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Hinckley's distinctive hull-to-deck joint—bedded on wet mat and capped with a bolted toerail—has proven remarkably effective at preventing the leaks that plagued many fiberglass boats of the era. Courtesy of YachtWorld.com

Hinckley Pilot 35 Used Boat Review

This Sparkman & Stephens classic, built for a dozen years in fiberglass (and built to take it), has kept its value and a fervent following.
The main saloon offers 6-ft. 6-in. headroom with teak cabinetry, solid wood handrails, and settees that seat six around a 36-in. x 42-in. dining table. The low-maintenance Everwear laminate sole replaced traditional teak and holly. Courtesy of YachtWorld.com

Hunter 38 Used Boat Review

Hunter's newest midsize offering combines performance and the company's historic attention to comfort. It's faster on paper than comparable boats, and priced to sell.
The Catalina 250 has a wide, 8.5-ft. beam and shallow underbody characteristic of water-ballasted trailerable cruisers from the mid-1990s. With ballast drained, the boat weighs 2,400 lb. dry, making it towable by large cars and SUVs when properly equipped. Courtesy of BoatTrader.com

Catalina 250 Used Boat Review

The Catalina 250 is one of a group of relatively lightweight, shallow-draft trailerable cruising boats that appeared in the mid-1990s, utilizing water ballast to provide stability. These boats notably the C-250, the Hunter 26, and the MacGregor 26 all are of very modern design, are relatively inexpensive, and feature workmanship and materials of generally serviceable but by no means superior quality. Their sailing qualities and accommodation plans make them suitable for daysailing and casual overnighting, rather than for serious cruising.
Despite her compact size, the Dana 24 offers genuine 6-ft. headroom in the saloon and sleeping space for two 6-ft. 2-in. adults in the V-berth. Hand-rubbed oiled teak surfaces, bronze ports, and the absence of a forward bulkhead creates surprising spaciousness. Courtesy of Yachtworld.com

Dana 24 Used Boat Review

Small, expensive, and proven salty enough to cross oceans, this hip-pocket cruiser is best suited to couples who want a getaway vehicle that's easy to sail and laid out correctly down below.
The Hunter 27 maximizes volume below with a just-over-six-foot headroom beneath the main hatch, teak trim, and a practical galley. Courtesy of BoatTrader.com

Hunter 27 Used Boat Review

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. 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.
Although the Hunter 34's design is over 30 years old, it still has a modern look. The wide 11.58-foot beam and tall rig that towers more than 51 feet above the waterline give her speed in light air, but also contribute to her tippy tendencies. Courtesy of YachtWorld

Hunter 34 Used Boat Review

The Hunter 34 is a fast boat, particularly in light air. This is due almost entirely to her huge rig, which towers over 51' above the waterline. Owners report that in winds of from seven to 12 knots, the boat is practically unbeatable in club racing. The typical PHRF rating of 135 for the deep keel boat is faster than most other cruiser/racers of her size.
The PY26's classic 1970s lines display designer C. Raymond Hunt's skill at balancing proportions for this popular family cruiser. The conservative rake of the stem and nearly vertical reverse transom help maximize interior space while still stylish alongside more modern cruisers. Courtesy of SailboatListings.com

PY26 Used Boat Review

This C. Raymond Hunt design from the 1970’s has standing room and ample beam, making her a roomy family coastal cruiser. Our criticisms are few, the most serious of which is the iron keel.

Seawind 1160 Used Boat Review

A big cat springs from small beginnings.
Tartan 3700. Photo courtesy of Tartan Yachts.

Tartan 3700 & 4100 Used Boat Review

Two of the best built production boats in America, the 3700 and 4100 will go darn near anywhere.

Hunter 30 Used Boat Review

Hunter Marine began building auxiliary sailboats in 1974, largely as the result of the first oil embargo and the new energy consciousness that followed. Founded by Warren Luhrs, Hunter began as a division of the powerboat-maker Silverton Yachts, which was interested in expanding its offerings and taking advantage of the new interest in saving fuel.

Affordable AND Good? Sabre 34 Mk II Review

Can you buy a good sailboat for $25,000? In this video we take a deep dive into the Sabre 34 Mk II, a proven...
How Long Do Sails Last? video from Practical Sailor

How Long Do Sails Last?

Latest Sailboat Review

Tartan 30: An Affordable Classic

The early 1970s was the heyday of the Tartan 30' racer/cruiser. In all, no less than two dozen boats of a similar size and type were introduced in just three years, many of them to become highly successful among sailors eager for the performance and amenities of big boats at a modest price. Among the most noteworthy and enduring of the 30-footers from this era has been the Tartan 30.