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RS Sailing was born from a passion to use the latest design and technology to create inspiring boats. Evolving from our heritage in flat-out racing classes, the RS Sailing range has grown to include boats for beginners, families, clubs and schools, developed using that same desire to move the game forward.

We’re proud that RS Sailing designs have built some of the most vibrant class communities, been chosen by leading organisations globally and that from our humble beginnings we’ve become the world’s largest small-sailboat brand. We hope you will love an RS as much as we do!

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The idea behind RS was born when a small group of sailors sat on a Cornish sea-wall and discussed the opportunity to move the game forward. It was driven forward by our passion use the latest in design and technology to make higher performance more viable for most of us – to inspire more sailors.

We just hoped that if we developed boats that we’d love to sail, then people like us would love them too. And that if we built exciting events and made a load of RS sailing friends then the other RS sailors would make new friends too. We honestly didn’t foresee what would happen.

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Ovington Boats

Ovington Boats is one of the world’s most successful small boat building businesses specialising in the high-performance dinghy market. We have an enviable reputation for quality and service across a wide range of products including the manufacture of the Olympic Classes 49er, 49er FX and ILCA, the World Sailing and RYA Youth Asymmetric 29er Class along with others such as the Musto Skiff, VX One, 505, Flying Fifteen, OK and International 14.

The business distributes its boats and spares throughout Europe and the rest of the World through our comprehensive network of established dealers meaning the sailors can get exactly what they need in good time. Ovington Boats are also able to build, design and develop boats to specific requirements.

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DeLand power boat builder indicted in Ohio, sued for $270K by New York man for fraud

Terrance Weber wanted to repower his 30-foot Spectre performance boat so he reached out to a DeLand company that builds the "go-fast" water vessels. But three years later he's still in "paradise without his boat" and out more than $270,000, according to a lawsuit.

It doesn't look like he will be getting any relief anytime soon, either. In July, owners of the boat-making company, Todd Allen Lamb, 50, and his wife Karen Nicole Lamb, 42, were each indicted in Ohio on nine counts, including felony charges of grand theft.

And in a bizarre twist, Weber is also in trouble with the law. On December 24, 2022, he allegedly paid a man to steal a boat from Lamb's DeLand shop and faces charges of burglary and grand theft of more than $100,000, according to court records.

It is a complex tale that is playing itself out in courtrooms in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Volusia County, Florida, with no obvious takeaways other than to "let the buyer beware" when it comes to high-speed boats and that it doesn't pay to take the law into your own hands, even if you feel like you've been stiffed.

Who is Todd Lamb?

Todd Lamb and his family got a warm welcome when he relocated his high-performance boat company, Spectre Powerboats , to a 26,000-square-foot space at DeLand Municipal Airport from central Ohio, according to a December 2021 press release.

“We are very happy to be in Florida, closer to 85 percent of our customers,” he said in the Team Volusia Economic Development Corp. release. “And we are especially glad to have landed in the DeLand area of ​​Volusia County. The area offers an exceptional quality of life and an excellent business climate. “

The release says Lamb is a veteran of boat building and racing, starting in 1992 at the age of 18 when he built small racing boats out of crashed boat parts.

“I couldn’t afford to build new ones, so I built new boats from recycled and discarded boats. In a way I sneaked into the industry," he said.

Government officials welcomed Lamb and his wife Karen, who worked at the company, as well as their teenage daughter.

“The addition of Spectre Powerboats to our corporate roster. . . underscores DeLand’s role in hosting sports-related activities," said Nick Conte, DeLand's economic development manager at the time.

“We welcome Spectre Powerboats to our community and our growing list of marine manufacturers,” echoed Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald. “Spectre’s move to Volusia County is another indication that this is a great place to do business.”

Lamb said Team Volusia was instrumental in the site search process and made presentations to local partners who could provide services and support to Spectre. “Your advice and assistance helped us make many important decisions in a timely manner, keeping our relocation on time,” he said.

The locals may not have been so helpful if they had done a Google search on the new resident.

