Should you Buy a Bluewater Sailboat?

What is a Bluewater Sailboat?

A bluewater sailboat is a cruising sailboat designed for extended voyages out of sight of land and into open ocean waters. These boats are purpose-built for self-sufficient, long-distance sailing and optimized for handling challenging offshore conditions.

The key features that define a bluewater boat include:

Sturdy construction – Bluewater sailboats tend to be built heavy and strong with reinforcements in the hull and deck. Materials like fiberglass, steel, aluminum, or wood composite are used.
Stability – They have a low center of gravity with ballast weight placed very low. This gives the boat resistance to heeling and capsizing.
Seaworthy design – With a deep fin or full keel, protected rudder, and skeg-hung or separated rudder, they track well and are stable in heavy seas.
Large carrying capacity – Capable of carrying supplies for extended periods (weeks or months), with storage space, water capacity, fuel capacity, etc.
Heavy rigging – The masts and rigging are made more robust to withstand high winds and pounding. Chainplates are reinforced.
Redundant systems – They have backup options for steering, navigation, radio, generators, pumps, etc. in case something breaks offshore.
Self-sufficiency – For long passages, these vessels often come equipped with robust systems for self-sustaining, such as watermakers, large solar arrays or powerful wind generators, and ample battery banks.
Comfortable accommodation – Well-designed interior suitable for living aboard for extended periods offshore.

Built for self-sufficiency at sea, bluewater sailboats are purpose-designed and engineered for the demands of offshore voyaging far from shorelines. This distinguishes them from coastal cruisers and makes them ideal for round-the-world passages.

Pros of Owning a Bluewater Sailboat

Bluewater cruising sailboats offer some major advantages for those looking to live aboard and voyage long distances offshore. Compared to coastal cruisers and daysailers, bluewater boats are designed for self-sufficient long-range cruising.

Ability to cruise and liveaboard offshore – Bluewater sailboats are purpose-built for spending extended periods underway and living aboard in offshore conditions. Their robust construction and ample tankage and storage allow cruisers to sustain themselves for weeks or months without marina stops. This makes serious offshore cruising and circumnavigations possible.
Sturdy and seaworthy for ocean passages – To safely handle rough seas, large waves, and high winds, bluewater sailboats have sturdier hulls, increased stability, heavier rigging, and other offshore-capable features. This seaworthiness gives added peace of mind when sailing far from land.
Self-sufficient systems for long distances – With their extensive tank and storage capacity, bluewater sailboats allow cruisers to be self-reliant while away from provisioning sources. Carrying months’ worth of food, water, fuel, and supplies is realistic. Energy systems with ample battery banks, solar panels, wind generators, and watermakers provide the power and water needed for extended off-grid living.

Cons of Owning a Bluewater Sailboat

While owning a bluewater cruising sailboat can be an incredibly rewarding experience, there are some significant drawbacks to consider as well.

Expensive to Buy and Maintain

One of the biggest cons is the high cost of purchasing and outfitting a vessel capable of extended offshore passages. New bluewater sailboats can easily cost several hundred thousand dollars or more. Even buying a used boat for offshore cruising often involves an initial investment of $100,000-200,000.

Ongoing maintenance and repairs are also very expensive compared to smaller, coastal cruisers. The larger the boat, the higher the haul-out, storage, labor, and parts costs. Owners need to factor in expenses like bottom paint, engine maintenance, sail repairs/replacement, new rigging, and upgrades to navigation/communication systems. Proper offshore preparation requires investing tens of thousands above the purchase price.

Challenging to Handle for Inexperienced Sailors

The size and heavy displacement of most bluewater boats also makes them more physically demanding to operate than typical recreational sailboats. An experienced crew is essential for safely managing lines, winches, sail plans, and navigation in all sea conditions. Novices may struggle handling these robust cruisers that can weigh upwards of 30,000 lbs.

New bluewater owners often underestimate the much steeper learning curve coming from coastal cruising. The risks posed by heavy weather, equipment failures, or emergency situations require being able to respond quickly and correctly. Only advanced sailing skills, boat handling, and seamanship can ensure safe extended voyages offshore.

Require Extensive Maintenance and Equipment

In addition to regular upkeep, preparing a sailboat for offshore use mandates a long list of equipment for self-sufficiency, safety, and redundancy. Common additions include solar/wind power, watermakers, satellite phones, EPIRBs, storm sails, spare parts, ditch bags, and more. Maintenance schedules are also accelerated compared to coastal boats that aren’t subject to the extreme open ocean environment.

While exciting, owning a serious bluewater sailboat is a major commitment in time, money, effort, and boating skill. Interested sailors should carefully weigh the substantial obligations against the rewards of voyaging across oceans and around the world under sail.

How Much Sailing Experience is Needed?

Taking a bluewater sailboat offshore for extended voyages requires extensive sailing experience and specialized skills. It is recommended that bluewater cruisers have significant time sailing in various conditions to prepare.

