	4/5	Good designs, well built, easily maintained. Moderate bridge deck clearance. 44 and 48 breakthrough design with forward cockpit. Look for non-charter, owner 3-cabin versions. Research structural problems.	catamaran
Leopard 62	4/5	Good designs, well built, easily maintained. Moderate bridge deck clearance. 44 and 48 breakthrough design with forward cockpit. Look for non-charter, owner 3-cabin versions. Research structural problems.	catamaran
Morris 26	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 30	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 32	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 34	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 36	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 42	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 44	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 45	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 454	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 46	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 48.6	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Morris 52	4/5	Chuck Paine designs, superb quality, this was the highest quality US yard building cruising boats. Semi-custom and expensive.	monohull
Nautitech 40	4/5	Innovative design, good performance.	catamaran
Nautitech 44	4/5	Innovative design, good performance.	catamaran
Nautitech 48	4/5	Innovative design, good performance.	catamaran
ORC 42-57	4/5		catamaran
Outremer 40-64	4/5	Fast and strong, lightweight construction, no balsa coring. Expensive and fairly high experience level required to sail these safely. Narrow hulls.	catamaran
Oyster 45	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 485	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 49	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 53	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 55	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 56	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 61	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 62	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 63	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 66	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 70	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 82	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Oyster 100	4/5	Attractive, expensive and good quality. Weak resale value on larger models makes these a good choice to purchase used.	monohull
Pegasus 50	4/5	Innovative performance cruiser built in Slovenia.	monohull
Privilege 40-62	4/5	Good build quality and performance. The 435-465 hits the sweet spot for couples.	catamaran
Rustler 37	4/5	Totally impressive, high-quality boats and excellent company.	monohull
Rustler 42	4/5	Totally impressive, high-quality boats and excellent company.	monohull
Soubise 46-70	4/5	Excellent, super-fast and high quality, semi-custom. No longer in business.	catamaran
Windelow 42-57	4/5		catamaran

Show the rest of Neal's list (311 more builder/model rows, rated 1-3, not yet in our catalog) ▾

Builder / model	Rating	Neal's note
Able 32	3/5	Superb quality, expensive, but old. Chuck Paine designs.
Able 42	3/5	Superb quality, expensive, but old. Chuck Paine designs.
Able 48	3/5	Superb quality, expensive, but old. Chuck Paine designs.
Alden 38	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Alden 43	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Alden 44	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Alden 46	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Alden 48	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Alden 54	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Alden 58	3/5	Classy, well built, beautiful. Because of age, teak decks may be an issue.
Amazon 29	3/5	Steel boats, attractive modern designs, some corrosion issues.
Amazon 37	3/5	Steel boats, attractive modern designs, some corrosion issues.
Amazon 44	3/5	Steel boats, attractive modern designs, some corrosion issues.
Amphitrite 43	3/5	Wauquiez built, strong and roomy with good storage. Odd deck design, but solid boat and good value. Avoid teak deck models.
Atlantic 42	3/5	Chris White design, quality construction. Several have capsized.
Atlantic 48	3/5	Chris White design, quality construction. Several have capsized.
Atlantic 55	3/5	Chris White design, quality construction. Several have capsized.
Bianca 36-52	3/5	Quality Danish yard, now a winter refit and storage facility.
Bristol 27-45 range	3/5	Good boats. Later models were better quality. Long since out of production.
Bruckmann 42	3/5	Solid, roomy Mark Ellis designs, perfect for inclement weather.
Bruckmann 480	3/5	Solid, roomy Mark Ellis designs, perfect for inclement weather.
Bruckmann 50	3/5	Solid, roomy Mark Ellis designs, perfect for inclement weather.
Bruckmann 65	3/5	Solid, roomy Mark Ellis designs, perfect for inclement weather.
Caliber 28	3/5	Fairly well-built. Michael McCreary designs. LRC models have substantial tankage but smallish interiors. The 47 is not an attractive boat.
Caliber 35	3/5	Fairly well-built. Michael McCreary designs. LRC models have substantial tankage but smallish interiors. The 47 is not an attractive boat.
Caliber 38	3/5	Fairly well-built. Michael McCreary designs. LRC models have substantial tankage but smallish interiors. The 47 is not an attractive boat.
Caliber 40	3/5	Fairly well-built. Michael McCreary designs. LRC models have substantial tankage but smallish interiors. The 47 is not an attractive boat.