Prior to moving to DeLand, the Lambs were living in Bellefontaine, Ohio, a small town northeast of Dayton. According to the FBI, in October 2013, Todd Lamb pleaded guilty in the U.S. Southern District Court of Ohio to selling a Mack dump truck to more than one buyer.

Selling the same truck twice

After he delivered the truck to the first buyer, he falsely told the second buyer that the truck had been stolen from the seaport in Jacksonville. He told the second buyer, who was from Wyoming, that he would refund the purchase price but did not, FBI investigators said.

The Wyoming buyer got part of his money eight years later when Lamb pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles, and one count of wire fraud.

Investigators said Lamb and his wife, Karen, conducted consignment sales and auctions of vehicles, equipment, and other goods and merchandise under the companies Almite Services and Almite Auctions. He also stole and sold vehicles through his businesses, including a Caterpillar backhoe to the Wyoming buyer.

The Columbus News Dispatch reported in 2014 that Todd Lamb was sentenced to a year in prison.

According to the FBI, Karen Lamb pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making false statements relating to the transfer of a vehicle title and was sentenced to six months’ probation in October 2012.

In the Ohio indictment, announced last summer, the couple was charged with three counts of fourth-degree felony grand theft, third-degree felony aggravated theft, theft from an elderly person, third-degree felony grand theft, fourth-degree felony defrauding creditors, second-degree felony telecommunications fraud, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

The indictment, provided to the Daytona Beach News-Journal by the Logan County Clerk of Courts, shows the Lambs engaged in the alleged criminal activity starting in 2017.

Between Dec. 19, 2017, and June 19, 2020, the Lambs "deprived an Ohio man of property and services" and stole $143,650 along with two Mercury boat engines, the document states.

From Feb. 9, 2018, through Oct. 10, 2018, the Lambs reportedly stole $209,339 from another Ohio man.

An elderly man from the state lost $300,462 to the Lambs who never delivered property or services to him, the court document outlined.

All the funds taken from the Ohio residents were paid to the Lambs to build boats, said Eric Stewart, the Logan County prosecutor handling the Lambs' case.

"They never got their boats and they did not get their money back," Stewart said.

The Lambs also deprived Caterpillar, a heavy equipment company, of two hydraulic excavators in March and December 2020. And, the couple also defrauded Caterpillar as creditors of more than $7,500 but less than $150,000, the Ohio prosecutor said.

"He signed a lease putting little money down, and then he sells the machines and never paid the lease," Stewart said.

Stewart said Todd was released by the Ohio court but a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him until his trial next year. Karen Lamb was released on her own recognizance, the Logan County prosecutor said.

Reached at Spectre Powerboats business telephone number, and asked about the allegations, Todd Lamb said that he had no idea what a News-Journal reporter was asking him about and that the reporter had the wrong number and hung up.

But Lamb did reach out to his alleged victims after he was arrested in Volusia County on Ohio warrants and released on $10,000 bail.

Weber provided the News-Journal with a voicemail he claims Todd Lamb left him. In that voicemail, Lamb identifies himself and says he wants to make things right with Weber and the Ohio victims.

"I'm sure you guys are very upset with me, but I'd like to see if there's a way we can work all this out," he said in the voicemail recording.

Failure to deliver

In November 2021 Weber, of New York, agreed to have Todd Lamb build him a new 32-foot Spectre performance catamaran for $340,000, including a trade-in, he said.

"When he dropped in an amazing manufacturer's discount, I was sold," Weber recalled in a telephone interview of the deal he made with Lamb.

As part of the agreement, Weber traded in his used Spectre boat for $80,000 putting down a $10,000 deposit on Nov. 1, 2021. According to a lawsuit filed by Weber, he has paid Lamb, including the trade-in value, $271,787.50.

For the first four months, everything appeared normal but then Lamb stopped giving Weber updates on the boat. The New York businessman then hired another boating company in Florida to handle the boat building.

"He (Todd Lamb) started becoming adversarial and I wondered why he was giving us such an attitude for simple questions he was being asked," Weber said. "Then I Googled him and found that he had served time for scamming people, that he was under investigation for fraud, and I knew I was screwed."

