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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: May 24, 2024

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

– DON’T LET CARBON MONOXIDE SNEAK UP ON YOU – Install detectors on your boat to sniff out any buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Avoid running engines or generators while anchored or stopped for extended periods. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

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• Sailboat Reviews

The Hunter 27 is a boat built to a price--a low price--and it shows; but it may represent a good value.

The Hunter 27 is the smallest boat in the Hunter line, which runs up to 43′ in length. The Hunter 27 is a popular boat with first-time sailboat buyers, and with small-boat sailors purchasing their first auxiliary cruising boat. Since the boat was introduced in 1975, thousands have been built.

Like other boats with a reasonably long production run, the Hunter 27 has gone through minor changes since its introduction. Wheel steering is now standard. The boat utilizes a split backstay to allow a stern boarding ladder and to prevent the helmsman from hitting his head on a centerline backstay. All the ports open for ventilation, The mainsheet lead has been altered, and there have been other minor modifications, such as a switch to European-style pulpits and running lights.

Judging from the response of Hunter owners we’ve talked to, all Hunters, including the 27, are purchased for one reason: price. The Hunter 27 is just about the cheapest diesel-powered 27′ cruising boat money can buy.

In their advertising literature, Hunter stresses that efficiency in construction, standardization of components, and low overhead keep their prices low, To some extent, this is true, and it is neither new, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. The Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, known neither for cheap boats nor low quality, pioneered in component standardization and assembly-line construction.

By eliminating factory-installed options, every Hunter 27 can be built the same. No going to the stockroom for an optional item. No time-consuming reading of each boat’s specifications as it moves down the assembly line. There are trade-offs, however.

An inability to custom-tailor a boat. A lack of flexibility in deck layout. The Hunter 27 owner must customize his boat at the dealer level, or do it himself. This appeals to dealers, who often make as much on the installation of options as they do on commissions.

The Hunter 27 is a bit high-sided and sterile looking. High freeboard and a high cabin trunk are almost necessary in a 27, boat that claims over 6′ of headroom. The sterility comes from the Hunter bone white on bone white color scheme, and paucity of external teak trim. Exterior teak is to the fiberglass boatbuilding industry what chrome is to Detroit. There are no hull and deck color options.

Construction

Construction of the Hunter 27 is solid glass layup, with plywood reinforcement in high-stress areas such as winch mountings and locker tops. Gelcoat and finish quality of the hull molding are good. No roving printthrough is evident, and the hull is quite fair—more than can be said for many more expensive boats.

The hull-to-deck joint of the Hunter 27 is simple and strong. The hull molding has an internal flange molded at right angles to the hull at deck level. This flange is heavily coated with adhesive bedding, the deck molding is laid over the flange, and the joint covered with a slotted aluminum toerail which is through-bolted with stainless steel bolts at 6-inch intervals. This is an obvious and very satisfactory answer to the hull-to-deck joint problem. The flaying surfaces of the joint appear to match well, and the adhesive compound has squeezed out along the joint where it can be inspected.

Across the transom, the joint is less satisfactory. The gelcoat and putty with which the joint is faired at the stern was sloppy on every Hunter 27 we examined.

The keel of the Hunter 27 is a narrow, high aspect lead fin weighing 3,000 lbs. The shoal draft version has a much shallower lead fin weighing 3,200 lbs. The additional weight of the shoal keel is to make up for the shift in the vertical center of gravity of the boat that would occur if a shoal keel of the same weight as the deep fin were to be used.

The keel-to-hull joint has caused problems in some Hunter 27s. The narrowness of the lead keel at the point of attachment to the hull results in considerable leverage on the hull when the boat heels. Several Hunter 27 owners who returned The Practical Sailor boat owner evaluations report oilcanning of the hull, leaking keelbolts, or vertical misalignment of the hull and keel. We have observed this vertical misalignment in the Hunter 25, but we have not seen it specifically in the 27.