Cambria 40	3/5	Fast, well-built, gorgeous and have held their value well, but getting old.
Cambria 44	3/5	Fast, well-built, gorgeous and have held their value well, but getting old.
Cambria 46	3/5	Fast, well-built, gorgeous and have held their value well, but getting old.
Catalina 385	3/5	Post-2000 models are good value and quality keeps improving. Not boats for Cape Horn but totally adequate for low to mid-latitude cruising.
Catalina 400 MkII	3/5	Post-2000 models are good value and quality keeps improving. Not boats for Cape Horn but totally adequate for low to mid-latitude cruising.
Catalina 42 MkII	3/5	Post-2000 models are good value and quality keeps improving. Not boats for Cape Horn but totally adequate for low to mid-latitude cruising.
Catalina 425	3/5	Post-2000 models are good value and quality keeps improving. Not boats for Cape Horn but totally adequate for low to mid-latitude cruising.
Catalina 445	3/5	Post-2000 models are good value and quality keeps improving. Not boats for Cape Horn but totally adequate for low to mid-latitude cruising.
Centurion 36	3/5	Fast, attractive solid boats with very modest tankage and limited storage. Avoid any with teak decks.
Centurion 38	3/5	Fast, attractive solid boats with very modest tankage and limited storage. Avoid any with teak decks.
Centurion 40/41	3/5	Fast, attractive solid boats with very modest tankage and limited storage. Avoid any with teak decks.
Centurion 42/45	3/5	Fast, attractive solid boats with very modest tankage and limited storage. Avoid any with teak decks.
Centurion 47/49	3/5	Fast, attractive solid boats with very modest tankage and limited storage. Avoid any with teak decks.
Cherubini 44	3/5	Semi-custom, gorgeous, great sailing and expensive. Limited interior space.
Cherubini 48	3/5	Semi-custom, gorgeous, great sailing and expensive. Limited interior space.
Cherubini 62	3/5	Semi-custom, gorgeous, great sailing and expensive. Limited interior space.
Cooper 416	3/5	Roomy, fairly well built with inside steering. Good PNW design and reasonable.
Cooper 508	3/5	Roomy, fairly well built with inside steering. Good PNW design and reasonable.
Crealock (Pacific Seacraft) 31	3/5	Good value and solidly built but graceful overhangs, canoe sterns, short waterlines mean these boats can hobbyhorse upwind in a chop. Limited tankage.
Crealock (Pacific Seacraft) PH 32	3/5	Good value and solidly built but graceful overhangs, canoe sterns, short waterlines mean these boats can hobbyhorse upwind in a chop. Limited tankage.
Crealock (Pacific Seacraft) 40	3/5	Good value and solidly built but graceful overhangs, canoe sterns, short waterlines mean these boats can hobbyhorse upwind in a chop. Limited tankage.
Crealock (Pacific Seacraft) 44	3/5	Good value and solidly built but graceful overhangs, canoe sterns, short waterlines mean these boats can hobbyhorse upwind in a chop. Limited tankage.
Deerfoot all models	3/5	Fast and innovative, aluminum and fiberglass hulls designed by Steve Dashew.
Discovery 42	3/5	Fairly high-quality yard that's been in and out of bankruptcy multiple times.
Discovery 48	3/5	Fairly high-quality yard that's been in and out of bankruptcy multiple times.
Discovery 54	3/5	Fairly high-quality yard that's been in and out of bankruptcy multiple times.
Discovery 55	3/5	Fairly high-quality yard that's been in and out of bankruptcy multiple times.
Discovery 58	3/5	Fairly high-quality yard that's been in and out of bankruptcy multiple times.
Discovery 68	3/5	Fairly high-quality yard that's been in and out of bankruptcy multiple times.
Esprit / Valiant 37	3/5	Comfortable, well proven, good value but some early models may have blisters.
Esprit / Valiant 39	3/5	Comfortable, well proven, good value but some early models may have blisters.
Fountaine Pajot 38	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot 43	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot 44	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot Casamance 45	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot 46	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot 56	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot 60	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Fountaine Pajot 75	3/5	Attractive designs, quality keeps improving, so newer is better. Stick-built means stiffer and lighter than Leopard with better bridge deck clearance.
Gozzard 31	3/5	Good design and quality construction. Totally committed quality company.
