Best Cabin Boats For Ocean Adventures

Ocean boating is an excellent activity for thrill-seekers and those who enjoy a day on the water. However, it's important to ensure you have the right vessel as ocean conditions can vary widely. One of the best boats for ocean boating is a cabin cruiser, essentially a miniature vacation home on the water. Cabin cruisers offer the comforts of larger yachts at a lower cost and are easier to operate. They are ideal for ocean cruising as they are fully equipped for spending extended periods on board, with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom accommodations. Even smaller cabin cruisers can sleep four to six people. Their large size also makes navigating large ocean waves a breeze.

Inboard fishing boats

Albemarle 32 Express

The Albemarle 32 Express is one of the top inboard fishing boats on the market. It boasts several impressive features, including a gel-coated bilge area, a bonded and mechanically fastened hull, deck, and liner, and a heavy-duty vinyl rub rail with a stainless steel insert. The boat also has a spacious main cabin equipped with carpeting, a sofa that converts to a double berth, a storage compartment, and LED lighting.

The Supra Comp TS6M

The Supra Comp TS6M is a versatile inboard boat that can serve both as a runabout and a fishing vessel. This 19-foot fiberglass boat often comes with a sound system, ski towers, and vinyl upholstery. It offers a great combination of performance and comfort, making it ideal for fishing excursions.

Weldcraft Renegade

The Weldcraft Renegade is an excellent choice for those seeking an inboard boat with a jet engine. It is powered by either a catalyzed 5.7L MEFI-5 engine or a 200HP Optimax Sportjet, providing exceptional speed and performance. The Renegade comes in two models, the Renegade 18 and the Renegade 20, both offering features like a heavy-duty fold-down top, adjustable seats, and marine-grade plywood floors.

Northwest Boats' 208 Northstar

The Northwest Boats' 208 Northstar is another excellent inboard jet boat option. With a length of 23'3", this boat offers family-friendly dimensions and maximum versatility. It is designed for comfort and can handle both white waters and leisurely trips. The Northstar includes features such as captain's seats, side curtains, storage bench seating, and stainless steel cup holders, making it a well-equipped choice for fishing expeditions.

Dusky 233

The Dusky 233 is a classic center console inboard boat that has been around for a while and can be found on used boat sites. It offers a spacious layout and is ideal for skiing and fishing. The boat comes equipped with standard rod holders and can be outfitted with GPS, plotters, and a VHF system. The Dusky 233 is a reliable choice for those seeking a pre-owned inboard fishing vessel.

When choosing an inboard fishing boat, consider factors such as size, engine type, performance, and the specific features that align with your fishing needs. Additionally, don't forget to compare prices and read reviews to make an informed decision.

Center consoles

Center console boats are ideal for saltwater fishing and are designed to handle all sorts of sea conditions. Even small center consoles offer a safe and comfortable ride through open seas, and larger vessels have the necessary features and fuel capacity to venture far offshore for deep-sea fishing.

Center console boats with a cabin provide a more luxurious and comfortable boating experience. The cabin allows you to escape the sun or rain and gives the boat another level of space and quality. Depending on the model, cabins can hold a wide range of luxuries and amenities, such as beds, private bathrooms, lounging areas, and televisions.

Scout Boats offers center console boats with cabins that include features such as a working kitchen, a flush-mounted television, a full-sized toilet, a hot and cold sink, and stainless steel accents throughout. The 380 LXF model even has air conditioning, a DVD and CD player, and LED accent lighting.

Other manufacturers also offer center console boats with cabins, such as Moggaro, Boston Whaler, Intrepid, and Hinckley. These boats vary in length from 6.15m to 15m and can accommodate up to 14 people.

Cabin cruisers

The initial cost of a cabin cruiser can vary depending on the size and features you choose. While there are million-dollar cabin cruisers on the market, there are also plenty of smaller options that cost much less.

• Sea Ray SLX 400 OB: This boat offers outstanding use of space and basic accommodations, with seating for up to 22 people and a top speed of 45 knots. It features a fold-down swim terrace, a wet bar galley, and luxurious bow seating. However, it lacks a proper enclosed pilothouse for climate control and has limited bed options.
• Axopar 45 XC: The biggest boat from Finnish builder Axopar is a true adventure machine, with a glorious upper pilothouse and salon. It features a wave-cutting V-hull shape, providing a comfortable platform for day cruising and fishing. It offers a unique gull-wing door, a sliding wet bar galley, and a true two-cabin layout. However, the modern European aesthetics may not suit every buyer, and there is limited access to the aft cabin.
• Tiara 43 LE: This cabin cruiser is beautifully appointed and well-equipped, with a large swim platform and a spacious interior. It offers a large island berth and a separate double stateroom. While it has impressive performance and build quality, it lacks a common area for working and eating.
• Grand Banks Eastbay 44: The Eastbay 44 is a small but luxurious cabin cruiser that carries the Grand Banks yacht brand. It offers a spacious interior, responsive throttles, and a joystick control for easy docking. The brand is known for its pursuit of perfection and outstanding build quality. However, it has limited power options and some exterior teak that requires care.
• Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295: This true three-level yacht boasts three staterooms, two heads, comfortable seating, and ample storage space. It features a spacious salon, a fully appointed galley, and a large fold-down swim terrace. While it offers excellent value, the European design may not appeal to traditional US buyers, and it may have a lower resale value.