The chainplates of the Hunter 27 consist of stainless steel U-bolts fastened through the anodized aluminum toerail. No backing plates are used with these. The chainplates are likely to carry any load to which they will normally be subjected. However, a simple U-bolt, no matter how heavy, is a poor choice for a primary chainplate unless the arc of the U-bolt is radiused to the diameter of the clevis pin which goes through it, and unless the strain on the bolt lines up with its vertical axis, U-bolt chainplates of the correct configuration are used in some European boats, notably the Nicholson and Bowman lines. Both of these lines of boats carry Lloyd’s Bureau of Shipping classification certificates. We strongly suggest that Hunter 27 owners consider installing aluminum or stainless steel backing plates under their U-bolt chainplates, and check them periodically to be sure that the nuts are tight. With only two nuts on each shroud anchorage, this check is extremely important.

The rig is a modern, high aspect ratio masthead sloop. The mast is a deck-stepped, white Kenyon spar, supported by a wood compression column attached to the main bulkhead. We have seen no sign of compression stress in the Hunter 27 mast step.

Hunter uses gate valves on underwater skin fittings, We prefer seacocks. We also prefer some kind of shutoff valve on any skin fitting remotely near the waterline. Few builders provide them. Hunter is no exception.

Handling Under Sail

The Hunter 27 comes with a mainsail and 110% genoa. The total sail area with this configuration is 360 square feet, an average amount for a modern 7,000 lb boat. A larger genoa will be required for sailing in light-air areas.

Despite a ballast/displacement ratio of almost 43%, owners do not consider the Hunter 27 a stiff boat under sail. They also consider the boat’s performance under sail only fair to good. There are several reasons for the boat’s mediocre sailing qualities.

First of all, the boat comes factory-equipped with sails. This means cheaper sails, for they are bought in quantity by the builder. It also, almost inevitably, means sails that are not designed for specific local conditions. Average sails make for average performance.

There is no provision for headsail sheeting angle adjustment. Without a genoa track, all headsails must sheet to the slotted toerail. On a wide 27-footer with this arrangement, the headsail slot will rarely be the proper width for good windward performance.

With a small headsail, the lead will almost always be too far outboard.

There is also no traveler for the main sheet. This limits the creation of the proper angle of attack of the mainsail, and complicates draft control.

A relatively fat boat such as the Hunter 27 rapidly acquires weather helm as the boat heels. This is due in part to the asymmetry of the boat’s submerged sections. The judicious use of sail controls such as travelers, vangs, and flattening reefs greatly enhances the ability to keep the boat sailing on her feet, which will help reduce weather helm. Hunter 27 owners complain that the boat suffers from extreme weather helm.

Chainplates set at the outboard edge of the deck also compromise windward performance. This arrangement makes it almost impossible to close the slot effectively with a large headsail.

If the Hunter 27 were equipped with well-made sails, inboard chainplates, inboard and outboard headsail tracks, a good vang, and a mainsheet traveler, we suspect that there would be a substantial improvement in the boat’s windward ability. There would also be a marked difference in price. Should you desire to make these changes, the parts would probably cost upwards of $1,500. Then the problems begin. How do you attach the chainplates? Will the deck take the vertical loading that will be on the track? Can the boom handle heavy vang loads? We are not talking about turning the Hunter 27 into a hot racer. We are only talking about improving the performance of the boat to a reasonable level for cruising.

Windward performance, then, is one of the tradeoffs made for low price. Only the prospective purchaser, after considering how the boat is to be used, can decide how much that is worth. Since the shoal-draft Hunter 27 is more heavily ballasted than the deep-draft version, its stability is likely to be similar. However, the deep, high aspect ratio fin is likely to be more efficient.

Handling Under Power

With only eight horsepower to push around a 7,000 lb, high-sided boat, do not expect a Hunter 27 to be a sprightly performer under power.

