BEST Bluewater Boats Under $50k

In this video, I reveal 10 incredible, inexpensive sailboats under $50,000 perfect for bluewater sailing around the world. These boats are affordable, capable, and ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

From legendary designs like the Cal 40 and Valiant 40 to rugged classics like the Tayana 37 and Contest 38, these boats have proven themselves in some of the world’s toughest conditions. Whether you’re planning a circumnavigation or a long-term cruising lifestyle, this list will help you find the perfect boat to make your dreams come true.

What’s in this video:
⚓ Why these boats are top picks for bluewater cruising.
🌊 The pros and cons of each design, from performance to comfort.
💰 Tips on finding and outfitting a world-cruising boat without breaking the bank.

Got a favorite sailboat? Drop a comment and let me know which one you’d choose! And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more sailing content. Let’s make those cruising dreams a reality!

#Sailing #BluewaterCruising #AffordableSailboats #SailboatsUnder50K #CruisingDreams #AdventureOnTheWater

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Epidemic Sound

00:00 Intro
00:54 Interpreting the data
1:35 Honorable Mention: Westsail 32
2:28 Cal 40
4:14 Valiant 40
5:17 Tayana 37
6:12 Moody 37
7:10 Hans Christian 38T
9:23 Island Packet 38
10:28 Hallberg Rassy 35
10:56 Alberg 37
11:40 Contest 38
12:12 Najad 390
12:44 What did I miss?
13:12 Book James for Consulting

[grandpateal]

i bought a 1976 allied princess. after spending 4 days on it and 200 miles later i can say it was worth every penny. i love it.

[supertom]

Great presentation ! Thank you for your knowledge and expertise, never stop ! 👍

[geralddepeel]

Really liking your channel, less fluff, so much good info👍👍

[hackednhanoied]

Shocked…you are not old enough to have such appreciation for some of the boats on your list. My dad had a Cal 40 that we did lots of years and lots of miles on. As you say…wonderful sailing boats. My uncle had Alberg yawl. Personally owned Tayana 37. (Missed the Cal honestly) You are spot on. Valiant, IP, Tayana.
Excellent choices.

[EsRoquer]

I can swear that a CAL 34 is the toughest and most durable boat I've ever sailed. In the Mediterranean, the weather changes very quickly and can cause you a lot of problems between islands, but the CAL always brought us home without any problems.

[wayneo]

Nice to see two Tayanas made the list. I worked for a dealer and rigged a bunch of them, but have a soft spot for the 52. All fine boats.

[alanroberts]

Awesome James ! Great vid. Love these boats mate - especially the classic looking His, Valiants and Mayans. Alan from Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, AUSTRALIA !!

[svfairisle]

Nicely done James, great to have someone who actually knows what he’s talking about doing these videos. I’m waiting for the ultimate cruising boat video though, the one with boats none of us can afford! For me it’s the Bluewater 56 that’s the dream boat, the only one I would swap Fair Isle for. We should do a test together, I’m sure we can get Kyle to lend us one for a week or two!

[PaulBologna-ve]

Recently picked up a Moody 425 to live the dream! Glad to see u selected a moody for circumnavigation.
Currently sailing New England to FL
and hope to cross the pond this spring or next. It has not disappointed. What’s your thoughts on Moody 425 for circumnavigation?

[erents]

Great episode, great list, a couple more boats The Ericson and Morgan 38’s I just sold my Morgan 38 for health reasons but I loved that boat!

[HouseOfMcLoughlin]

You have really come into your own with this channel, great knowledge and advice ....wonderful stuff 💚

[christinec]

Please don't underestimate the information you provide. I'm not a cruiser but I've learned so much from you. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in my club that can throw a line without fouling it. Fair winds and all the best for your future endeavours.

[gstoddard]

Damage control sailing has a IP42. It's a good channel and honest. A new boat owner with new pains. I like it.

[abstractobject]

Thankful for the video. I left feeling like a fool for falling in love with one boat and not venturing into other 36 - 42s as you outline in the video.

[arronwaldron]

Everyone does this for under 50K stuff, and I do appreciate it. But would love to see something like this in the 200K to 400K range. And the debate on the newer hull style in contrast to the 90 to 2000 hull styles Like the Cabo’s, Tayanas Taswell, Oysters etc.

[autonomousindividual]

Im a nervous lurker thats been dithering around the decision for 2 years. Its rare for me not to jump but i can just feel how expensive a bad decision can be. Very much enjoy your mindset and demeanor. I have found no shortage of handjobs willing to comment on which boat to buy. Some have made their lifes work to disparage full keels, which is where im leaning. In any case i enjoyed this video and others

[korhan-charlotte]

Loved the video. Very informative thanks James. Much love.

[Daniel_Ankerzeit]

Hi James, great summery and good explained based on the ratio parameters. Maybe there will be a second part focusing on handling and comfort.
Thanks a lot, Daniel

[yankeexpress]

The Cal-40 in the thumbnail photo is named ILLUSION. She is a special case, having been fully restored to very high standard by very experienced owners. For instance; her new rudder stock is from a Santa Cruz 70…way more robust than a standard rudder stock. She has hit 26 knots under chute in the Transpac race.

[riya]

Missing to your list, definitely the Morgan Out Island 41... THE cruising boat 'par excellence' 😉