Gozzard 36	3/5	Good design and quality construction. Totally committed quality company.
Gozzard 44	3/5	Good design and quality construction. Totally committed quality company.
Hinkley 30-64	3/5	Very attractive with classic lines, highest quality construction. Modest tankage and storage, shortish waterlines.
Hood 38	3/5	Hood design, Wauquiez-built, attractive but short on tankage. Solid choice.
Jongert 50	3/5	Quality, heavy, expensive, semi-custom steel and aluminum yachts.
Jongert 55	3/5	Quality, heavy, expensive, semi-custom steel and aluminum yachts.
Jongert 60	3/5	Quality, heavy, expensive, semi-custom steel and aluminum yachts.
Jongert 67	3/5	Quality, heavy, expensive, semi-custom steel and aluminum yachts.
Jongert 73	3/5	Quality, heavy, expensive, semi-custom steel and aluminum yachts.
Manta 38	3/5	Well-designed and built. Great cruising boat. Slightly heavy.
Manta 40	3/5	Well-designed and built. Great cruising boat. Slightly heavy.
Manta 42	3/5	Well-designed and built. Great cruising boat. Slightly heavy.
Moody 38	3/5	Good designs of modest quality but great value. Compare to Catalina.
Moody 42	3/5	Good designs of modest quality but great value. Compare to Catalina.
Moody 47	3/5	Good designs of modest quality but great value. Compare to Catalina.
Moody 54	3/5	Good designs of modest quality but great value. Compare to Catalina.
Moody 64	3/5	Good designs of modest quality but great value. Compare to Catalina.
Morgan 383	3/5	Ted Brewer design for around $45-55K. Good value if they've been repowered.
Morgan 384	3/5	Ted Brewer design for around $45-55K. Good value if they've been repowered.
Mystery 35	3/5	Top quality, fast and attractive. Good choice.
Mystery 43	3/5	Top quality, fast and attractive. Good choice.
Mystic 57	3/5	Dubois design, Bowman built, beautiful. Very limited production run.
Mystic 60	3/5	Dubois design, Bowman built, beautiful. Very limited production run.
Nordship 35	3/5	High quality Danish yard. Gorgeous deck saloon models.
Nordship 360	3/5	High quality Danish yard. Gorgeous deck saloon models.
Nordship 380	3/5	High quality Danish yard. Gorgeous deck saloon models.
Nordship 430	3/5	High quality Danish yard. Gorgeous deck saloon models.
North Wind 43	3/5	S&S designs, fairly good construction quality. Very few in North America.
North Wind 50	3/5	S&S designs, fairly good construction quality. Very few in North America.
North Wind 58	3/5	S&S designs, fairly good construction quality. Very few in North America.
Pacific Seacraft 34	3/5	Well built, classic lines with graceful overhangs and short waterlines mean slow and small.
Pacific Seacraft 37	3/5	Well built, classic lines with graceful overhangs and short waterlines mean slow and small.
Pacific Seacraft 44	3/5	Well built, classic lines with graceful overhangs and short waterlines mean slow and small.
Passport 41	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
Passport 415	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
Passport 435	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
Passport 44	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
Passport 456	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
Passport 470	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
Passport 50	3/5	Modern Perry cruising design. Good storage/tankage, soggy wooden deck cores and bulkheads common on older models.
PDQ 32	3/5	Long successful production run. Now called Antares 44 and built in Argentina.
PDQ 36	3/5	Long successful production run. Now called Antares 44 and built in Argentina.
PDQ 42	3/5	Long successful production run. Now called Antares 44 and built in Argentina.
PDQ 44	3/5	Long successful production run. Now called Antares 44 and built in Argentina.
Rival / Rival Bowman 36-41	3/5	Strong, good-looking and sailing boats. RB 42 very impressive.
Rival / Rival Bowman 42	3/5	Strong, good-looking and sailing boats. RB 42 very impressive.
Sabre 34	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sabre 362	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sabre 38	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sabre 402	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sabre 42	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sabre 425	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sabre 452	3/5	Built in Maine, modest quality, limited tankage and storage, but very pretty. Doctor's boats for New England.
Sadler 34	3/5	Unsinkable, fast, great performance. Good choice.
Santa Cruz 52	3/5	Strong, fast is fun, but pounds upwind. Last boats were built in FL.