In 1979, the power plant of the Hunter 27 was changed from the eight horsepower Renault diesel. The Renault diesels were relatively untried in the US marine market. The early Yanmar engines, though noisy and noted for their vibration, are also known for their reliability.

At least one owner we talked to was, to put it mildly, disappointed with the Renault installation. Although the engine runs well, the attachment of the shifting mechanism to the transmission lever has the disconcerting habit of vibrating itself loose. When docking, the results of this shortcoming could be less than amusing to both the boat owner and his insurance company.

Owners of Renault-powered Hunter 27s should definitely be aware of this potential problem.

Another owner reported leaking strut bolts and shaft wear due to improper shaft alignment, All engine installations should be realigned after the boat is launched for the first time. This should be a routine part of commissioning, but it rarely is. A given used Hunter 27 may not have had it done.

Engine access is good, behind the removable companionway ladder. There is partial soundproofing in the engine enclosure, but not enough to shield the interior from a substantial amount of noise.

Fuel capacity is 12.5 gallons, in an aluminum tank located in the starboard cockpit locker. The tank is held in place by a stainless steel strap, There is no grounding jumper between the fuel fill and the tank. This is in violation of the standards for fuel tank installation of the American Boat and Yacht Council, which sets minimum standards used in the industry.

Owners consider the boat underpowered with either the Renault or Yanmar engines. They consider the boat’s performance under power only fair to good.

Deck Layout

Because the Hunter 27’s decks are relatively free of sail control hardware, there are relatively few toe stubbers. Even the grayest cloud has a silver lining.

New Hunter 27s have international style running lights mounted on the bow and stern pulpits. These are far superior to the in-hull running lights on older Hunters, and better than those used on many more expensive boats. New boats also have a good-sized foredeck anchor well, incorporating a well-designed latch and a heavy stainless steel eye for the attachment of the bitter end of the anchor rode. The well has a large scupper which drains through the stem.

Although owners consider the cockpit of the Hunter 27 small, we find it comfortable for five, and certainly large enough for a 27′ boat. Wheel steering has definitely made the cockpit seem bigger. With five people in the cockpit, the stern of the boat begins to squat. A bigger cockpit would only encourage sailing with more people, causing the boat to squat even more.

Late models have Yacht Specialties pedestal steering. There is good provision for an emergency tiller, which is supplied with the boat.

Access to the steering gear is excellent, through the lazarette locker. Unfortunately, because the steering gear, scupper hoses, and exhaust hose go through this locker, it cannot be used for storage. To do so would be to risk damage to vital parts of the ship’s systems.

There is a large locker under the starboard cockpit seat. Unfortunately, because the fuel tank is located in this locker, nothing can really be stowed there without risking damage to the fuel system. Wet lines or sails stored in the locker would drip on the aluminum tank, inviting corrosion. Shelves installed in both these lockers would make them more useful.

To raise the cockpit sill above the level of the lowest cockpit coaming, the lower drop-board must be left in place, This complicates access below when underway, but having the companionway blocked up to deck level is essential for sailing in unsheltered waters or heavy weather.

The cockpit bulkhead slopes forward. This means that a dodger must be installed if one wishes to ventilate the cabin in rain or heavy weather.

The high cockpit coamings provide good backrests for those sitting in the cockpit. They should also help keep the cockpit dry. These coamings have moldedin sheet winch islands. The owner wishing to upgrade to winches larger than the standard Lewmar 7s will discover that the islands are too small for a much larger winch. For the owner who wishes to use a large genoa, this could be a real problem. Despite these shortcomings, the T-shaped cockpit is reasonably comfortable, and is one of the boat’s better design features.

The Hunter 27 is a roomy boat. Headroom is just over 6′ under the main hatch, and almost 5′ 10″ at the forward end of the main cabin.

The forepeak contains a double berth. Aft of that cabin is a full-width head. Newer Hunter 27s have a holding tank system. Older boats are likely to have portable heads.

