Own a sailboat without the marina fees. These 10 trailerable sailboats let you tow your boat to different sailing locations, eliminate permanent moorings, and explore new waters every season. We've pulled real market data and complete tow specifications to help you find the right trailer-capable boat.
Every boat on this list meets three criteria: it must be genuinely trailerable with a tow vehicle you can realistically own, it must be a reasonably popular production model with available parts and community knowledge, and the design must be fundamentally sound for its intended purpose. We included dedicated trailerable designs like the West Wight Potter 19 and Com-Pac 16 alongside established classics like the Catalina 22 that can be trailered but weren't exclusively designed for it.
Price data comes from the Keel Index market database, updated monthly from active listings. Tow weight calculations include the boat, a typical dual-axle or single-axle trailer, and basic gear. Specifications are sourced from manufacturer records and the Keel Index database. We've focused on draft in both keel-down and keel-up configurations, which is critical for trailerable boats — many of these designs have swing keels, centerboards, or water ballast systems that dramatically reduce draft for launching.
| Boat | LOA | Tow Weight | Draft (down/up) | Tow Vehicle | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 22 | 21.5 ft | ~3,600 lb | 5.0 / 1.7 ft | Mid-size SUV | $4,900 |
| Com-Pac 23 | 23.1 ft | ~4,500 lb | 5.0 / 2.5 ft | Full-size truck | — |
| MacGregor 26 | 25.9 ft | ~3,850 lb | 1.5 / 4.5 ft | Full-size truck | — |
| Precision 18 | 18.3 ft | ~1,800 lb | 3.5 / 2.0 ft | Mid-size SUV | $4,000 |
| Catalina 25 | 25.0 ft | ~6,500 lb | 4.0 / 2.5 ft | Heavy-duty truck | $5,000 |
| West Wight Potter 19 | 19.2 ft | ~2,000 lb | 3.5 / 2.0 ft | Mid-size SUV | — |
| Hunter 23 | 23.0 ft | ~4,200 lb | 4.0 / 2.5 ft | Full-size truck | $4,000 |
| O'Day 22 | 22.5 ft | ~3,400 lb | 4.0 / 2.5 ft | Full-size truck | $1,500 |
| Montgomery 17 | 17.0 ft | ~2,100 lb | 3.2 / 1.8 ft | Mid-size SUV | $5,700 |
| Com-Pac 16 | 16.0 ft | ~1,750 lb | 3.8 / 2.2 ft | Compact car | — |
Tow weight is critical — don't exceed your vehicle's rated capacity. Most mid-size SUVs handle up to 3,500–4,000 pounds; full-size trucks can handle 6,000–8,000 pounds. Draft ratios show deep-keel capability versus trailing configuration. Boats with centerboards or swing keels draw dramatically less water board-up, which is essential for launching at shallow ramps or exploring skinny anchorages once you reach your destination.
The Catalina 22 is the undisputed king of trailerable sailboats. Over 15,000 hulls were built between 1969 and 2004, making it not just the best-selling trailerable sailboat but arguably the best-selling sailboat design in history. At 21.5 feet and 2,290 pounds, the 22 is light enough to trailer behind a mid-size SUV, yet capable enough to teach you real sailing skills. The swing keel version draws just 1.7 feet with the board raised — shallow enough to anchor in rivers and explore marshes that deeper-draft boats can't reach.
From a trailering perspective, the Catalina 22 is nearly perfect. The boat launches from standard public ramps with minimal equipment — many owners use a simple dolly system on weekends. The swing keel retracts into the hull for launching, and the mast can be dropped if you need to reduce height for low bridges or storage. With 15,000-plus boats in active service, the secondhand parts ecosystem is incredibly robust. You'll find trailers, rigging, sails, and cabin fixtures on eBay any given week, often for just a fraction of new prices. Racing fleets exist in every major US sailing region, and the Catalina 22 National Sailing Association maintains forums and technical resources that are genuinely helpful.
The tradeoff is cabin space. The 22 is a daysailer first and an overnight cruiser second. Two adults can sleep aboard if one takes the quarter berth, but living comfortably requires minimalist expectations. That said, if you're trailering to a different sailing location every month, the small cabin is less of an issue — you're moving regularly anyway, so the boat feels less like a second home and more like an adventure vehicle. For someone learning to sail or wanting affordable water access without marina fees, the Catalina 22 is genuinely the best value in sailing.