Catamarans

Safety and Stability

One of the most important considerations when venturing out into the ocean is safety, and catamarans offer a very secure option. Their design provides greater stability than monohulls, with a reduced risk of capsizing due to their dual hulls balancing each other out. This stability also means that catamarans are less likely to roll violently in rough weather, providing a smoother ride for the crew. In addition, their wide beam and dual hulls make them highly buoyant, reducing the likelihood of sinking.

Speed and Performance

Comfort

The spaciousness of catamarans contributes to their comfort, with ample room for living aboard and extended cruising. The increased stability also means a more comfortable journey, reducing seasickness and exhaustion among the crew. Additionally, catamarans often feature enclosed cockpit spaces that provide shelter from the elements, making them well-suited for sailing in all weather conditions, including winter and tropical rainy seasons.

Size Considerations

When it comes to size, a catamaran of around 40 feet (12 metres) is generally considered a good minimum length for ocean sailing. This size offers a balance between cost, comfort, speed, and ease of handling. While smaller catamarans can also handle ocean sailing, a larger size improves comfort and provides more headroom, particularly on the bridge deck.

Design and Features

In conclusion, catamarans are an excellent choice for ocean boating, offering safety, speed, comfort, and stability. Their unique design and features make them a popular option for those seeking a vessel capable of extended ocean crossings and comfortable cruising.

Sailboats

Oyster 56

The Oyster 56 is a popular choice for bluewater cruising. It strikes a perfect balance between size and functionality, making it manageable for a small crew while offering enough space and comfort for longer voyages. The design and build quality are exceptional, and these boats consistently perform well in rallies and regattas.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54DS and 49

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey series, particularly the 54DS and 49 models, offer a blend of generous accommodations, solid build quality, and powerful performance. The 54DS stands out for its eye-catching, swooping lines, while the 49 features a dedicated sail locker and a spacious nav station. Both models have proven their bluewater capabilities in rallies like the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.

Hallberg-Rassy 42 and 42F

The Hallberg-Rassy 42 and its updated version, the 42F, are renowned Swedish-built center-cockpit cruisers known for their toughness and seakeeping abilities. These boats excel in build quality, with impeccable and beautifully finished interiors that maximize space. They have a strong following among bluewater sailors and are often featured in rallies.

Amel Super Maramu and Amel 54

The Amel Super Maramu, a 53-footer designed by Henri Amel, is a turnkey ocean-crossing boat with a ketch rig that is docile yet effective. It comes fully equipped with electric furling gears and ingenious sail-handling systems. The newer Amel 54 takes the concept of a complete cruiser to a new level, offering improved comfort and contemporary styling while maintaining the brand's renowned build quality.

Lagoon 440

The Lagoon 440 is a popular choice among bluewater sailors, especially for those heading to the tropics. It offers a spacious saloon, a vast cockpit, a wide trampoline forward, and a flybridge, providing ample space for socializing and privacy. While not a speedster, the Lagoon 440 delivers respectable passage times and keeps its crew safe and comfortable.

Beneteau Oceanis 473

The Beneteau Oceanis 473 is a capable bluewater boat that offers a comfortable ride even in heavy weather. It has a spacious three-cabin layout, with a large stateroom forward ideal for harbor stays. Many of these boats have been snapped up by cruisers after aging out of charter fleets, making them an affordable option for those seeking bluewater capabilities on a budget.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

The Wauquiez Pretorien 35 is mentioned by a sailor on Reddit as a solid choice for bluewater cruising within a budget of $100k.

Westsail 42/43

Another recommendation from a Reddit user, the Westsail 42/43 (same hull, different rig) is described as a "top pick for bluewater cruiser on a budget."

Valiant 40

The Valiant 40 is a cutter-rigged Perry-designed boat with ample tankage and a skeg-hung rudder, making it a solid option for bluewater cruising within the $100k budget.

Baba 40

A sailor on Reddit mentions the Baba 40 as their top choice, indicating its popularity among bluewater enthusiasts.

Rustler

The Rustler, with its hand-moulded hulls built in Falmouth, is described as a "ruggedly built" offshore cruiser. It features an encapsulated lead keel, eliminating keel bolts, and a chunky skeg that protects the rudder. The cutter rig makes it versatile for long passages in varying sea and weather conditions.

Swan 54

The Swan 54, designed by Frers, is a newer addition to Swan's line of bluewater cruisers. It combines a timeless aesthetic with seakindly motion in waves. The boat offers ample storage space and a substantial nav station. The well-laid-out sail controls make it manageable for a couple to handle, and it excels in handling and performance.

Hylas 54

The Hylas 54, designed by German Frers, is a popular choice among aspiring bluewater cruisers. The hull is strongly built and easily driven, allowing for 200-mile days. The deck layout is ergonomically efficient, and the interior can be customized to suit different needs and preferences. Owners praise its excellent seakeeping abilities and ease of handling.

Beneteau 57

The Beneteau 57 is a luxurious cruiser that offers a spacious center-cockpit layout and impressive build quality and systems.

Frequently asked questions