The main cabin has settee berths port and starboard. These settees extend under the forward bulkhead. While this arrangement reduces seating area, it also allows more room for the galley and quarterberth. It’s a reasonable trade-off.

To port, at the aft end of the cabin, there is a quarterberth. A folding chart table is located over the forward end of the quarterberth. To starboard is the galley, with sink, two-burner alcohol stove, and icebox.

With eight opening ports, two opening hatches, and the companionway, ventilation in newer Hunter 27s is excellent at anchor in good weather. Older models have fewer opening ports. As with many boats, there is no provision for ventilation in heavy weather.

With a molded glass headliner, teak-finished bulkheads, solid teak trim, and teak cabin sole, the cabin has a finished appearance. There is good storage for a boat of this size for short-term cruising. Joinerwork is of fair stock boat quality.

Conclusions

A new Hunter 27 in the ’80s was about the least expensive boat in its class—far cheaper than many other boats of this size. The boat also comes standard with items that are optional on other boats, such as wheel steering, life jackets, anchor, and fire extinguishers.

However, it is not realistic to expect a boat that is 15% cheaper than another boat of the same size and type to be equivalent in quality. There is just so much that efficiency, standardization, and bulk buying can do toward reducing the price of a boat. Inevitably, the price of a boat is a function the time, materials, and incidental costs that go into it. There is no magic way to reduce the cost of building a boat.

The Hunter 27 graphically demonstrates how costs can be reduced. A great deal of time is saved in construction by hurrying finish work, by using staples instead of screws, by eliminating the necessity to customize each boat.

Hunter owners are the first to admit the influence that the low price of the boat had on their boat-buying decision. Many are happy with their boats, some are defensive about them, and others are really unhappy with them. For the relatively unsophisticated sailboat buyer—the new sailor, the powerboat convert—the Hunter 27 may represent a good value. As his experience grows, we expect he will be willing to pay more, in order to get more.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Thank you for this article as I, a novice am about to rehab and deal with a 1978 Hunter. As I go through this I suspect many a sentence will ring in my mind to remind me what an experienced sailor has: time to reflect on learning experiences and sharing it with others. Best Wishes and fair winds – Alex Schult

I have a 1979 Hunter 27 I have completely restored her I re manned a yanmar 20gmf new North Sailes new standing and running rigging keel bolts do not leak self tailing winches yes she is a production boat but points and sails fine for cruising. Interior completely renovated hmmn no staples! I have seen and been on some so called higher end boats quality and preformence is a matter of opinion you need deep pockets for a custom boat if you have the $$$ go for it for me I’ll stick with my Hunter 27 Aura great boat without breaking the bank!😎

Hey Theodore, I’ve owned a 82 Hunter 27’ for over 20 years. I took a job about 5 years ago that included a lot of international travel and found myself using my boat for doc candy and Christmas decorations at our home doc. So, I’m beginning a complete refrub, which includes a new Yanmar motor (ouch). I’ve got quite a bit of interior and exterior rehab with not a lot of experience. Anyway I could pull on some of your experience?

We purchased a 1979 Hunter 27 in 2020 as an upgrade from our Nordica 16. Our territory (the Baie de Chaleurs) in northern New Brunswick Canada has a reputation for unpredictable winds and weather. I installed wheel steering (an Edson outfit) which greatly improved my enjoyment. However, I still has issued with docking using the low-cockpit controls for the Yanmar diesel. Researching for solutions, I came across the website of “Electric Yacht” out of Minnesota. So, in 2021, I converted the drive to electric. It has taken me two years to sell the Yanmar. The conversion cost me around $15,000 CA including 4 hours for a machinist to align the propeller shaft and electric motor properly (the hardest part). We are more than happy with the results. Docking now is a joy. I even learned to back-in to our berth and my eyes are always on my surroundings. All the controls are on my binacle The 10 KW motor uses four 150 AmpHr lithium iron-phosphate batteries and works flawlessly. We have even crossed the bay to Quebec twice under just power alone. No gas, no fumes, no noise. He are happy saiiers 🙂

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• Sailboat Guide

Catalina 27

Catalina 27 is a 26 ′ 10 ″ / 8.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Robert Finch and Frank V. Butler and built by Cooper Enterprises Inc., Russell Marine, Essex, Catalina Yachts, and Eric Birch, Essex between 1971 and 1991.