The Com-Pac 23 is a pocket cruiser with a reputation far exceeding its modest size. Built by Hutchins Company in Clearwater, Florida, the design was explicitly intended for small-boat cruising in the Gulf Coast and Caribbean — where shallow water, narrow anchorages, and extended sailing in tight quarters are the norm. At 23 feet and 3,500 pounds, it's heavier than the Catalina 22 but still perfectly trailerable with a full-size pickup truck or heavy-duty SUV. The swing keel version draws just 2.5 feet with the board retracted, opening up entire coastlines of shallow-water exploration.
What separates the Com-Pac from other pocket cruisers is the quality of the interior. Designers maximized every inch of the 23-foot hull — forward is a proper V-berth with sitting headroom, aft of that an enclosed head to port, a tight but functional galley with a two-burner stove, and the main cabin with a dinette that converts to a double. The teak interior is teak, not plastic-wood veneer, which gives the cabin character and warmth. For a couple planning to anchor out for a week or explore a different river system each month, the Com-Pac 23 swing keel version is genuinely liveable. The boat has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 2.2, which means it rides waves with grace and has excellent stability — attributes that matter enormously when you're anchored in 15-knot conditions.
Performance is modest. The SA/D of 13.7 is the lowest on this list, meaning the boat won't point high or accelerate quickly in light air. That's by design — the Com-Pac 23 prioritizes seaworthiness and interior comfort over racing performance. You're not buying this boat to compete; you're buying it to explore. Parts availability is good but not as ubiquitous as the Catalina 22 — the trade-off is that you're buying a much better cruising boat with a better interior and more thoughtful design. Prices typically run $8,000–$14,000 depending on condition and location.
The MacGregor 26 is the most trailerable 26-footer ever built, and arguably the most divisive design in sailing. Over 5,000 were built between 1986 and 1996, and its controversy stems from two sources: the design violates every convention of what sailors think a sailboat should look like, and it works. The MacGregor 26 uses a water ballast system instead of a fixed keel — the hull is flat-bottomed with water tanks that fill and empty via hand pump. Board-up, it draws just 1.5 feet. Board-down, it draws 4.5 feet. Most amazingly, the boat weighs just 2,550 pounds, making it the lightest 26-footer ever launched.
From a trailering perspective, the MacGregor 26 is genius. You can trail it behind a three-quarter-ton truck, launch at any public ramp regardless of depth, and explore waters that traditional keelboats can't reach. The wide, flat hull provides stable platform for living aboard — more stable, arguably, than the knife-like Catalina 25. The interior is surprisingly roomy with a proper V-berth, enclosed head, functional galley, and headroom in the main cabin. The boat is fast enough in moderate conditions and safe enough in heavy weather because the flat bottom and wide beam provide natural stability; when the boat heels, ballast water naturally redistributes to keep it balanced.
The downsides are real and worth considering. Traditional sailors dismiss the MacGregor as ungainly — the flat bottom doesn't carve through waves like a proper keel, and the design looks unconventional. The water ballast system requires maintenance and adds complexity compared to a simple fixed keel. The boat is controversial enough that some sailing communities have overlooked them when buying used, which historically kept prices down. But if you want to trail a 26-foot boat that actually sleeps two people and can cruise coastal waters, and you're willing to accept modest performance and unconventional looks, the MacGregor 26 is unmatched in its capability-to-weight ratio.
The Precision 18 is the daysailer's perfect trailerable boat. At 18.3 feet and just 1,100 pounds, it's light enough that a single person can launch without motorized equipment — many owners trail to their local lake on weekends without help. The centerboard design draws 3.5 feet with the board down and 2 feet with it up, providing surprising versatility for a small boat. The SA/D of 18.2 is the highest on this list, meaning the boat accelerates and points better in light air than anything except the MacGregor. If you enjoy sailing more than cruising, the Precision 18 is the boat.
The interior is minimal but functional. There's a V-berth forward where two people can squeeze in for an emergency overnight, a tiny head, and essentially no galley — this is not a cruising boat. The main cabin is an open cockpit where you sail and spend your day. The boat is incredibly responsive to sail trim and crew weight, which means sailing a Precision 18 is active and engaging. It's the kind of boat where you notice every wind shift and puff, and where small adjustments to sails or weight matter immediately. The design rewards better sailing, which makes it excellent for learning.
Precision boats have a devoted following among daysailers and club racers. The Precision 18 class has active fleets in several regions, and the one-design aspect means you can race against similar boats and slowly improve your competitive game. Used examples are typically $4,000–$8,000 depending on condition and gear. If you're committed to weekend sailing trips where you motor or trailer to a different body of water, launch, sail for a day, and return, the Precision 18 is nearly ideal — it's light, responsive, easy to trailer, and genuinely fast in the daysailing context where it's meant to live.