When Weber continuously asked Lamb to provide status reports, he eventually asked the man for his trade-in back. Then Lamb called the police on him, Weber said,

An October 2022 DeLand police report shows Lamb reported Weber's constant contact and asked the police to tell Weber to stop calling him and his employees.

Weber said he tried reaching an agreement with Lamb to get his boat "as is" but Lamb refused. In the end, Lamb did not deliver the new boat and did not return the trade-in, Weber said.

Weber, a small businessman, said the theft has had an emotional impact on him.

"I've laughed, I've cried. I've been through every emotional gamut you could go through," Weber said. "I mean, look at the amount of money they are stealing. It's like taking a house from someone."

Weber said he created a social media page denouncing the Lambs' activities and was contacted by victims in Ohio and Georgia, who have had similar experiences with Lamb.

Weber is suing the Lambs hoping to recoup what he said he paid the couple between November 2021 and July 2022 - $271.787.50 - for the boat they did not deliver, documents detail.

Victim becomes a thief?

Weber said his frustration grew even more when he tried to report Lamb's criminal activity to the DeLand Police Department. He said he made special trips to DeLand to visit the police station to file a complaint but that if "he got more than 30 seconds at the plexi glass," the front lobby's window, it was too much.

Weber said he sent DeLand police a document drafted by his New York lawyer, Mark Seidenfeld, on Dec. 25, 2022, outlining what Lamb did but police did not act on it.

"They told me that Todd Lamb was a legitimate businessman and that my issue was a civil case," Weber said. "But the police readily arrested me over my very own boat."

According to a DeLand police arrest report, on Dec. 24, they responded to an alarm at Lamb's shop. Lamb told them a boat had been taken. He told police that he had an ongoing civil issue with Weber and that Weber had said he would be taking a boat from his business, the report said.

DeLand police spokeswoman Vicki Karr said there is no record of Weber contacting the police prior to the Dec. 24 grand theft arrest.

Police noted that a bay door had been cut open. State police in South Carolina later spotted the 32-foot boat being towed north on Interstate 95 and stopped the vehicle. They arrested Ronnie Dominguez, of Pennsylvania, who said Weber had paid him to tow the boat to New York, an arrest report states.

Weber told investigators that he had paid a sum of money for the boat and that he and Lamb had reached an agreement where he could pick it up. This was outlined in a letter to DeLand police from Weber's New York attorney dated Dec. 25, 2022.

Another lawsuit filed

Weber sued Spectre Marine LLC in April. He alleges in the last five years, the Lambs have opened different boat manufacturing companies under the Spectre name and that they started Spectre Marine, LLC., doing business as Spectre Powerboats at the Summerhill Drive location in DeLand.

"They were not conducting business at that location. It was a criminal enterprise," Weber said.

Lambs depend on ill-gotten proceeds

The lawsuit filed by Weber argues that the Lambs depend on ill-gotten proceeds as their income and have engaged in racketeering activities related to custom powerboat manufacturing.

The Lambs built the boat for Weber but kept increasing the value and then claimed Weber owed them $55,000. The Lambs then sold the boat to a third party, the suit states.

"I am hoping the court will make a judgment against Todd Lamb and his Spectre company," Weber said. "I got robbed, dude. I got straight robbed."

In a statement, DeLand officials said they had a minimal role in getting the Lambs to locate in the city.

"Like any business that relocates to our community, we expect customers to be treated fairly and ethically," they said. "If the allegations are indeed true, we hope justice is served and that those wronged are able to pursue remedies available through our court system,” the statement read.

Recktenwald did not respond to an inquiry from the News-Journal asking for comment. Three Team Volusia executives also did not respond to emails from the News-Journal seeking comment.

Weber awaits his fate in criminal court.

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Timeless design meets modern build.

Exceptional care and attention is given to every detail in our build process, allowing us to accomplish a high level of excellence in our boats. That, combined with our experience and dedicated team of craftsmen, whose skill and work ethic ensure that every component is expertly installed, you can be confident you’ll have a finished boat that is beyond comparison.

