Keelboat Day Sailer
Relaxed afternoons that won't tip you in
Open-cockpit boats with a weighted keel. They heel but come back upright, so they feel reassuring for beginners, families and older sailors. A cuddy may give you a dry spot, but they are built for days out.
Length 5–8 m (16–26 ft)
Typical price €3k–25k used
Strengths
- Self-righting with a keel
- Roomy cockpit for 3–5 people
- Simple, low upkeep
Weaknesses
- Not meant for overnight trips
- Keel versions need a mooring or crane
- Modest speed
Ratings
3
2
1
5
6
1
7
7
2
6
5
Typical hull materials
Example models (7)
| Model | Length | Built | Hull |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes 19Philip Rhodes design; 3,000+ built, active one-design fleets · class or historic type, built by many yards | 19 ft · 5.9 m | since 1958 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| SonarBruce Kirby keelboat with a big, safe cockpit; former Paralympic class · class or historic type, built by many yards | 23 ft · 7.0 m | since 1979 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Herreshoff 12½Timeless N.G. Herreshoff design; GRP copies exist · class or historic type, built by many yards | 16 ft · 4.8 m | since 1914 | Traditional Wood |
| Alerion Express 28Carl Schumacher's elegant single-handed daysailer | 28 ft · 8.6 m | since 1990 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Drascombe LuggerOpen yawl, beachable, legendary for small-boat voyages | 19 ft · 5.7 m | since 1968 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Flying FifteenUffa Fox planing keelboat for two · class or historic type, built by many yards | 20 ft · 6.1 m | since 1947 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| SquibPopular British club keelboat with national fleets · class or historic type, built by many yards | 19 ft · 5.8 m | since 1967 | Fibreglass (GRP) |