Top liveaboard sailboats will enable people to live onboard a sailing boat and enjoy a life at sea.
The best sailboats to live on are:
- Best Budget Friendly: Contessa 32
- Best For Families: Bavaria 46
- Best Bluewater Liveaboard: Najad N395 AC
- Best Large Liveaboard: Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62
- Best Small Liveaboard: Catalina 30
We've considered factors like interior space, size, cost of ownership, ease of use, number of berths, amenities, design, and safety when choosing the top liveaboard sailing vessels.
1. Contessa 32
The best budget-friendly liveaboard sailboat is the 32ft. Contessa 32. The Contessa 32 sailboat is manufactured by the boat builder Jeremy Rogers. It was designed by boat designer David Sadler. It was first introduced in 1970.
The price of a pre-owned Contessa 32 sailing vessel ranges from $25,000 to $70,000.
The overall length of the Contessa 32 is 32 feet. The overall weight of this sailboat is 9,500 pounds. This sailboat has a passenger capacity of 7 people and a sleeping capacity of 6 people.
The Contessa 32 sailboat comes with great liveaboard features including 1 forward cabin with a double v berth and overhead lockers, 1 aft cabin with a quarter berth, 1 main saloon with a port side settee and table which converts into a double berth and a starboard single berth, 1 toilet compartment with a fitted marine toilet and wash basin and a galley with a gas cooker and stainless steel double sink, a cutlery rack and a rubbish bin.
The Contessa 32 sailboat is CE classified A which means it's certified to operate in the ocean with winds of over Beaufort Force 8 (over 40 knots) and wave heights of 13 feet.
The pros of the Contessa 32 are:
- It can be purchased for under $70,000: The Contessa 32 can easily be purchased in great condition for under $70,000 which makes it one of the cheapest liveaboards on the market
- It is a bluewater sailboat: This Contessa 32 sailboat is a bluewater sailboat which means it can be sailed on the ocean and it is not restricted to inshore sailing so owners can liveaboard this vessel and travel anywhere on it
- There are 6 berths onboard: There are 6 berths onboard which means there is room for families to sleep onboard
- Easy to maintain: Contessa 32 replacement parts can be easily obtained through the jeremyrogers.co.uk website which makes it easy to keep the sailboat maintained and in working order
- Plenty of storage: There are storage shelves, lockers and space inside this vessel including storage in the cabins, the galley and the main saloon area so people can easily store all their items when living onboard
One con of the Contessa 32 is it comes with an interior headroom height of 6ft. which means adults taller than 6ft. will need to crouch when inside.
The Contessa 32 sailboat can be purchased at Jeremyrogers.co.uk or on marine classified websites like boattrader.com and boats.com.
The specifications of the Contessa 32 are below.
2. Bavaria Cruiser 46
The best family liveaboard sailboat is the 46ft. Bavaria Cruiser 46. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 sailboat is manufactured by the boat builder Bavaria Yachts and designed by Farr Yacht Design. It was first introduced in 2014.
The price of a pre-owned Bavaria Cruiser 46 sailing vessel ranges from $80,000 to $300,000. The price of a brand new Bavaria Cruiser 46 is $400,000 and it increases in price based on added features.
The overall length of the Bavaria Cruiser 46 is 46 feet. The overall weight of this sailboat is 27,015 pounds. The maximum passenger capacity of the Bavaria Cruiser 46 on a day sailing trip is 13 passengers. This sailboat has a sleeping capacity of 10 people (with the 4-cabin option).
The Bavaria Cruiser 46 comes with family liveaboard features and amenities including 3 cabins with a toilet and shower in each cabin, XXL-bathing platform, main saloon area with a foldable table and settee area for seating and eating, an l-shaped galley with a fridge, dishwasher, sink and 3 burner stove and smoking and carbon monoxide alarms to help keep the family safe onboard.
The Bavaria Cruiser 46 sailboat is CE classified A10 / B16 which means it can be used for most types of sailing from ocean sailing to inshore sailing and in most marine weather conditions.