Semi-Custom Construction

At Eastern Boat Works we pride ourselves on our “semi-custom” builds. It accounts for how you plan on using your boat. We start with classic, proven hull and deck designs then we listen. There is tremendous flexibility in configuring the layout and features that best fits each owners needs.

Modular parts can be crafted to become a unique seating arrangement, a galley designed for the chef in the family, or a V-berth for the 6’7” Capt to rest comfortably. The Pacific North West your home? Lets talk heat source. On the Great Lakes? We’ll make sure your new vessel is equipped with grey water holding tanks. Based in Florida? We’ll install solar panels for your adventures in the Bahamas.

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AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE

Piloting a skillfully crafted, wooden boat offers a unique, unmatched joy that truly must be experienced. The natural buoyancy of a wood constructed hull creates a symphony of rhythm with the water that other materials simply can't replicate. This organic connection with nature makes every journey feel timeless and truly enchanting.

EXCEPTIONAL HANDMADE WOODEN BOATS

TIMELESS BEAUTY

Wooden rowboats exude a timeless appeal with their natural warmth and beauty. Crafted from carefully selected wood, these boats showcase the rich textures and grain patterns that only nature can provide. Whether it’s the sleek lines of our Maine Whitehall or the graceful curves of our Penobscot Wherry, our wooden rowboats stand out on the water with their elegant simplicity. With skilled artisans paying meticulous attention to detail our vessels are not only functional but also visually stunning. 

PERSONAL CUSTOMIZATION

Unlike mass-produced fiberglass boats, our wooden boats can be tailored to your design requests, allowing you to create a vessel that truly reflects your personality. Whether it is selecting unique wood species, choosing your desired colors, adding custom lettering, or perhaps a sail package, these personalizations not only foster a deeper connection between owner and vessel, but makes each handmade boat a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

MARITIME HERITAGE

From the graceful lines of a traditional whitehall to the rugged simplicity of working skiffs, wooden boats have played a vital role in maritime culture. Owning a wooden rowboat is not just about having a means of transportation; it's about preserving a piece of maritime history and connecting with the generations of sailors and craftsmen who came before. Whether it's exploring tranquil lakes, casting lines in coastal waters, or simply enjoying a leisurely row, the experience of piloting a wooden rowboat is imbued with a sense of timelessness.

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LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH

On occasion we will send you pictures of pretty boats to look at.

"It's not just a boat but a work of art, and as much as I love rowing it, I also love seeing it rocking in the water when I look out our window... we continue to enjoy it enormously."

12' Whitehall Owner

"It’s a delightful boat to row. Having a special boat makes it special.  I’ve had people run down to their dock and say; that’s a beautiful boat! I’ll never be an artist but I’m rowing a piece of art."

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"The boat exceeded all our expectations... people of all ages stop to admire and comment on the excellent workmanship, quality and finish... one of the nicest small wooden boats we have ever seen and owned."  

Chaisson Dory Owner

"The boat is just incredibly beautiful and we feel so lucky to have it... we’re really appreciative"  

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"It may possibly be the best investment I ever made, at least the most soul satisfying one."  

JONATHAN W.

Cottrell Catspaw Owner

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

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‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

• Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
• Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
• Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
• The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

Happy sailing!

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“I start from the premise that no object created by man is as satisfying to his body and soul as a proper sailing yacht.”

– arthur beiser 1978, the proper yacht, “a boat is like a magic world, like a little island.”, – renzo piano, “i cannot not sail.”, – e. b. white, “boats, like whiskey, are all good.”, – r. d. culler, “the perfection of a yacht’s beauty is that nothing, should be there for only beauty’s sake.”, – john macgregor, “ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made.”, – robert n. rose, “at sea, i learned how little a person needs, not  how much.”, -robin lee graham, “it’s out there at sea that you are really yourself.”, -vito dumas, “now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find.”, -walt whitman, “being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.”, -james taylor, “there’s nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as messing about in boats.”, -kenneth grahame, “the goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help, the boat sail herself.”, – john rousmaniere, “the gods do not deduct from a man’s allotted span, those days spent sailing.”, -ancient proverb, “there is little man has made that approaches anything in nature, but a sailing ship does. there is not much man has made that calls to all the best in him, but a sailing ship does.”.