Santa Cruz 53	3/5	Strong, fast is fun, but pounds upwind. Last boats were built in FL.
Scanmar 33	3/5	Limited production but good design and quality construction.
Scanmar 345	3/5	Limited production but good design and quality construction.
Scanmar 35	3/5	Limited production but good design and quality construction.
Scanmar 40	3/5	Limited production but good design and quality construction.
Sceptre 41	3/5	Modern quality pilothouse with good sailing performance.
Sceptre 43	3/5	Modern quality pilothouse with good sailing performance.
Southerly 330-590	3/5	Quality built, attractive and innovative swing-keel yachts.
Sunbeam 32	3/5	Not bad. Built in Austria.
Sunbeam 34	3/5	Not bad. Built in Austria.
Sunbeam 37	3/5	Not bad. Built in Austria.
Sunbeam 38	3/5	Not bad. Built in Austria.
Sunbeam 40	3/5	Not bad. Built in Austria.
Sundeer 56	3/5	Innovative design and excellent offwind performance. Good systems layout. Some need extensive refits. Steve Dashew design built by TPI.
Sundeer 64	3/5	Innovative design and excellent offwind performance. Good systems layout. Some need extensive refits. Steve Dashew design built by TPI.
Swan all models	3/5	Newest models poorly suited for ocean cruising with open cockpits and limited tankage and storage. Teak deck issues on older models.
Tartan 34	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.
Tartan 3500	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.
Tartan 3700	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.
Tartan 41	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.
Tartan 4100	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.
Tartan 4600	3/5	Latest models are impressive, earlier ones have modest quality and tankage. Several 37's have circumnavigated - ok if it has been refitted and repowered.
Taswell 43	3/5	Good quality and sailing performance. Limited tankage on some models.
Taswell 49	3/5	Good quality and sailing performance. Limited tankage on some models.
Taswell 56	3/5	Good quality and sailing performance. Limited tankage on some models.
Taswell 58	3/5	Good quality and sailing performance. Limited tankage on some models.
Taswell 60	3/5	Good quality and sailing performance. Limited tankage on some models.
Taswell 72	3/5	Good quality and sailing performance. Limited tankage on some models.
Topper Hermanson 40+	3/5	Semi-custom steel or aluminum Van de Stadt designs.
Trintella 35-47	3/5	Roomy and well built. Newer designs are aluminum and expensive.
Valiant 47	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.
Valiant 50	3/5	Few problems with the newer, Texas built boats. Proven designs. Double ender means limited cockpit stowage and no possibility of a swim step.
Vilm 116	3/5	Quality motorsailers, solid and good for higher latitudes.
Vilm 117	3/5	Quality motorsailers, solid and good for higher latitudes.
Bowman 36-58	2/5	Strong boats, good passage makers, but shortish waterlines and now old.
Brewer 42	2/5	Improved version of Whitby 42. Old.
Brewer 44	2/5	Improved version of Whitby 42. Old.
Cabo Rico 34	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.
Cabo Rico 36	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.
Cabo Rico 40	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.
Cabo Rico 42	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.
Cabo Rico 45	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.
Cabo Rico 47	2/5	Crealock and Paine designs. Some problems with water absorption into balsa-cored decks. Newer Paine-designed models are substantially better.
Camper Nicholson 31	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 32	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 35	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 38	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 39	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 40	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 43	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 47	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 56	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 58	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Camper Nicholson 70	2/5	Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.
Cape George Cutters 31	2/5	Many owner-completed, quality varies. Fast, but watch for deck and cabin rot.
Cape George Cutters 36	2/5	Many owner-completed, quality varies. Fast, but watch for deck and cabin rot.
Cape George Cutters 38	2/5	Many owner-completed, quality varies. Fast, but watch for deck and cabin rot.
Cavalier 39	2/5	Limited production, fairly good quality vessels, but narrow, dated designs.
CS 33	2/5	Modern, fairly well built. Occasional blister problems.
CS 36	2/5	Modern, fairly well built. Occasional blister problems.
Dean 400	2/5	Fairly well built, roomy and comfy, moderate performance, good engine access.
Dean 441	2/5	Fairly well built, roomy and comfy, moderate performance, good engine access.
Dolphin 46	2/5	Daggerboards, good performance/comfort balance.
Dufour 31	2/5	1964-84 models had solid hulls and balsa-cored decks. Later models not brilliant.
