Practical vs Romantic Boat Buying

Thoughts on finding the "best" boat

I’ve fielded a lot of reader questions over the years about “which boat is better?” or “what size is best?” My answer is always some variation of “well, that depends…” Usually the reader will be considering two different designs, and frequently they’ll be quite different in function, performance or size—a clear indication that they need to go back and consider how they will actually use the boat. If they do this the choice will probably be more clear.

As I wrote years ago, what are you hoping the boat will be “best” for? Best for an afternoon sail along a waterfront? Best for a week-long cruise? Best for an adventure race? Will the boat live on a trailer or ride a mooring? How important is a shallow draft? Best price? No one boat can possibly do it all.

Sage 15 photo by Debra Colvin

One thing I can suggest is not to romanticize the boat you’re considering—but neither should you be so calculated and mercenary you under-romanticize. Let me explain.