-Allan Villiers

…in the news:  SOUNDINGS Magazine

  “As a truly custom shop, there’s no limit to what we can do.” – Alec Brainerd read more

…news from the yard:  

Our Latest Projects and Summer Invites

WoodenBoat Show, Camden Classics Cup, Boats for Sale and More!

…current projects: 39′ Luxury Daysailer

Our latest project is a new 39′ luxury daysailer designed by Stephens Waring Yacht Design of Belfast, Maine. see more

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Artisan Boatworks’ team of master wooden boat builders have partnered with visionary owners to build more licensed replicas of Herreshoff designs than any other builder since HMCo closed its doors in 1944.

Over the past two decades our craftsmen have earned a reputation for the world’s finest custom replicas of classic daysailers, runabouts, launches, Downeast picnic boats, and rowing craft. For the true connoisseur of natural materials we employ traditional plank-on-frame construction, and for cutting-edge performance we excel in the application of cold-molded epoxy, sheathed strip, and carbon-fiber composites – all while maintaining the timeless beauty that embodies the spirit and intention of yachting’s greatest designers.

RESTORATION

No wooden boat with significant history and pedigree is beyond repair. Our team of restoration specialists has developed a renowned understanding of the research, appraisal, and approach necessary to return important heirlooms to as new or better condition, which is why the most discerning owners throughout the world continue to bring their projects to Artisan Boatworks.

Our particularly holistic approach to restoration is built on several decades of experience lofting and re-establishing hull shape and sheer, identifying and correcting short-sighted fixes and engineering deficiencies; and preserving original design details, materials, and techniques.

STORAGE/SERVICE

Our clients are extremely proud of their wooden boats, and recognize that specialized off-season storage and expert finishing are critical to their health, appearance, and performance.  The service department at Artisan Boatworks cares for over sixty of these distinguished wooden boats, rivaling the capacity of any such yard in the Northeast. Our greatest source of pride, however, is our reputation for the extraordinary level of individualized customer service, world class standard of finish, and custom tailored maintenance services we bestow upon each and every boat and owner.

From New York to Northeast Harbor – experienced wooden boat owners choose Artisan Boatworks’ full service “mooring to mooring” storage and maintenance program for our proven efficiency, accountability, and because we love the boats in our care like family.

Call Us: (253) 851-2126 Mon-Fri 9-5 Pacific Time

Classic Rowboats

Lightweight. Durable. Beautiful . Traditional rowboat designs made from modern materials.

Traditional Designs that Stand the Test of Time

Gig Harbor Boat Works is the builder of a unique line of premium small boats for rowing and sailing. Our rowboats are modern fiberglass versions of traditional wooden working boats, which were used by people who earned their living using only wind and oar.

Our Best Rowboats

Every boat in our model line has both rowing and sailing capabilities. However, some of them are sailboats that can be rowed , and others are rowboats that can be sailed . We’ve highlighted the ones that make the best rowboats here. We love talking with you about how you envision using your boat, so contact us if you’d like help selecting the best boat for you!

14' Whitehall

The ideal boat for solo rowing exercise. Includes a single sliding rowing seat. Tracks exceptionally well for efficient rowing that makes the most of each pull on the oars. Great for transporting cargo or up to 3 people at a time.

Rowboat starting at

16' Melonseed

Enclosed flotation, available tandem sliding seat, and optional dry storage makes this boat great for couples who want to take rowing outings together. (Expedition Rowboat version pictured.)

12' Point Defiance

An incredibly versatile dinghy equally well-suited to rowing or sailing, beamy enough for comfort while fishing and crabbing. No sliding seat, but can be rowed solo or tandem on fixed seats. With a 4-person capacity, it’s popular for families with kids or as a tender for larger yachts.

17' Salish Voyager

The sailing rowboat made for adventure. Built-in flotation, self-bailing cockpit, and ample dry storage options so you can outfit yourself for longer human-powered expeditions. A single sliding seat is standard; tandem upgrade available.