The Catalina 25 is where Catalina's production lineup starts to feel like a real cruising boat, and it's the largest sailboat most people can realistically trail. At 25 feet and 4,680 pounds, it requires a heavy-duty pickup truck or very heavy SUV with 6,500+ pounds of towing capacity, plus substantial dual-axle trailer. The swing keel version draws 2.5 feet with the board up — shallow enough for coastal river exploration and creek anchoring. With 5,500 built between 1975 and 1994, parts availability and community knowledge rival the Catalina 22, though the user base is smaller and more scattered.
From the cabin, the Catalina 25 feels like a genuine leap up from the 22. There's a V-berth forward with good sitting headroom, an enclosed head to starboard, a functional L-shaped galley with stove and icebox, and a main cabin with a substantial dinette that converts to a double bunk. The wing keel version provides stability at rest and in a beam sea — important for coastal cruising where you might be anchored in 15-knot winds for several hours. The boat has good interior headroom, and the cabin feels less cramped than you'd expect for 25 feet. A couple can spend a week aboard in reasonable comfort, taking day sails and exploring new anchorages each night.
The swing keel model is trailerable with proper equipment, but the operation is more involved than the Catalina 22. Most owners at this size use a crane at a boatyard for hauling out of water, and launching requires careful ramp selection and often professional assistance. This is where trailering starts to demand real planning — you can't just show up at a random public ramp and launch unassisted. The payoff is genuine overnight cruising capability in a boat that's manageable for two people to operate. Prices typically run $6,000–$12,000 for swing keel versions in decent condition.
The West Wight Potter 19 is a dedicated trailerable design that's been in continuous production since 1972 — a remarkable achievement that speaks to the timelessness of the design. Built in England, the Potter 19 was explicitly engineered for trailering, which shows in every aspect of the boat. At 19.2 feet and 1,225 pounds, it's light enough for a mid-size SUV yet substantial enough to feel like a real boat once you're aboard. The traditional gaff rig looks elegant and performs well in light air. The centerboard design means you can anchor in 2 feet of water with the board up, opening exploration possibilities that deeper-draft boats can't reach.
The Potter 19 is built to a much higher standard than many trailerable boats. The hull is solid fiberglass, the rigging is heavy-duty, and the construction feels robust — this is a boat you can trust in rough conditions. The cabin provides sleeping for two with a V-berth and a tiny head, plus just enough galley space to boil water for tea. Standing headroom is minimal, but the boat doesn't feel cramped because the interior is beautifully proportioned. Wooden trim and traditional details give the interior warmth and character. The boat is still in production, which means replacement parts are available directly from the manufacturer — unusual and valuable for a trailerable design launched five decades ago.
What sets the Potter 19 apart is heritage and community. Potter owners are passionate and knowledgeable, and there's a strong owner association with forums and technical resources. The design is popular in the UK and gradually growing in North America. Used examples are typically $6,000–$12,000 depending on condition and location. If you value traditional sailing aesthetics, solid construction, and a boat that feels over-built for its size, the West Wight Potter 19 is without equal in the trailerable category. This is a boat you could sail to offshore locations with genuine confidence — it's small enough to trail but seaworthy enough to adventure on.
Hunter Marine built the 23 in the mid-1980s and early 1990s as an accessible, easy-to-handle cruising boat for newer sailors and families. At 23 feet and 3,200 pounds, it's trailerable with a full-size truck. The swing keel version draws 2.5 feet with the board retracted, though less shallow-draft capability than some competitors. Over 800 were built before production ended, which means the Hunter community is active but smaller than Catalina's massive owner base. Hunter Marine is still in business and technically supportive of older models.
The Hunter 23 emphasizes accessible sailing and interior comfort. The cockpit is large and open, the deck layout is logical with no complex systems, and the boat handles easily short-handed — a couple can sail it without stress even if neither has extensive experience. The interior feels roomy for 23 feet: V-berth forward, decent standing headroom in the main cabin, an enclosed head, and a galley with stove and sink. The design prioritizes livability over performance, which makes the boat excellent for couples planning weekend getaways and families discovering sailing together. The boat won't win races, but it will teach you to sail and take you to beautiful anchorages.
Hunters sometimes carry an unfair reputation among traditionalists, who dismiss them as overly modern and characterless. In reality, the Hunter 23 is honest marine engineering — well-built, straightforward systems, and forgiving sailing characteristics. Parts support is good, pricing is typically $4,000–$8,000 for swing keel versions in decent condition, and the boat offers genuine cruising capability at the accessible end of the market. If you prioritize ease of operation and a comfortable cabin over racing performance or sailing pedigree, the Hunter 23 delivers.