• 3 / 169 Port Henry, NY, US 1989 Catalina 27 $16,700 USD View
• 4 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 5 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 6 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 7 / 169 Acworth, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 8 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 9 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 10 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 11 / 169 Northbridge, MA, US 1967 Catalina 27 $2,000 USD View
• 12 / 169 Dayton, MT, US 1985 Catalina 27 $12,500 USD View
• 13 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 14 / 169 Stockton Lake, MO, US 1976 Catalina 27 $9,999 USD View
• 15 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 16 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 17 / 169 Acworth, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 18 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 19 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 20 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 21 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 22 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 23 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 24 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 25 / 169 Acworth, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 26 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 27 / 169 Northbridge, MA, US 1967 Catalina 27 $2,000 USD View
• 28 / 169 Dayton, MT, US 1985 Catalina 27 $12,500 USD View
• 29 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 30 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 31 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 32 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 33 / 169 Acworth, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 34 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 35 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 36 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 37 / 169 Dayton, MT, US 1985 Catalina 27 $12,500 USD View
• 38 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 39 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 40 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 41 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 42 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 43 / 169 Northbridge, MA, US 1967 Catalina 27 $2,000 USD View
• 44 / 169 Dayton, MT, US 1985 Catalina 27 $12,500 USD View
• 45 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 46 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 47 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 48 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 49 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 50 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 51 / 169 Northbridge, MA, US 1967 Catalina 27 $2,000 USD View
• 52 / 169 Dayton, MT, US 1985 Catalina 27 $12,500 USD View
• 53 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 54 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 55 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 56 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 57 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 58 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 59 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 60 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 61 / 169 Northbridge, MA, US 1967 Catalina 27 $2,000 USD View
• 62 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 63 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 64 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 65 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 66 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 67 / 169 Northbridge, MA, US 1967 Catalina 27 $2,000 USD View
• 68 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 69 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 70 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 71 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 72 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 73 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 74 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 75 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 76 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 77 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 78 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 79 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 80 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 81 / 169 Smith Mountain Lake, VA, US 1989 Catalina 27 $10,000 USD View
• 82 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 83 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 84 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 85 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 86 / 169 Port Jefferson Harbor, NY, US 1983 Catalina 27 $11,000 USD View
• 87 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 88 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 89 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 90 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 91 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 92 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 93 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 94 / 169 Grosse Ile Township, MI, US 1983 Catalina 27 $8,500 USD View
• 95 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 96 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 97 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 98 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1985 Catalina 27 $9,950 USD View
• 99 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 100 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 101 / 169 Gainesville, GA, US 1984 Catalina 27 $14,950 USD View
• 102 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 103 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 104 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 105 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 106 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 107 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 108 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 109 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 110 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 111 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 112 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 113 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 114 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 115 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 116 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 117 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 118 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 119 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 120 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 121 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 122 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 123 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 124 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 125 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 126 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 127 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 128 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 129 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 130 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 131 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 132 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 133 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 134 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 135 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 136 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 137 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 138 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 139 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 140 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 141 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 142 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 143 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 144 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 145 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 146 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 147 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 148 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 149 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 150 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 151 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 152 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 153 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 154 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 155 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 156 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 157 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 158 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 159 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 160 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 161 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 162 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 163 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 164 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 165 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 166 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 167 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 168 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View
• 169 / 169 Key Largo, FL, US 1989 Catalina 27 $12,900 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

Launched in 1971, the Catalina 27 has been a popular favourite, enjoying the kind of commercial success that’s led to one of the longest and largest production runs of its era spanning 22 years and 6,600 boats. From the outset she was designed to be affordable (some have even said cheap) for weekend excursions, club racing and coastal cruising – offshore work was always outside of the design scope. Yet despite this there has been at least one circumnavigation demonstrating that this vessel, with the right preparation and skills, can be an ocean passage maker. We’ve included this boat here more for its popularity than its inherent seaworthiness.