Specifically, you should be able to:

Confidently handle the boat solo for days or weeks alone offshore. This includes sail handling, anchoring, docking, and maneuvering in all weather conditions.
Understand navigation, including plotting courses on paper charts, using a sextant, and operating various navigation systems. Know how to set waypoints, calculate ETAs, avoid obstacles, and navigate without relying on technology alone.
Monitor weather conditions, interpret weather forecasts, and adjust accordingly. Recognize signs of changing conditions.
Manage all the boat’s systems independently offshore, including power, water, cooking systems, radio and communications, and more. Be able to troubleshoot and repair problems.
Make repairs yourself while underway. Have a good set of tools and spares, and be able to fix issues like sail tears, rigging failures, plumbing problems, electrical issues, and engine trouble.
Manage proper watch schedules, sleep deprivation, and have contingency plans in place for emergencies offshore.

Taking a bluewater sailboat offshore is not recommended for beginner or intermediate sailors. Extensive experience in sailing, navigation, boat handling, mechanical skills, and offshore preparedness is required before considering extended offshore voyaging. The skills are not quickly learned and require years of practice and training.

Licensing and Regulations

Owning and operating a sailboat of any kind comes with certain legal requirements you’ll need to comply with. This includes boat registration, obtaining proper insurance, and following regulations for required safety equipment.

Registration

Registration regulations vary by location and boat size. In the United States, documented vessels over 5 net tons used for recreational purposes must be registered with the US Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center. Boats under 5 net tons can be registered at the state level.

Registration provides an official record of vessel ownership and gives you access to safety inspections. Loan companies will require registration to secure boat loans as well.

Insurance Requirements

Boat insurance is required in most areas. Policies cover liability, as well as physical damage and total loss. Bluewater cruising exposes boats to additional risks, so insurers may require extra qualifications like offshore experience.

Standard policies have navigational limits set at around 50 miles offshore and 200 miles from the coast. Going beyond these limits requires obtaining an offshore, ocean, or bluewater policy with expanded coverage.

Safety Equipment Regulations

The US Coast Guard regulates required safety equipment based on vessel type and distance from shore. Some key requirements for recreational boats venturing offshore include:

Life jackets for each passenger
Throwable flotation device
Visual distress signals (flares)
Fire extinguishers
Sound signaling devices (horn, bell)
Navigation lights
Marine VHF radio
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
GPS receiver

Staying current on regulations and having proper equipment is crucial for safe offshore passages. Consider taking a Coast Guard auxiliary safety course as well.

Costs of Ownership

Owning a bluewater sailboat can be an expensive endeavor. Here are some of the costs to consider:

Purchase Price – Bluewater sailboats range dramatically in purchase price, with newer models from reputable manufacturers typically starting around $100,000 on the low end, ranging up to $1 million or more for larger, high-end vessels. The size, age, condition and pedigree of the boat will greatly impact the purchase price.
Maintenance & Repairs – Maintenance and repair costs are ongoing for any boat owner. Expect to budget at least 10-20% of the boat’s value annually for regular maintenance, repairs and improvements. Things like engine repairs, sail maintenance, bottom painting, fluid changes, waxing/sealing the hull and deck hardware upgrades add up over time.
Insurance – Boat insurance is required for most marinas. Expect to pay 1-2% of the boat’s value in annual premiums for basic coverage. Additional coverage for offshore use, loss/damage of personal items, liability, etc. can increase this further. Shop policies carefully.
Docking & Mooring Fees – If keeping the boat docked when not in use, marina slip fees often run $10-$20+ per foot per month, so figure $1,000-$2,000 monthly for a typical 50-60′ bluewater sailboat. Mooring balls or anchors are cheaper but less convenient options.

Add in costs for equipment, navigation gear, dinghy, safety equipment, electronics, fuel, supplies, etc. and owning a proper bluewater cruiser is a serious financial commitment. But for many sailors, the rewards are worth the costs and commitment.

Top Bluewater Sailboat Models

Bluewater cruising sailboats are designed for handling long offshore passages in challenging conditions while providing comfortable liveaboard amenities. Here are some of the most popular bluewater models that offer renowned seaworthiness:

Swan – Founded in 1966, Nautor’s Swan has become synonymous with luxury bluewater cruisers. Their designs range from 46-130 feet and feature high-quality construction and comfortable interiors. Popular models include the Swan 48 and Swan 60.
Hallberg-Rassy – Since 1963, Hallberg-Rassy has focused exclusively on bluewater cruisers with designs from 31-64 feet. Hallberg-Rassy yachts are revered for robust scantlings, excellent sailing abilities, and premium fit and finish. Well-known models are the Hallberg-Rassy 40 and 57.
Oyster – Oyster Yachts produce luxury bluewater sailing yachts from 53-125 feet. Their designs blend performance and comfort with quality craftsmanship. Notable models are the Oyster 575 and the Oyster 745.
Taswell – Taswell has specialized in custom aluminum yachts since 1980, designing vessels from 56-72 feet. Their yachts are known for being low maintenance and ideal for high latitude cruising. Popular models include the Taswell 58 and Taswell 72.
Passport – Passport Yachts offers production fiberglass cruisers from 40-57 feet. Their designs emphasize spacious interiors, ease of handling, and rugged construction. Well-regarded models are the Passport 40 and Passport 47.