Dufour 35-45	2/5	1964-84 models had solid hulls and balsa-cored decks. Later models not brilliant.
F & C 44	2/5	Semi-modern Frers designed cruising ketch built in Argentina.
Fraser 41	2/5	Sturdy, fairly modern cruisers.
Fraser 46	2/5	Sturdy, fairly modern cruisers.
Fraser 50	2/5	Sturdy, fairly modern cruisers.
Goderich 35	2/5	Attractive Brewer semi-custom steel boat but small production run and rare.
Goderich 37	2/5	Attractive Brewer semi-custom steel boat but small production run and rare.
Goderich 41	2/5	Attractive Brewer semi-custom steel boat but small production run and rare.
Justine (Morris) 36	2/5	Gorgeous Paine design, Morris built cruiser. Rare but graceful.
Knysna 440	2/5	Sturdy but a little odd; poor engine access. Foam-core, no balsa.
Knysna 480	2/5	Sturdy but a little odd; poor engine access. Foam-core, no balsa.
Kronos 45	2/5	Wauquiez-Beneteau built. Sturdy but heavy and only 13 built.
Lagoon 38	2/5	Beneteau built, great charter boat, not as well built and don't age as well as Leopards. Research structural problems.
Lagoon 41	2/5	Beneteau built, great charter boat, not as well built and don't age as well as Leopards. Research structural problems.
Lagoon 47	2/5	Beneteau built, great charter boat, not as well built and don't age as well as Leopards. Research structural problems.
Lagoon 57	2/5	Beneteau built, great charter boat, not as well built and don't age as well as Leopards. Research structural problems.
Lagoon 67	2/5	Beneteau built, great charter boat, not as well built and don't age as well as Leopards. Research structural problems.
Little Harbor 42-90	2/5	Hood designed heavy displacement, semi-custom, very high maintenance means these are expensive to own. Strange pinched Ted Hood sterns.
LM 30	2/5	Some have inside steering. Well-built and impressive pocket cruisers.
LM 315	2/5	Some have inside steering. Well-built and impressive pocket cruisers.
LM 32	2/5	Some have inside steering. Well-built and impressive pocket cruisers.
LM 380	2/5	Some have inside steering. Well-built and impressive pocket cruisers.
Nauti-Cat 351	2/5	Only consider later S&S designed models, much better performers than earlier tubby models. Newer boats very high quality with inside steering.
Nauti-Cat 39	2/5	Only consider later S&S designed models, much better performers than earlier tubby models. Newer boats very high quality with inside steering.
Nauti-Cat 40	2/5	Only consider later S&S designed models, much better performers than earlier tubby models. Newer boats very high quality with inside steering.
Nauti-Cat 42	2/5	Only consider later S&S designed models, much better performers than earlier tubby models. Newer boats very high quality with inside steering.
Nauti-Cat 515	2/5	Only consider later S&S designed models, much better performers than earlier tubby models. Newer boats very high quality with inside steering.
Nauti-Cat 521	2/5	Only consider later S&S designed models, much better performers than earlier tubby models. Newer boats very high quality with inside steering.
Niagara 31	2/5	Well-built and roomy. Good value, but watch for soggy deck cores.
Niagara 35	2/5	Well-built and roomy. Good value, but watch for soggy deck cores.
Niagara 42	2/5	Well-built and roomy. Good value, but watch for soggy deck cores.
Nordborg 30-40	2/5	High quality but classic, narrow Elvstrom and S&S designs.
Nordic 34	2/5	Attractive boats, some solvable problems with mast step deflection and leaky hull to deck joint on the 40 and 44.
Nordic 37	2/5	Attractive boats, some solvable problems with mast step deflection and leaky hull to deck joint on the 40 and 44.
Nordic 40	2/5	Attractive boats, some solvable problems with mast step deflection and leaky hull to deck joint on the 40 and 44.
Nordic 44	2/5	Attractive boats, some solvable problems with mast step deflection and leaky hull to deck joint on the 40 and 44.
Nordic 45	2/5	Attractive boats, some solvable problems with mast step deflection and leaky hull to deck joint on the 40 and 44.
Norseman 400	2/5	Have held their value well but require a lot of maintenance. Rusty fuel tanks present an expensive repair issue. Attractive and good sailing characteristics.
Norseman 447	2/5	Have held their value well but require a lot of maintenance. Rusty fuel tanks present an expensive repair issue. Attractive and good sailing characteristics.
