Top 40 Feet: Best Blue Water Sailboat Options for Your Next Adventure

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First and foremost, always prioritize your health and well-being. This includes getting enough rest, eating well, and taking care of your mental health. Without good health, it's difficult to achieve anything else, so make sure to prioritize this above all else.

Secondly, never stop learning and growing. The world is constantly changing, and it's important to stay updated with the latest developments in your field. Whether it's through formal education, online courses, or self-study, always seek to expand your knowledge and skills.

Another important rule is to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. The company you keep can have a significant impact on your mindset and outlook. Seek out individuals who encourage and inspire you, and distance yourself from those who bring negativity into your life.

Additionally, always strive to maintain a balance in your life. This means finding a healthy equilibrium between your work, personal life, and hobbies. Avoiding burnout and maintaining a sense of fulfillment requires a harmonious blend of different aspects of your life.

Lastly, never be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Growth often comes from pushing boundaries and trying new things. Embrace challenges and be open to new experiences, as they can lead to personal and professional growth.

Characteristics of Blue Water Sailboats

When it comes to blue water sailboats, there is no specific style that defines them. These sailboats can come in various styles such as ketch or schooner. However, what sets them apart is their ability to handle long, open sea voyages, heavy seas, and harsh weather conditions. They are known for their solid build, self-sufficiency, and ability to provide safety and comfort for extended periods of time.

Types of Blue Water Sailboats

In a previous guide, we discussed how to identify blue water sailboats based on their hull type, rigging, and uses. Typically, smaller blue water sailboats under 40 feet are sloop-rigged, cutter-rigged, or yawl-rigged. Larger vessels such as catamarans and trimarans are also gaining popularity for long cruises, but these are usually over 40 feet in size. While there are some manufacturers producing sturdy and compact blue water sailboats under 40 feet, the majority of small sailboats designed for long-range cruising are usually above 50 feet.

What to consider when selecting a cruising sailboat under 40 feet?

What are the key factors to look for in a small ocean sailboat?

Construction Material:

The material of the hull is crucial, as it must be solid and able to endure harsh seas and collisions with floating objects. Steel, strong fiberglass, or carbon fiber hulls are the most popular choices. When purchasing a used sailboat under 40 feet, the priority is to ensure the hull's strength and durability.

Keel Type:

The type of keel is significant as deep V hulls with an encapsulated keel reduce the risk of capsizing or losing the keel. Skeg-hung rudders are considered the best for open ocean cruising. Manufacturers now offer catamarans and trimarans strong enough to cross oceans.

Rig:

The rig should be manageable by the number of crew on board and less crew if anyone is injured. Manageability is the most important aspect of the rig.

Cockpit Design:

Ocean-going sailboats typically have small cockpits to prevent water ingress. There are more center cockpit blue water sailboats available these days, requiring good drainage and offering easy access to the headsail, staysail, and mainsail sheets.

Self-Steering Capability:

Having the ability to set an auto-pilot is crucial for solo sailing or a small crew. It's important for times of tiredness, illness, or accidents.

Interior Features:

A compact cabin, galley, and head with plenty of handholds and safe storage are vital for spending long periods at sea. The boat should be self-sufficient and have enough space for provisions, power systems, water makers, fuel storage, and two anchors.

Ability to Heave-To:

The ability to heave-to is important for preventing capsizing during storms and allowing the crew to take shelter inside. Some sailboats are better able to perform this maneuver than others.

Safety Measures:

A satellite phone and radio are essential for emergency communication, and on-deck safety features such as granny bars, safety rails, and harnesses are crucial for staying on board in rough conditions.

Water Storage and Production:

A sailboat should have enough storage capacity for long voyages and the ability to produce fresh water for drinking and washing. Consideration should be given to water tanks and water maker options.

Navigation Systems:

While electronic navigation systems are important, having paper charts on board and knowing how to navigate using them is imperative for ocean sailing.

Advantages of Small Blue Water Sailboats

When it comes to liveaboard sailboats under 40 feet, not all of them are suitable for ocean crossings. We've already discussed the general characteristics to look for in a blue water sailboat, but let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of smaller boats compared to larger models.

Affordability

One of the most significant advantages of smaller sailboats is their affordability. Smaller boats are generally cheaper, whether you're looking at new or used blue water sailboats under 40 feet. This means that the dream of sailing across the world can become a reality sooner, without having to save for years. Additionally, smaller, simpler pocket cruisers are easier to maintain and come with more affordable price tags.

Easier to Sail

Smaller sailboats are simpler to sail due to their rig and fewer onboard systems. This simplicity makes them easier to care for as well. With a smaller crew needed, boats under 40 feet are popular among couples and solo sailors.

What are the downsides of small sailboats?

Limited Space:

It's a given that smaller boats offer limited space. Despite manufacturers' efforts to maximize the space on small sailboats, the reality is that space will always be limited. This means that the crew size and the onboard comforts will have to be kept to a minimum.

 

Slower Speed:

Generally, smaller sailboats tend to be slower. While this may not always be a problem if speed is not a priority, it's important to consider that escaping bad weather can be more challenging in a small, slower boat.

 

Less Comfortable:

Smaller boats may provide a less comfortable experience, particularly when dealing with rough seas.

 

Top Sailboats for Bluewater Cruising

Looking for a cruising sailboat under 40 feet can be overwhelming due to the wide array of options available. The used boat market is full of excellent choices known for their reliability, safety, comfort, and build quality. In this review, we'll explore some of the standout manufacturers producing the best bluewater sailboats in 2023. These manufacturers have solid reputations and are known for their excellent craftsmanship, making them a great starting point for your search.

 

1. Beneteau’s Oceanis Series

Beneteau has established a strong reputation in the ocean-going yacht market, particularly with their Oceanis series. The Oceanis 40, Oceanis 38.1, and Oceanis 34.1 offer a range of options for sailors. The Oceanis 40, with its expertly designed hull, provides a spacious deck and interior for its size. On the other hand, the Oceanis 38.1 offers a balance of comfort and speed, making it suitable for small crews. Lastly, the Oceanis 34.1 is a pocket cruiser that features cleverly designed spaces and a modern hull design, catering to sailors looking for versatility in a smaller vessel.

 

 

Photo credit: Beneteau

 

2. Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey Range

Jeanneau, known for its innovative boat designs, offers the Sun Odyssey 349 and Sun Odyssey 380 as part of its range. These models deliver high-performance sailing capabilities typically found in larger vessels. Characterized by their iconic inverted bow, spacious interiors, and precise handling, both models are popular choices for long-distance cruising enthusiasts.

 

 

Photo credit: Jeanneau 

 

3. Hallberg-Rassy’s Small Bluewater Yachts

Hallberg-Rassy, a Swedish manufacturer, offers an impressive range of small bluewater yachts, including the Hallberg-Rassy 340, 372, 40, and 40C. Leveraging their nine decades of expertise, these yachts are designed for ocean-going adventures. From the compact yet fully-equipped Hallberg-Rassy 340 to the award-winning Hallberg-Rassy 40, these yachts boast exceptional handling, spacious oak interiors, generous cockpits, and modern rigging.

 

 

Photo credit: Hallberg-Rassy

 

4. SeaWind Catamarans’ Compact Bluewater Cats

SeaWind stands out for its creation of bluewater catamarans under 40 feet. The SeaWind 1160, 1190, and 1260 are compact yet sturdy catamarans designed for safe and comfortable ocean crossings. With spacious interiors and robust seaworthiness, these catamarans offer more living space compared to monohulls of similar size, along with excellent sailability, making them an attractive choice for sailors.

 

 

Photo credit: SeaWind