Three Big-Three 30s
The Beneteau 311, Catalina 310, and Hunter 326 represent what could be called 'entry-level' cruising boats from the major makers, and here's how they could be compared...
Com-Pac 35
Com-Pac Yachts is a Florida builder with a particularly interesting history. The company was formed back in 1957 by W. L. "Hutch" Hutchins, Sr., an entrepreneurial tool-and-die maker who operated a metal-stamping and fabrication shop in St. Louis.
Express 34, Hobie 33, Olson 34
Three of the ‘best from the west,’ these performance sloops have been out of production for 15 years but are still hot because they’re fast and built well enough for blue-water sailing.
Freedom 35
Production of this Dave Pedrick design started in 1993 and continues today. An optional package for traditional headsails is a departure from Freedom’s self-tending legacy.
Wauquiez Pretorien 35
This well-made French cruiser has a fairly contemporary underbody and is strong enough to venture offshore. Finding one is the problem.
Hunter 320
A good looking mid-size cruiser that beginners will find comfortable and forgiving.
Hunter 310
This innovative family boat typifies Hunter’s design philosophy with its B&R rig, radar arch, circular cockpit and good value, but owners cite numerous niggling problems.
J/32
Alan Johnstone’s first design for J Boats is a roomy performance cruiser that suffers only from a lack of organized stowage.
Freedom 32
An easy-to-sail sloop, this Freedom 32 with a fair turn of speed, beamy accommodations and surprising offshore capability.
Ericson 32
A look at both the 1969 and 1985 designs by Bruce King finds more to like about the later model boat.
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – September 2026
In September we tour the Hans Christian 48T — the offshore cruiser many sailors call the holy grail — walk the custom Antigua 60...
Video: Why Are Tartans So Expensive? Inside the Tartan 3700
If you’re researching Tartan Yachts, looking for the best traditional cruising sailboat, comparing premium used sailboats, shopping for a bluewater cruiser, or considering a...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Morgan 38/382 Used Boat Review
In 1977, the Morgan 382 was introduced, designed by Ted Brewer, Jack Corey and the Morgan Design Team. According to Brewer, the boat was loosely based on the Nelson/Marek-designed Morgan 36 IOR One Ton. The most obvious difference between the 38 and 382 was the elimination of the centerboard and the addition of a cruising fin keel (NACA 64 012 foil) with skeg-mounted rudder. They are two completely different designs from two different eras in yacht design.