10' Navigator

An ideal rowing dinghy to use as a yacht tender for up to 3 people at a time. A convenient size for suspending from davits or sidemounting on your yacht’s transom. Weighs only 90 lbs! 

8' Nisqually

The best-performing 8′ rowboat you’ll find anywhere, hands down. Can transport up to 3 people and weighs only 75 lbs. If you’re short on space and are limited to an 8′ tender, this is the one you’ve been looking for.

World-Renowned Sliding Rowing Seats

Rowboat Features:

Made from lightweight, durable, and repairable fiberglass, built-in flotation that meets or exceeds uscg standards, tailor your boat to your lifestyle with custom options, sailing and motoring capabilities (rated for 2hp outboard), our unique bench-style sliding rowing seats use the same mechanism we've installed in record-setting ocean rowboats, custom options.

We custom build each boat to order, so you can take home exactly the rowboat you want. Decide what model suits you best, then customize it to fit your unique needs. (We’re here to help when you need us.)

A few popular options:

Gelcoat Color

Our standard rowboat comes in classic white — but we can add gelcoat color to personalize your boat or coordinate it with your mother ship. See color options >>

Get the timeless look of a traditional wood boat by upgrading your boat’s vinyl rubrail to a laminated wood sheer. (Shown here on our 14′ Whitehall.) See examples of our custom woodwork >>

Top Quality Oars

Our wood oars are selected for their quality and excellent performance; straight blade and spoon blade oars are available. We also offer an exclusive line of 2-piece carbon oars with performance spoon blades, and a one-of-a-kind forward facing rowing system. 

The Buzz About Us

A Year in the Wild

“The Voyager was small enough and light enough to get into smaller bays or inlets, but would also give us more storage than our kayaks ever could.”

– Nancy Pfeiffer, an adventurer who spent a year exploring the wilds of Alaska in our Salish Voyager with her husband, Fredrik

See cover story in Northwest Yachting, Feb 2023

Impressive Handling

“I was impressed that the boat’s 125 lbs was so easy to handle. Two adults should be able to lift and walk with the boat if that’s required. . . .  a boat that can be launched from and reloaded on a trailer singlehandedly.”

– Small Boats Magazine, April 2023

Smooth Rowing

“The Salish Voyager enable[s] the rower to keep speed up with slow, steady strokes. The Voyager’s better rowing ergonomics and smooth sliding seats also improve performance, and with two sliding seat stations, horsepower can of course be doubled.”

– Small Craft Advisor Magazine, Jan/Feb 2021

Speedy Solo Rowing

“I maintained a GPS-measured 4 knots at a relaxed pace, 4.7 knots at an aerobic-exercise effort, and hit 5 knots in a short sprint.”

– Small Boats Magazine, Apr 2023

Rugged Reputation

Our rowboats are made for more than just good looks… they’re built for folks who really want to get out there and enjoy everything that life on the water has to offer. For instance, our rugged designs, durable fiberglass construction, and low maintenance finishes are ideal for people who enjoy fishing, crabbing, beach camping, and distance rowing.

Our standard rowboats come with a durable vinyl trim as shown here — but wood trim upgrades are available for those who prefer some showstopping brightwork.

Made in the USA: Gig Harbor, WA

Our Heritage

Gig Harbor Boat Works is a local homegrown company founded in 1986. We are small craft specialists, using our experience as boaters and craftsmen to create boats that combine traditional design with modern materials and conveniences.

Almost 40 years later, our boats are still proudly built here in Gig Harbor, WA and we are recognized for excellence in the small craft community worldwide.

Our History >>

Mailbag: Family Diving from a 14′ Whitehall

Jan 19, 2024

The family that dives together, thrives together.

What’s the difference between the Jersey Skiff and the Melonseed?

Jan 21, 2019

One of the most common questions we get is, “What’s the difference between the Jersey Skiff and the Melonseed?” In this new video, our founder Dave Robertson tells us about the shared heritage that these boats have as working vessels on the Eastern seaboard.

Dare to Start Dreaming

We're always happy to chat with you about what you're envisioning. No haggling, no high-pressure sales pitch.