When evaluating bluewater sailboat models, key factors include hull design, deck hardware, rigging, construction quality, and appropriate equipment for offshore demands. The models above have proven their seaworthiness and gained respect in the bluewater sailing community.

Suitable Size Range

When looking for a bluewater sailboat, the size range of 30-60 feet and above is generally considered ideal. This provides a balance of performance and livability offshore.

Bluewater cruisers under 30 feet tend to sacrifice comfort and stowage capacity, making longer offshore passages more challenging. However, smaller boats 30-40 feet are still very capable for bluewater sailing. They are more affordable, easier to handle shorthanded, and can access more anchorages.

Larger boats over 40 feet provide much more living space, tankage, and stowage capacity for extended voyages. This makes offshore life more comfortable with better accommodation. However, larger boats can be more expensive, complex, and require more crew. Handling larger boats in heavy weather takes more skill and physical effort.

In the 45-55 foot range, there is a good balance between cost, performance, and livability. This size provides ample space for living aboard long term, while still being manageable for a couple or small family. Mid-size bluewater boats are easily driven and responsive, while still having sea-keeping stability and cruising range.

When evaluating bluewater boats, assess your budget, crewing needs, and how much time you plan to spend aboard. Prioritize performance attributes like stability, balance, and construction quality over interior volume. Ultimately there are many capable bluewater boats across a wide size spectrum. Focus more on condition, equipment, and realistic capabilities than just length overall.

Key Features to Look for in a Bluewater Sailboat

When selecting a sailboat for offshore cruising, there are certain key features to look for related to the boat’s hull and rigging design, systems, and storage capacity.

Hull and Rigging Designed for Offshore

A sturdy, full-keel hull design provides directional stability and helps the boat track well. Full keels are preferable to fin keels for offshore work.
The hull shape should have enough buoyancy and ability to self-right in heavy seas or knockdowns. A wider, flared bow profile adds reserve buoyancy.
The rudder and skeg should be protected from slamming or damage. A partial skeg hung rudder is typical for bluewater boats.
Rigging should be oversized for heavy weather. Chainplates for standing rigging need to be strongly reinforced.
The mast and boom must be properly stayed for strength. A ketch or yawl rig splits the sail plan for easier short-handed sailing.

Robust Systems and Redundancies

Watermakers, high-capacity pumps, primary and backup charging systems, and spare parts/consumables are standard.
Dual or triple spreader rigs provide redundancy if one fails. Storm sails and trysails add heavy weather options.
An oversized ground tackle with primary and spare anchors, dual windlasses, and ample rode provides secure anchoring.
Manual backups for steering, self-steering systems, radio communication give alternatives in emergencies.

Ample Tankage, Storage, and Power

Large freshwater and fuel tanks provide extended range. Storage for months of provisions.
Considerable capacity for spare parts like oil filters, sail repair supplies.
Solar panels, wind generators, diesel engines offer redundant power generation. Large house batteries provide days of power when stopped.
Good ventilation prevents mold. Freezer and refrigeration allow stocking fresh foods.
Plentiful storage belowdecks keeps gear secure and dry for offshore passages.

Preparing for Offshore Voyaging

Taking a bluewater sailboat offshore for an extended voyage requires careful preparation and planning. Here are some key considerations:

Provisioning and Spares

Stock up on several months’ worth of non-perishable food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies. Make sure to account for periods without access to marinas or shops.
Carry comprehensive spare parts for critical systems like sails, rigging, engine, plumbing, electronics, etc. Be prepared to handle repairs yourself while away from ports.
Install high-capacity watermakers, solar panels, wind generators to sustain self-sufficient living.
Pack survival equipment like life rafts, Epirbs, offshore ditch bags, flares, etc. Redundancy is key for critical safety gear.

Training

Gain substantial experience sailing in various conditions before embarking offshore. Take sailing courses focused on celestial navigation, weather routing, emergency procedures.
Practice onboard skills like diesel engine maintenance, sail repairs, troubleshooting electrical issues. Familiarize with all systems.
Ensure the entire crew has training in first aid, CPR, handling emergencies. Assign roles and responsibilities.

Paperwork, Insurance, Documentation

Secure appropriate offshore insurance for the vessel, crew and equipment. Coverage can be complex for extended voyages.
Handle port clearance procedures, customs forms, immigration paperwork required for visiting foreign countries.
Register the vessel, secure radio and satellite communication licenses as per regulations.
Create detailed float plans, document vessel markings/specs. Leave info with shoreside contacts.

With careful preparation across these areas, bluewater cruisers can ensure a well-provisioned, seaworthy boat and crew ready for adventure offshore. But extensive planning is required before embarking on extended voyages away from land.