Ocean 60	2/5	Powerful boats, many have had blister problems and totally ancient now.
Ocean 71	2/5	Powerful boats, many have had blister problems and totally ancient now.
Ocean Cruising (Hinkley) 42	2/5	Only a few built by Hank Hinkley. Classy, top quality.
Pearson 365	2/5	Moderate construction quality, but good value. The 385 has amazing use of space and 424 cutter is tough to beat for value. Plain-Jane boats.
Pearson 385	2/5	Moderate construction quality, but good value. The 385 has amazing use of space and 424 cutter is tough to beat for value. Plain-Jane boats.
Pearson 422	2/5	Moderate construction quality, but good value. The 385 has amazing use of space and 424 cutter is tough to beat for value. Plain-Jane boats.
Pearson 424	2/5	Moderate construction quality, but good value. The 385 has amazing use of space and 424 cutter is tough to beat for value. Plain-Jane boats.
Pearson 520	2/5	Moderate construction quality, but good value. The 385 has amazing use of space and 424 cutter is tough to beat for value. Plain-Jane boats.
Saturna 33	2/5	Attractive and roomy Bill Garden-designed pilothouse cutter.
Seguin (Lyman-Morse) 44	2/5	Semi-custom, Maine-built, powerful and attractive boats. Builder does refits.
Seguin (Lyman-Morse) 51	2/5	Semi-custom, Maine-built, powerful and attractive boats. Builder does refits.
Shannon 32	2/5	Good reliable, solid, traditional and slow boats. Some deck issues.
Shannon 36	2/5	Good reliable, solid, traditional and slow boats. Some deck issues.
Shannon 39	2/5	Good reliable, solid, traditional and slow boats. Some deck issues.
Shannon 43	2/5	Good reliable, solid, traditional and slow boats. Some deck issues.
Shannon 47	2/5	Good reliable, solid, traditional and slow boats. Some deck issues.
Shannon 53	2/5	Good reliable, solid, traditional and slow boats. Some deck issues.
Shearwater 39	2/5	Sturdy, traditional appearance, fairly good performance.
Shearwater 45	2/5	Sturdy, traditional appearance, fairly good performance.
Skye 51	2/5	Similar looking to Swans. Soggy deck problems common.
St. Francis 50	2/5	Below average quality and sailing performance, low bridge deck clearance.
Stellar 52	2/5	Quality S&S design, well built, good detail work. Very limited production.
Sweden Yachts all models	2/5	Racer-cruisers, short on tankage and storage and having rudder loss issues.
Tashiba 40	2/5	High maintenance Perry designs built by Ta Shing.
Vancouver 28	2/5	High quality semi-traditional yachts built by Northshore Marine.
Vancouver 34	2/5	High quality semi-traditional yachts built by Northshore Marine.
Vancouver 36	2/5	High quality semi-traditional yachts built by Northshore Marine.
Vancouver 38	2/5	High quality semi-traditional yachts built by Northshore Marine.
Victoria (Morris) 30	2/5	Chuck Paine design, Morris built in Maine. High quality.
Victoria (Morris) 34	2/5	Chuck Paine design, Morris built in Maine. High quality.
Voyage 380	2/5	Lightweight, luxury-focused, low freeboard and bridge deck clearance.
Voyage 440	2/5	Lightweight, luxury-focused, low freeboard and bridge deck clearance.
Voyage 500	2/5	Lightweight, luxury-focused, low freeboard and bridge deck clearance.
Voyage 580	2/5	Lightweight, luxury-focused, low freeboard and bridge deck clearance.
Westerly 26-43	2/5	Not flashy, but moderately well-built boats. Similar to Moody or Catalina.
Westsail 39	2/5	Sturdy boats, traditional design. Watch for leaky aluminum tanks.
Westsail 43	2/5	Sturdy boats, traditional design. Watch for leaky aluminum tanks.
Whitby 44	2/5	Brewer designs, roomy and fairly well built but slow and old.
Yamaha 33	2/5	Solid, no-nonsense sturdy, low maintenance.
Yamaha 35CS	2/5	Solid, no-nonsense sturdy, low maintenance.
Yamaha 37	2/5	Solid, no-nonsense sturdy, low maintenance.
Yankee 30	2/5	S&S designed. Inexpensive and very capable. Great value.