Let us make your dream a reality - call today! 410-479-9720

Beautiful bay-built boats.

Don’t settle for a mass-produced boat!  Mathews Brothers will build a custom-built boat just for you.  Choose the amenities you want, so you’ll be sure to have a boat that you will love and keep for years to come.

We are a family-owned-and-operated business in Denton, MD that has been building boats since 1995.  We also provide IndoorBoatStorage, OutdoorStorage, repairs and maintenance for any boat out there.

Contact us today to begin your journey with us!

When building our custom boats, quality and craftsmanship are our top priority. We utilize traditional methods with modern materials to build the boat of your dreams. While building a vessel, we invite our customers to be involved in every step of the process. Working closely together, we will succeed in building a boat that exceeds your expectations.

We highly encourage our customers to visit our shop frequently throughout the building process so that you can get to know your boat better. This also allows us to make changes as needed to match your vessel more accurately to your style. It’s an exciting experience for new buyers. You can truly take part in making a Mathews Brothers boat that you can proudly call your own!

Putting Customers First

We don’t just build boats—we foster long-term relationships with our customers. Our team builds, maintains, restores, transports, and brokers boats with the utmost care and attention to detail. This is why our clients keep coming back. No matter what product or service you need, we assure you that you will be satisfied with our work. Build a boat with us, and discover why many of our customers have been with us for decades.

Get in touch with us today for details!

Testimonials and Blogs

"The experience of building Liberty was one of the most fun and educational things we have ever done.” –Tim Peters, Centreville, MD

To read about a trip in one of our favorite boats on the hudson click here!

engineered for stability

masterminded for total performance

Built to order

Shipped direct, hand-crafted.

America's Ultimate

Welded aluminum boat.

Our boats are high quality, engineered for stability, and masterminded for total performance. We are dedicated to designing, fabricating, and customizing to meet your needs. New or preexisting; modification can be done to meet the demands and exceed the expectations of the customer. Our company is located off the shores of the Mississippi, in a small town in Illinois. Our boats are meant for all types of water around the world. As your life changes, so does your needs. No matter what stage of your boating journey you are on, Oquawka Boats can help! Consider us the navigator to your boating journey.

UNIQUE. DURABLE. SAFE.

At Oquawka Boats , we custom make each and every boat to the user's exact needs. We create a wide variety of boats that range from recreational or play boats to survey or working boats. We have listed the different styles we have done but will create your boat to what you want. We are not a cookie cutter company, and we pride our boats on being unique, durable, and safe.

MULTI-PURPOSE BOATS

Do you need a large or small craft that is built to last? We can fabricate a boat to fit your specific needs. Do you need a landing craft, barge or an electrofishing boat? We can build it for you.

Can you picture yourself at the helm of a custom made dive boat? Need diver friendly elements built into your existing boat? We custom make each of our boats, we can incorporate diver friendly access points and storage solutions into our boats or modify an existing boat to your needs.

RECREATION BOATS

A recreational boat is the ultimate weekender that can tackle any lake. We can even match the boat to your truck, not just color; even in small details like making sure your boat and truck fuels from the same side.

We can hand-craft boats to tackle the largest and heaviest jobs. Our large boats are built for a myriad of tasks, from hauling a Cat D-9 bulldozer safely from island to island in Wisconsin to hauling 5,000lb anchors for portable campsites in California. No job is too big or small for our boats.

Our Clients

Rave reviews.

The boat is beautiful! Everyone agrees that it’s a well built boat and it will meet our needs long into the future. Your quality and customer service is so far above and beyond any other vendors I have dealt with. I appreciate your honesty and your quality work. I would recommend your boats to anyone! We have already had interest in the smaller boat you built us from the Coast Guard and the local Fire Company. They both liked the small boat. Wait until they see the landing craft! Thanks again for another great boat! We are the envy of the Division!

Let Us Help You Create the

Ultimate boat.

Oquawka Boats are built-to-order and sold/shipped directly from our manufacturing facility in Oquawka, IL. Let our experienced team walk you through our complete line of custom aluminum boats.

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Our made-to-order models are hand-crafted, fully assembled, and ready to display. 

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