The pros of the Bavaria Cruiser 46 are:
- 6.7ft headroom space: This sailboat comes with a 6.7ft headroom height on the interior which is extremely spacious for most adult heights
- 3 spacious cabins with toilets in each: This sailboat comes with 3 cabins (and an option for 4) with 3 toilets and 3 showers which means passengers staying onboard overnight have their own private toilet and shower
- Bright interior: The interior of the Bavaria Cruiser 46 comes with multiple windows on both the starboard and port sides which helps offer a bright interior for passengers
One con of the Bavaria Cruiser 46 as a family liveaboard sailboat is the fold-down seat in the center of the saloon area is not comfortable.
The Bavaria Cruiser 46 sailboat can be purchased at bavariayachts.com, at registered Bavaria boat dealerships worldwide or on marine classified websites like boattrader.com and boats.com.
The specifications of the Bavaria Cruiser 46 are below.
3. Najad N395 AC
The best liveaboard sailboat for bluewater sailing is the 39.5ft. Najad N395 AC. The Najad N395 AC sailboat is manufactured by the boat builder Najad Yachts and designed by Farr Yacht Design and Ken Freiviokh Design. It was first introduced in 2017.
Najad labels the Najad N395 AC a "mini superyacht" as it emulates features of traditional superyachts.
The price of a pre-owned Najad N395 AC sailing vessel ranges from $380,000 to $500,000. The price of a brand new Najad N395 AC is $650,000+ and it increases in price based on added features.
The overall length of the Najad N395 AC is 39.5 feet. The overall weight of this sailboat is 27,337 pounds. The maximum passenger capacity of the Najad N395 AC on a day sailing trip is 8 passengers. This sailboat has a sleeping capacity of 6 people.
The headroom height of the interior of the Najad N395 AC sailboat is 6.5ft. This sailboat comes with 2 cabins as standard but it can be upgraded to a 3 cabin layout.
The Najad N395 AC comes with liveaboard features including a galley with a fridge, microwave, stove and oven, a saloon with a foldable dining table and seating for 6 passengers, 2 cabins with double v berths & wardrobes, pressurized hot & cold water, 1 bathroom with a marine toilet and basin and plenty of interior lighting in the cabins, saloon and galley area.
The Najad N395 AC sailboat is CE classified A which means it can be used for all ocean voyages and bluewater sailing.
The pros of the Najad N395 AC are:
- Ergonomically designed seating: The interior seating on the Najad N395 AC are comfortable to seat in at they can seat up to 6 passengers
- Spacious foldable bathing platform: The Najad N395 AC sailboat comes with a large and spacious foldable bathing platform at the stern where passengers can relax
- Water maker onboard: The Najad N395 AC sailboat comes with a great water maker capable of making up to 60 liters of water per hour
One con of the Najad N395 AC is the mainsheet crosses a seating area which is annoying.
The Najad N395 AC sailboat can be purchased at najad.se, at registered Najad boat dealerships worldwide or on marine classified websites like boattrader.com and boats.com.
The specifications of the Najad N395 AC are below.
4. Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62
The best large liveaboard sailboat is the 62.86ft. Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62. The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 sailboat is manufactured by the boat builder Beneteau and designed by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design and Andreani. It was first introduced in June, 2016.
The price of a pre-owned Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 sailing vessel ranges from $900,000 to $1,100,000. The price of a brand new Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is $1,250,000+ and it increases in price based on added features.
The overall length of the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is 62.88 feet. The overall weight of this sailboat is 57,558 pounds. The maximum passenger capacity of the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is 16 passengers. This sailboat has a sleeping capacity of 8 people.
The headroom height of the interior of the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 sailboat is 6 ft. 10 inches.
The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 comes with liveaboard features including 3 cabins with 2 large aft cabins and one forward cabin, heating system, galley with microwave oven, dishwasher, fridge, washer dryer and a wine cellar, lockers and storage spaces and wardrobes, LED lighting, 3 marine toilets and showers, saloon with seating and a foldable table and a chart table and chair.
The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is CE A12, B14/,C16 which means it can be used for all ocean voyages and bluewater sailing.
The pros of the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 are:
- Onboard wine cellar: This sailboat comes with an onboard wine cellar that can keep up to 23 bottles cool
- Easily carries 16 passengers: This sailboat can easily carry 16 passengers with space for all onboard
- Large 6ft 10 inches headroom: This large headroom means the majority of adults will not have to crouch when below the deck
- 4G radar onboard: This sailboat comes with a great 4G radar which helps with phone and internet connectivity when out on the water on this vessel
One con of the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is the replacement parts for this vessel can be expensive.