Yankee 38	2/5	S&S designed. Inexpensive and very capable. Great value.
Allied 30	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.
Allied 33	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.
Allied 35	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.
Allied 39	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.
Allied 42	1/5	Functional, practical but truly ancient and likely not cost effective to refit.
Cape Dory all models	1/5	Classic design, quality, but narrow and small interiors with short waterlines.
CSY 37	1/5	Sturdy, roomy and reasonably priced but very old now.
CSY 44	1/5	Sturdy, roomy and reasonably priced but very old now.
Endurance 35	1/5	Peter Ibold design, some owner completed. Built by various yards.
Endurance 38	1/5	Peter Ibold design, some owner completed. Built by various yards.
Endurance 40	1/5	Peter Ibold design, some owner completed. Built by various yards.
Gladiateur 33	1/5	Sturdy, small interior and cockpit, short on tankage, Wauquiez-built.
Kanter 42	1/5	Semi-custom steel and aluminum boats. Later aluminum models much better than early steel ones. Chuck Paine and Ted Brewer designs. Some have serious corrosion issues.
Kanter 45	1/5	Semi-custom steel and aluminum boats. Later aluminum models much better than early steel ones. Chuck Paine and Ted Brewer designs. Some have serious corrosion issues.
Kanter 60	1/5	Semi-custom steel and aluminum boats. Later aluminum models much better than early steel ones. Chuck Paine and Ted Brewer designs. Some have serious corrosion issues.
Kanter 65	1/5	Semi-custom steel and aluminum boats. Later aluminum models much better than early steel ones. Chuck Paine and Ted Brewer designs. Some have serious corrosion issues.
Mason 33	1/5	Traditional designs, short waterlines, deck leaks and high maintenance.
Mason 43	1/5	Traditional designs, short waterlines, deck leaks and high maintenance.
Mason 44	1/5	Traditional designs, short waterlines, deck leaks and high maintenance.
Mason 53	1/5	Traditional designs, short waterlines, deck leaks and high maintenance.
Mason 54	1/5	Traditional designs, short waterlines, deck leaks and high maintenance.
Mason 63	1/5	Traditional designs, short waterlines, deck leaks and high maintenance.
Prout 37	1/5	Reasonably priced, well proven, long production run, but many are truly ancient.
Prout 38	1/5	Reasonably priced, well proven, long production run, but many are truly ancient.
Prout 45	1/5	Reasonably priced, well proven, long production run, but many are truly ancient.
Prout 50	1/5	Reasonably priced, well proven, long production run, but many are truly ancient.
Seawind 33	1/5	Marginal quality, originally built in Australia, now in Vietnam and Turkey. Frequently delivered long after agreed upon launch date.
Seawind 39	1/5	Marginal quality, originally built in Australia, now in Vietnam and Turkey. Frequently delivered long after agreed upon launch date.
Seawind 41	1/5	Marginal quality, originally built in Australia, now in Vietnam and Turkey. Frequently delivered long after agreed upon launch date.
Seawind 52	1/5	Marginal quality, originally built in Australia, now in Vietnam and Turkey. Frequently delivered long after agreed upon launch date.
Spencer 42	1/5	Ancient, solid boats, built in Vancouver, B.C. Very dated now.
Spencer 44	1/5	Ancient, solid boats, built in Vancouver, B.C. Very dated now.
Spencer 54	1/5	Ancient, solid boats, built in Vancouver, B.C. Very dated now.
Twister 28	1/5	Long production run. Sturdy but narrow, built by Tyler Yachts.
Beneteau 40CC		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 42CC		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 44CC		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 423		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 461		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 473		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 47.7		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 50		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.
Beneteau 523		423, 473 and CC series are solid values, as long as one doesn't run aground. Don't tend to have the steering systems problems Jeanneau has.

Sources

[1]Live sourceBoats to Consider for Ocean Cruising, v4.26 (mahina.com PDF)John Neal's own working document, updated April 2026. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
[2]AuthorJohn Neal, Mahina Offshore Services410,000+ offshore miles over 52 years. Runs Offshore Cruising Seminars and flat-fee Boat Purchase Consultations independent of any boat sale.
[3]Raw datadata/mahina-boats-to-consider.jsonParsed JSON saved in this repository: every builder/model group, Neal's 1-5 rating, and his note, plus the resolved match against the PassageBoats catalog.