The O'Day 22 is a classic American coastal cruiser built in Fall River, Massachusetts between 1972 and 1983. At 22.5 feet and just 2,250 pounds, it's incredibly light and genuinely easy to trail — many owners launch from public ramps without professional assistance. The centerboard design is crucial: the boat draws 4 feet with the board down and 2.5 feet with it up, providing the versatility to sail deep coastal waters and explore shallow rivers. The design was intended for New England conditions, so the boat handles chop and moderate wind with more composure than boats with lighter displacement.
The O'Day 22 is a capable little cruiser with enough interior to sleep two. The V-berth forward is surprisingly roomy, and there's sitting headroom in the main cabin. The head is compact but functional, and the galley has a small stove. Headroom throughout is excellent for 22 feet, which makes the boat feel less cramped during overnight trips. The centerboard version offers shoal-draft exploration, while the fixed-keel version provides better upwind performance and doesn't require centerboard maintenance. Build quality is solid — O'Day boats were well-constructed mid-range production boats that have held up beautifully over the decades.
O'Day went out of business in the early 1990s, which means you won't find OEM support. That said, the boats are straightforward enough that any competent marine mechanic can service the engine and systems. The owner community is smaller than Catalina's but still active, and many O'Day owners are extremely knowledgeable about their boats. Pricing is typically $3,000–$7,000, making the O'Day 22 an excellent value play — you're buying a solid, well-proven design that's light and trailerable, and you're benefiting from depreciation simply because O'Day is no longer a brand name. From a trailering standpoint, few boats offer this combination of light weight and actual cruising capability.
The Montgomery 17 is a full-keel micro-cruiser that's been in continuous production since 1973 — remarkable longevity for any boat design. At 17 feet and 1,350 pounds, it's small enough to trail behind virtually any vehicle, yet the full keel and solid construction make it seaworthy enough for open-water sailing that would terrify most daysailers. The design was created by Scotsman Colin Archer as a traditional fishing boat, and subsequent modifications have maintained that essential character — this is a small boat that feels overbuilt and trustworthy.
The Montgomery 17 is perhaps the smallest sailboat that genuinely sleeps two people for overnight trips. The cabin provides a V-berth forward with just enough headroom to lie down, a tiny enclosed head, and minimal galley. The full keel means the boat feels stable and planted even in a seaway — there's less drama and heel than a lightweight centerboarder. The gaff rig is traditional and simple, with no modern machinery or electronics required. Many Montgomery owners deliberately minimize modern systems in favor of solid construction and self-sufficiency. This is the boat for someone who romanticizes sailing and wants the experience of moving slowly through water under wind power.
Montgomery boats are built to a surprisingly high standard given their small size and relatively modest price point. The full keel and traditional construction mean the boat is naturally stiff — it won't heel excessively even in strong wind. The sailing characteristics are honest and intuitive; there's no digital autopilot or computer, just you and the boat having a conversation through the helm. Used examples typically sell for $4,000–$8,000. The Montgomery 17 community is devoted and knowledgeable, and spare parts are available directly from the builder. If you want the smallest legitimate cruiser — a boat you could anchor out in for a week and feel genuinely safe and content — the Montgomery 17 is it.
The Com-Pac 16 is the smallest boat on this list and arguably the entry point to trailerable sailing. At 16 feet and 1,150 pounds, it's light enough that a strong person can help launch without motorized equipment, and a compact car with 3,000+ pounds of towing capacity can tow it. The design has been in production since 1974, making it one of the oldest continuously-built fiberglass sailboats. The centerboard draws 3.8 feet with the board down and 2.2 feet with it up, providing legitimate cruising versatility. Over 2,000 were built, which means the used market is active and prices are reasonable.
The Com-Pac 16 proves that size doesn't limit cruising capability. The boat sleeps two on a V-berth forward and has an enclosed head in the cabin — genuinely legitimate overnight accommodations for a 16-footer. The galley is minimal but functional, with a small stove for tea or coffee. Standing headroom is limited but perfectly acceptable for sitting. The cabin feels well-proportioned and doesn't seem cramped despite the small dimensions. The design prioritizes interior comfort in a way that many larger boats don't, which means a couple can comfortably spend a weekend aboard exploring a lake or river system.
