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09.06.2021 13:51:15
Valiants are tough as nails, double-ended, cutter-rigged sloops. [links]
See full version: 5 Top Affordable Bluewater Cruising Sailboats
Valiants are tough as nails, double-ended, cutter-rigged sloops. [links]
With plenty of cockpit space and a spacious cabin, the Caliber 40 LRC works well for entertaining as well as cruising.
The interior is outstanding with two cabins and two heads. The master is aft with a walk-around island bed and a head with a separate stall shower. The forward cabin has a head in the bow and a Pullman berth in the guest cabin. The galley is down the starboard walkway and the saloon is open and inviting A nifty feature is the way the companionway steps swing out to reveal access to the engine.
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I’m also stretching the price tag a bit with the Valiant 42, but an early 2000s model may be had for under $300,000 and older ones will be slightly less. The design concept grew out of the hugely popular, Bob Perry-designed Valiant 40 that was in production from 1973 to 1992, when 200 hulls were built. [links]
The T-shaped cockpit is roomy and excellent for entertaining, but also deep and safe at sea with three large cockpit drains and high back rests. The single spreader, keel-stepped rig is easily managed by a couple or by a singlehander. The inner forestay can be brought aft and secured at the deck near the mast; or it can accommodate a roller furling staysail that, along with the running backstays, will be very useful in a big blow. Water tankage is good (156 gallons) but fuel is a measly 46 gallons, which may need to be modified for extended cruising. New Caliber 40 LRC models go for around $350,000, and those 10 or so years old range through the low $200,000’s.
When I was asked to highlight five top affordable bluewater cruising sailboats, about 30 models popped into my head. How do you pick just five?
Before, only 20 were ketch sailboats due to the popularity of the cutter design at that time. Now, ketch has proven to be faster and more balanced between the two. [links]
This classic design from 1962 is ideal to cross oceans and is used for various circumnavigations. Alberg is a stable and seaworthy boat that could even be used in casual racing. Its best point of sail seems to be a beam reach and close reach. here
Life jackets are a must in every sailboat. Just be sure it fits you and that you know how to use it. Also, be sure to buy a coast guard approved product with a harness that could support your weight. more
This is most ideal when cruising and the most comfortable out of the four keel types with its minimal heel. Although the slowest on the list, it has great directional stability and steering capability.
Island Packet builds distinctive, full-keel boats that have almost a cult following. They’re solid glass, heavy cruisers that won’t set any speed records but will get you there in safety and comfort. Designed by Bob Johnson, it is not offered as a new build anymore. [links]
This Bill Tripp-designed sailboat, produced in Maine by one of America’s greatest Builders, might just define elegance afloat. Production began in 1959 and continued into the 1990s with a few changes. here
This cruiser was designed by David Sadler, built by J.J. Taylor & Sons of Toronto, Canada and a few other builders, and made forever famous by then 18-year-old Tania Aebi, who completed her solo circumnavigation aboard Varuna at the age of 21. more
Designed by Bill Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine, the Cal 40 was nothing less than revolutionary, and displaced a mere 15,000 pounds, unheard of when first launched in 1964.
On-deck, the 3700 features details that deliver excellent aesthetics, comfort and security. Wide side decks provide safe and secure fore and aft movement, while abundant ventilation offerings include all-opening stainless steel house side portlights, cockpit portlights, stainless steel deck hatches and 2 stainless steel dorade ventilators with stainless guards. [links]
The Island Packet 420 specifications reveal almost everything you could want from a blue water cruiser. Well, perhaps not speed. This is a fully glass-based heavy cruiser, but it delivers and then some in the comfort and safety department, which is of particular importance for those interested in extended cruising. here
There are arguably at least three dozen different vessels that define the current state of blue water sailing. To choose just five from that list and to order that exclusive list so that but one choice stands alone as the best blue water sailboat is a massive and difficult task. There’ll undoubtedly be passionate sailors who disagree with these choices, but we doubt anyone will disagree that these five vessels deserve to be in the conversation. After all, they’re all incredibly popular boats that are relatively new but have stood the test of time and are purchases that the average sailor can aspire to.
If you’re not familiar with the Valiant 42, then its traditional design may seem a little plodding at first glance. However, looks can be deceiving, and what made this design so innovative was its nimbleness. In fact, these performance characteristics set the basis for what we consider a performance cruiser to be today. Some many find the design a bit anachronistic, but for others, this just adds to the appeal. The only knock against this boat is the relatively small fuel and water tankage, which can be upgraded.
This boat is sleek, fast and low to the sea. There’s no exterior embellishments, which adds to its sleekness, and a multi step transom eases boarding. The underbody is state-of-the-art, the sloop is cutter-styled and the cockpit is at the center. Few vessels in this class have dual cabins and dual heads, but this one does along with island beds that you can walk around and distinct shower stalls. The galley is accessed from the starboard walk, the saloon is wide open and steps swing out to reveal the engine. more
The Island Packet 420 was first introduced in 1999, and modern models feature nearly two decades of innovations and refinements. The traditional bowsprit and cutter makes them easy to recognize at port and is perhaps a reason these vessels are still so charming. It’s worth mention that while the 420 isn’t technically available any longer both the 460 and 465 carry on the lineage if not the model number. These sturdy boats feature an aft cockpit, above-average fuel and water storage, a 2+2 layout and an optional shoal keel when the destination calls for it. more