The Catalina 27 was conceived in a 1970 design partnership between Robert Finch, and the founder of Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler. Butler built an incredible number of 27s at his boat factory in Southern California using modern boatbuilding processes that are not too different to methods employed today. Initial production started in 1971. She had a incredibly spacious interior and she was affordably priced at a time when cruising sailboats had captured the public imagination. These factors helped the boat find immediate success, in fact in the first three years 1,500 boats popped off the production line – that’s ten per week.

Early models were only available with outboard engines, an inboard option of an Atomic 4 engine was added in 1973, which later expanded to other engine varieties in successive years. The outboard engine option was later phased out in 1989. For shallow waters, a shoal draft winged-keel version was introduced in 1979. And popular among club racers, there was a version with a taller, more efficient, high aspect ratio rig which added 24 sq.ft. of canvas.

Production spread also to Canada and the UK. Cooper Enterprises in British Columbia, at the time one of the largest Canadian boatbuilders, produced well over a thousand boats under license for the Canadian domestic market and are a common sight around BC waterways today. While across the pond in the UK, the boat was built under license from as early as 1971 under the brand name Jaguar for UK and European markets. These were produced in Essex by Eric Birch Yachts (from 1971) and Russell Marine (from 1975) with the hulls molded by Seamaster Boats.

In 1979 a young 28 year old Patrick Childress set off in his shoal draft Catalina 27, Juggernaut , on a successful 3 year single-handed circumnavigation which included a 6400-mile, 53-day passage of the Indian Ocean.

After an unprecedented 22 years of production resulting in 6,600 boats, production finally ceased in 1991. Catalina succeeded the long lasting design with an all-new water-ballasted and trailerable weekender, the Catalina 270.

Configuration

The Catalina 27 is a fin-keeler with a raked spade rudder hanging about as far aft as possible, pushed along by a masthead sloop rig that’s tall and efficient. The hull shape is shallow and beamy which is great for initial stiffness to the wind but reduces liveable volume below the waterline. Butler made up for this by drawing deep topsides and a high cabin top all while keeping the design sleek to the eye. The result gives this 27-footer class leading interior headroom and space.

Below deck can best be described as light and spacious, this boat offers so much accommodation that many are willing to forgo her flaws. The companionway and hatch is wide which poses a water ingress hazard at sea but is responsible for her spacious feel in the cabin while at anchor. There’s technically berths for six in the standard aft-galley layout – two in the forepeak and the port side settee will really only fit kids or very short adults, while the starboard settee converts to a cozy double berth, and finally there’s a starboard seagoing quarterberth. The galley with its two burner stove is located on port below the companionway while the head is located just aft of the forepeak on starboard and is comfortably sized. Opposite the head is a locker, but note, as is typical of boats this size, locker and stowage space is in short supply.

Construction

Construction was pretty light. The hull is of solid fiberglass and much thinner than typical offshore counterparts, particularly above the waterline where small impacts that would normally lead to just a scratch may result in fractures for the Catalina 27. Early boats, as a cost cutting measure, lacked proper backing plates on deck hardware, stanchions, and rails, which lead to cracked gelcoat and in some cases fiberglass delamination. This was remedied in later boats.

The feel of the helm is very light and she sails responsively, or to quote the ever humorous John Vigor in 20 Small Sailboats to Take you Anywhere, “She handles like a dinghy, which is hardy surprising since that’s what she basically is – a dinghy with grandeur”. She is relatively stiff and holds her canvas well in a breeze. All this makes for a fast boat that’s easily controlled. The downside is seaworthiness. For best results Vigor recommends keeping her cruising weight down, as reduced weight will reduce stresses on the rig and hull at sea.