The Com-Pac 16 is the perfect entry point for someone considering trailerable sailing but uncertain about commitment. At $2,000–$6,000 for a decent used example, it's affordable enough to experiment with without financial risk. If you love it, you move up to a larger model. If you discover trailerable sailing isn't for you, your financial loss is minimal. The boat is responsive and fun to sail, handles light air well despite modest displacement, and is stable enough to inspire confidence in a nervous sailor. The design is still in production, which means new boats are available if you want fresh warranty and modern materials alongside a proven design. The Com-Pac 16 is tiny but mighty — it's the smallest boat that actually works as a cruiser rather than a daysailer pretending to overnight capability.
Your truck or SUV has a manufacturer's rated towing capacity printed in the owner's manual. That number is the maximum — don't use it as a target. Towing near your vehicle's maximum capacity feels uncertain and fatigues the transmission and brake system. A safer rule: tow no more than 80% of your vehicle's rating. If your truck is rated for 8,000 pounds, tow a boat-and-trailer combination of 6,400 pounds or less. This margin provides safety buffer for actual load calculations, brake performance, and transmission longevity. Many people underestimate total tow weight — don't forget fuel, water, tools, spare parts, and provisions, which can add 300–500 pounds to the boat's dry weight.
A good trailer is half the battle. Single-axle trailers cost $2,000–$3,500 used and are sufficient for boats up to about 18 feet and 2,500 pounds. Dual-axle trailers cost $3,500–$6,000 used but are essential for anything larger — dual axles distribute load better, brake more effectively, and are legally required in many states for towing vehicles over a certain weight. A quality trailer has proper tongue weight (10–15% of total boat weight), adequate braking, and properly-maintained wheel bearings. Inspect trailer tires, brakes, lights, and hitch before each launch. A $500 trailer repair is infinitely cheaper than a roadside breakdown towing a sailboat.
Not all boat ramps are suitable for launching sailboats with swing keels or centerboards. Before you commit to a location, visit the ramp and understand the slope, depth at low tide, and facilities. Shallow ramps with gradual slopes are perfect; steep ramps that plunge deeply are problematic. Some ramps have crane or travel lift services available (usually $200–$400), which makes launching a 25-foot boat feasible. Others are bare-concrete public ramps where you're on your own. If your boat has a swing keel, the keel must be retracted before trailering — understand how this system works and practice it before you need it in a real situation. Plan to spend 2–4 hours for launch-and-retrieval operations your first few times; this becomes faster with experience.
Before buying any trailerable boat, have a professional marine survey. Trailering puts dynamic stresses on the hull that static mooring doesn't — the keel attachment is critical. Look for cracks at the keel-to-hull joint, which indicate either a collision history or structural failure. The keel bolts must be sound and properly torqued. The hull must not flex excessively when you press on the cabin sides, which indicates potential delamination. A survey costs $400–$600 and is worth every penny before committing to a boat you'll be towing at highway speeds.
Depending on your boat size and home location, you'll need storage space for boat-and-trailer when not in use. Marina dry-storage costs $100–$300 monthly depending on location. Some owners build simple carport structures ($1,500–$3,000) on their property. Others store boats in backyards. Understand local zoning regulations — not all neighborhoods allow large boats parked permanently. Also budget for a mast-stepping system or crane assistance if your boat's mast is too tall for storage under cover. A mast-raising system might cost $2,000–$5,000 but enables you to un-step the mast for easier trailering and storage.
It depends on your specific priorities and towing capability. For maximum versatility and learning, the Catalina 22 is unmatched — it's affordable, trailerable behind nearly any vehicle, and the community support is extraordinary. For a couple wanting genuine overnight cruising in a trailerable package, the Com-Pac 23 or West Wight Potter 19 offer real cabins and serious seaworthiness. For the largest boat you can reasonably trail, the MacGregor 26 offers surprising livability and shallow-draft capability that a traditional keelboat can't match. For light-air sailing performance and daysailing excitement, the Precision 18 is responsive and engaging. For extreme simplicity and entry-level testing, the Com-Pac 16 proves you can cruise in a boat so small it fits almost anywhere.
The critical difference between trailerable sailing and marina mooring is freedom. Trailerable boats eliminate marina fees, let you explore new waters monthly instead of returning to the same anchorage, and turn your sailboat into an adventure vehicle instead of a stationary investment. You can sail the Chesapeake Bay one month and the Florida Keys the next. A $7,000 sailboat on a trailer eliminates the $5,000+ annual marina fees that a permanent boat incurs. That changes the economics entirely. Pick a boat that fits your towing capacity, matches your cruising ambitions, and gets you excited enough to invest the time in trailering infrastructure. The boat matters less than the commitment to actually sail it and move it to new places. Every boat on this list is capable of genuine adventures — the only requirement is that you actually hitch up and go.
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