The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 sailboat can be purchased at beneteau.com, at registered Beneteau boat dealerships worldwide or on marine classified websites like boattrader.com and boats.com.
The specifications of the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 are below.
5. Catalina 30
The best small liveaboard sailboat is the 29.92ft. Catalina 30. The Catalina 30 sailboat was manufactured by the boat builder Catalina Yachts and designed by Frank Butler. It was first introduced in 1972 and remained in production until 2008.
The price of a pre-owned Catalina 30 sailing vessel ranges from $10,000 to $45,000.
The overall length of the Catalina 30 is 29.92 feet. The overall weight of this sailboat is 10,200 pounds. The maximum passenger capacity of the Catalina 30 is 7 passengers. This sailboat has a sleeping capacity of 6 people.
The headroom height of the interior of the Catalina 30 sailboat is 6 ft. 4 inches. The Catalina 30 hull is made of fiberglass.
The Catalina 30 comes with liveaboard features including a cabin with a double v berth, a saloon with a table and seating, a galley with a microwave, stainless steel sink, stove and oven, a head with marine toilet, basin and shower and storage shelves and lockers on both the starboard and port side of the vessel.
The Catalina 30 is CE-certified category A.
The pros of the Catalina 30 are:
- Easily sailed single handed: The Catalina 30 can be sailed single-handed but the skipper will need to leave the wheel to access the traveler
- Easy to find spare parts: This sailing boat was very popular and there are many places to easily find spare parts
One con of the Catalina 30 is the interior looks outdated as this boat was produced between 1972 and 2008.
The Catalina 30 sailboat can be purchased on marine classified websites like boattrader.com and boats.com.
The specifications of the Catalina 30 are below.
Best Liveaboard Sailboats Comparison Table
What To Consider When Choosing A Top Sailboat To Live On
The factors to consider when choosing a top sailboat to live on are:
- Price: The price of the vessel plays a large role in choosing a sailboat to live on. Top liveaboard sailboat prices range from just $10,000 to over $1,250,000
- Berths: How many berths are onboard is a factor to consider when choosing a sailboat to live on as this will inform potential buyers of how many people can comfortably sleep onboard
- Galley Amenities: The galley amenities of a sailboat are a very important factor to consider with regard to living onboard a boat. The more cooking and freezing amenities in the galley, the easier it will be to live onboard the vessel and prepare and store food
- Interior Space: The space onboard a sailboat will determine how easy it is to live onboard the boat. The headroom and overall space should be considered when choosing whether or not to live onboard a specific sailboat. Ideally, headroom height should be over 6ft for a more comfortable interior living experience
- Head Amenities: A good liveaboard sailboat should have a head with amenities like a toilet, shower and sink to help people easily stay clean and use the toilet
- Cost Of Maintenance: The cost of maintenance of the sailboat is a factor to consider when choosing a sailboat to live on
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Sailboats To Live On
Below are the most commonly asked questions about the top sailboats to live on.
What Are The Best Liveaboard Sailboat Brands?
The best liveaboard sailboat brands are:
- Jeremy Rodgers
- Bavaria Yachts
- Najad Yachts
- Beneteau
- Catalina Yachts
What Is The Price Of Top Liveaboard Sailboats?
The price of top liveaboard sailboats ranges from $10,000 to $1,250,000.
What Is The Cheapest Top Liveaboard Sailboat?
The cheapest top liveaboard sailboat is a pre-owned Catalina 30 sailboat with a price of approximately $10,000 to $45,000.
What's The Most Expensive Top Liveaboard Sailboat?
The most expensive top liveaboard sailboat is a brand new Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 with a price of approximately $1,250,000.
What Is the Best Size Sailboat For Living Onboard?
The best-size sailboat for living onboard is 30ft+ with a headroom height of 6.2ft and higher. However, keep in mind that this size can vary depending on a person's individual requirements.
What Are The Pros & Cons Of Living Onboard A Sailboat?
The pros of living onboard a sailboat are:
- Lower cost of living: You can save money on rent and utilities by living on a sailboat
- Mobility: A sailboat allows you to travel to different locations and explore new places
- Simplicity: Living on a sailboat requires minimal possessions and encourages a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle
The cons of living onboard a sailboat are:
- Limited space: Sailboats can be small and may not have as much space as a traditional home
- Weather dependent: Your ability to travel and access certain amenities can be affected by the weather