Note that the Catalina 27 is a beamy boat, and like others, there is a tendency for weather helm on greater angles of heel that will require either reefing the mainsail to maintain balance.

Buyers Notes

More than 6,600 Catalina 27s were made, so there’s plenty to choose from. If you’re on the hunt for a boat to sail protected coastal waters at a good price then she’s a good choice. For offshore work do your research and make sure you’ve modified your boat according to recommendations – probably the most important are enlarging the cockpit drains, reworking the companionway hatch area to help direct water into the cockpit, and uprated rigging including chainplates for the aft lower shrouds.

Some known weaknesses with this boat are listed below:

• As mentioned, early boats lacked backing plates on hardware, leading to cracks in the gelcoat and in some cases delamination of the GRP.
• Through-hull fittings were poorly installed and secondary bondings of attachments in some cases were poor.
• Leaky chain plates have caused bulkheads to deteriorate which in turn has increased the risk of rig failures.
• Fuel tank installations were poor on early inboard models.
• The original spreader sockets were made of cast aluminium which tended to crack when overstressed.
• Through-hull fittings in early boats were simply pipe nipples glassed into the hull and will need swapping out for proper flanged, bolt-through bronze fittings.
• While heeled, some have reported seawater back flowing into the icebox via the drain. Fit a proper seacock to the through-hull.

Links, References and Further Reading

» The Catalina 27/270 Owners Association » Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere by John Vigor, (Ch8, p45-52) an in depth look at the Catalina 27. ISBN:978-0939837328 » Used Boat Notebook, Catalina 27, review by John Kretschmer, SAILING Magazine, Nov 2002, volume 37, no. 3 » Jaguar Owners Association for European Catalinas under the brand name Jaguar » A biography of Forbes Cooper of Cooper Yachts who built the Canadian Catalina 27s » Cruising World Magazine’s article on Patrick Childress’ two circumnavigations , first in his Catalina 27 and then in his Valiant 40 two decades later.

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• Description
• Main Points

Specifications

First 27 delivers fun and modern downwind planing sailing thanks to modern design and building technologies. Families will go cruising, you'll enjoy a fun and exciting day sailing, and she will win trophies on the club races. Interior of this pocket-cruiser can welcome up to 6 persons and offers separated bow-cabin, open space saloon, galley with freshwater, fridge and separated classic marine toilet.

NAVAL ARCHITECT : Samuel Manuard INTERIOR DESIGN : Sito Concept & R&D : Seascape

WHY FIRST 27 ?

MODERN & FAST

Light vacuum-infused hull, modern design and deep low-centre-of-gravity keel allow us to make these sailboats significantly faster, which defines the boat's character – fast, stable and safe planing sailing experience. 

Very high stability, unsinkable hull due to three insubmersability chambers, crash-box, inboard engine and balanced twin rudders for complete control are all resulting in the fact that safety is one of her strongest points.

UNDER CONTROL

Carefully thought-out cockpit ergonomy, minimised and simplified deck controls, double winches and perfectly balanced steering system assure easy handling in single-handed, double-handed or fully-crewed setup.

Reliable 15 HP inboard engine coupled with simple linear shaft drive and foldable propeller guarantees high cruising speeds, ease of use and low maintenance.  

Despite the fixed keel, First 27 is still fully trailable boat offering you a new level of freedom. You can easily discover distant shores without long sea deliveries, save on marina costs and out of season, store your boat in your backyard. 

