We have a reader looking to make the move from a sailboat to powerboat, but he’s hoping to maintain some sailboat character and the option to camp-cruise aboard. He mentioned hoping for a design that “would fit it reasonably well on a group cruise with sailboats.” He’s open to wooden boats and even to building something, but would much prefer to find something on the used market ready to go.
I'd recommend looking at the Devlin design "Little Coot", an 18-foot motor-sailor. I thought of it immediately when reading the description of what the reader is looking for. devlinboat.com/litl-coot-18-bilge-keel/
Any of the C-Dory models are great small camp cruisers. The 16-footer, however, is probably too small; it has no enclosed sleeping area. But step up to the 22-footer and you get a fairly roomy V-berth, a dinette, and even an enclosed head in some models. They’re very sea-worthy and economical boats.
Another option that’s somewhat more rare are the boats made under the Nimble brand name. Very nice fiberglass trawler-style boats, usually with a 4-cyl. Yanmar inboard.
After looking at options for a few years I decided on building the Glen L Bo Jest. Sleeps two, enclosed cabin with heat, small galley, room for a bucket head, nice aft deck to hang out on, classic looks. Mine should be ready summer of 26.
With careful selection small sail boats can be converted into good displacement mode cruisers. Because of its hull shape my old Grampian 23 would have made a very comfortable canal cruiser. Converting larger sail boats is problematic because of the loss of the stabilizing mass of the mast.
I'd recommend looking at the Devlin design "Little Coot", an 18-foot motor-sailor. I thought of it immediately when reading the description of what the reader is looking for. devlinboat.com/litl-coot-18-bilge-keel/
One of the first built, if not THE first, was out with us on the 2022 Salish-100. Here's a picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/old_salt7/52238249165/in/album-72177720300705096
And another picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/old_salt7/52237758061/in/album-72177720300705096/
With Respect, Pete
Any of the C-Dory models are great small camp cruisers. The 16-footer, however, is probably too small; it has no enclosed sleeping area. But step up to the 22-footer and you get a fairly roomy V-berth, a dinette, and even an enclosed head in some models. They’re very sea-worthy and economical boats.
Another option that’s somewhat more rare are the boats made under the Nimble brand name. Very nice fiberglass trawler-style boats, usually with a 4-cyl. Yanmar inboard.
If building Sam Devlins CNC kits look pretty interesting. They include the Dipper 17.
Skiff America
The 20ft Skiff America with traditional looks and a walk thru cabin will sleep two.
After looking at options for a few years I decided on building the Glen L Bo Jest. Sleeps two, enclosed cabin with heat, small galley, room for a bucket head, nice aft deck to hang out on, classic looks. Mine should be ready summer of 26.
With careful selection small sail boats can be converted into good displacement mode cruisers. Because of its hull shape my old Grampian 23 would have made a very comfortable canal cruiser. Converting larger sail boats is problematic because of the loss of the stabilizing mass of the mast.
Karl Stambaugh's Redwing series comes to mind. I second C-Dory and add the salty cabin cruisers from Parker Boats and Eastern Boats.