If you have recently learned how to sail, or are returning to the sport after many years, you may be faced with an overwhelming number of choices when it comes to choosing the right sized sailboat. What is the best size of sailboat to own? The answer depends on a number of factors, including whether you plan on sailing single handed, with your spouse, friend  or a full crew, where you plan to sail it, store it, etc. Let’s look at some of the options.

Trailer Sailors

Small sized sailboats which can launched from a trailer are a very good option for many people. Used trailerable sailboats can be purchased for as little as a couple thousand dollars.  There are many models, such as the classic O’Day 222, seen in the video below, which can be taken to the lake on a trailer for the weekend, or kept in a wet slip at a marina.  It usually requires a couple of people to step the mast on trailer sailor sailboats over 20′ long, but there are plenty smaller models which can be fully rigged by one person.  Whether you are planning to sail on a lake or coastal waters, there’s probably a trailerable sailboat out there that will fit your needs. An advantage of trailer sailors is that most feature a swing keel or centerboard, which can be pulled up, allowing the boat to venture into waters which may be too shallow for deep keeled sailboats.  Another advantage that makes trailer sailors the best size sailboat for many people is that you get the advantage of an easy to manage boat combined with the feature of storage space, or even a cabin to get out of the weather in, and the ability to carry up to four or more people with many models. Trailer sailor sailboats typically don’t have the heavy weight and rigging you need for offshore sailing, so if you are planning to venture into blue water, you may need to look at bigger boats.

Sailing Dinghies

There are literally hundreds of models of small sailing dinghies which can be trailered or car-topped for a day of sailing fun. For many people this is the right sized sailboat to choose for a number of reasons, not the least of which is cost. With smaller size comes the advantage of less boat to tow or carry, cheaper sails and rigging, and ease of storage.  Small sailboats such as the Sunfish and Laser models can be stored in the backyard or even in a large garage, eliminating the expense of paying for  trailer storage space. While most don’t have an auxiliary engine, they can be paddled  if you are becalmed. Rigging a sailing dinghy such as a Sunfish takes only a few minutes and you can be off enjoying a day on the water in no time. Disadvantages of smaller sailboats include the fact that you won’t have room for extra passengers, much extra gear, or a cabin to get out of the weather in.

Full Sized Sailboats

There are more types of of full sized sailboats than you can shake a stick at, but basically what they all have in common over trailer sailors and sailing dinghies is heavier rigging, more weight in the keel and being made for either coastal cruising of offshore waters. Most full sized sailboats feature some kind of galley where you can cook and store food, a couple of berths for sleeping, a head or restroom, and lots of storage for foul weather gear, tools, etc. Also, full sized sailboats designed for cruising will feature a diesel inboard engine, and ample water and fuel storage. If you plan on taking guests on extended sails, then then the best sized sailboat for you will be a full sized one. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to go huge to be safe. Many heavily rigged, full keeled sailboats under 30′ have crossed the oceans, so the key is to choose a boat that is rigged for the type of sailing you plan to do. For some, the first impulse is to choose the largest sized sailboat they can afford. This is usually not a good idea, since with every foot of length comes extra expenses, such as costlier sails, more bottom to paint, larger winches, lines, blocks, anchors, and last but not least more feet for the marina to charge you for when it comes to renting a slip.

How To Choose The Right Sized Sailboat

Probably the hands – down best way to choose the best sized sailboat for your needs is to talk to other sailors in the places where you plan to sail. Find out what works best for your lake, bay, or coastal cruising area. If for example you live in a place where the bay or lake is shallow, a deep fixed keel sailboat is most likely not the best fit for you. Rather, one with a swing keel, or even a catamaran may be a better choice. Talking to members of local yacht clubs, sailing groups and friends you meet at the marina can help greatly when choosing the best sized sailboat for your needs.