SAILING EXPERIENCE

The main promise and differentiation of First 27 are her performance and unique sailing experience. Again and again, she will surprise you by planing in as little as 12 k T of wind. A stable hull is sourcing its stability from the wide and flat on the waterline and the lead T-bulb keel. Increased bow volume, accompanied with a balanced twin-rudder steering system, keeps you in complete control, no matter if you are sailing upwind or safely planing downwind. Easy boat handling comes from carefully thought-out boat design and cockpit ergonomics, whether sailing solo, double-handed or fully crewed. Planing sensation and excitement will become your afternoon sailing routine.

LIVING ONBOARD

While being as fast as most racers, she offers a surprising level of comfort. The clean and minimalistic light-weight interior offers all main amenities for onboard living. She is designed to sleep up to 6 adults, 2 in the bow cabin and up to 4 in a very bright open-space saloon, also equipped with a removable table and fridge. In the midsection, you'll find a galley with a gas burner and a sink with fresh water. Thanks to inventive, foldable magnetic doors, the midsection can be converted into a proper marine toilet with a black water tank or used as a front cabin extension. A big and open cockpit welcomes you with comfortable benches, a removable indoor/outdoor table and a bathing ladder with a shower on the stern.

360° WALKTROUGH

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A connected boat

The mobile application, Seanapps , and its onboard unit lets you view the status of the boat's various systems (battery charge, fuel or water tank levels, maintenance scheduling) via your smartphone, as well as planning your route or reviewing your sailing status using your mobile phone.

Length Overall

Beam overall

Lightship Displacement

3902,18 lbs

Air Draught Max

Draught Max

Max. engine power

Cabin Number

Yanmar inboard

CE Certification

Limited offer on the First 36 model

Claus, owner of a First 36

“Cruising suddenly became more fun“

Big boats bring the glory, but small boats make the sailors

Beneteau services.

With teams for sea trials, financing, customization, events, an after-sales service, and a network of dealers worldwide, BENETEAU delivers the help and expertise every boat owner needs throughout his boating life maintaining an enduring customer relationship.

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Chapel by the Bay is a former wedding venue that was located on Florida’s West Coast

Known as Chapel by the Bay, it was originally designed as a floating wedding chapel and underwent a $1.3 million renovation transforming it into a livable houseboat, according to an Architectural Digest.

It’s been docked in Palmetto on Florida’s west coast. That is until recently.

Chapel by the Bay sold, moving to new location

The unusual house went on the market earlier this year for just under $700,000.

It was listed with Special Finds, which has “unique homes for sale.” The price dropped significantly before it recently sold for $250,000.

The 1,800-square-feet building no longer resembles a church on the inside. The pews are gone, replaced with two bedrooms, a modern kitchen and a spiral staircase leading to a loft area.

Remnants of the church remain with the stained-glass windows and a 30-foot steeple. The sale price included all the furnishings.

If the new owners want to move, not a problem. They can just fire up the home’s two Cummins Diesel engines and off they go.

Who bought Chapel by the Bay and where is it going?

The former floating chapel is headed to Palatka in Putnam County.

It’s journey from west to east coast went south to Fort Myers, across Lake Okeechobee, up the intracoastal to Jacksonville and then south to Palatka. The trip is expected to take about 20 days and cost roughly $20,000.

It’s expected to be parked at Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort by Labor Day. Mary Costello, a professional executive search recruiter living in New Smyrna Beach, is the boat’s new owner.

She’s renamed it The Archangel and plans to turn it into a floating bookstore where she can offer story time for children. There also are plans to host wellness renewal retreats for “mind, body and spirit.”

There is interest in people wanting to stay in the home, especially by couples who were married in it when it was a chapel. Costello said she will likely offer it as a rental home at some point.

While Costello enjoys water, she told FLORIDA TODAY she is “not a boat person at all.” She found the unique dwelling when she was helping her pastor search online for a church.

“This whole process has been a bit overwhelming, but the Lord put it on my heart to buy this boat, so I did,” Costello said. “God is on the move.”

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].

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The Lovebug is no longer under water. Work continues Saturday in an attempt to recover the LoveBug, the 103-foot yacht that capsized at the mouth of the West River on July 27.

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