Winter is here and most boat owners are tucked up at home with their motorboat/sailboat winterized or even lifted ashore. But, this entails repairing, berthing, and winterizing costs. It really doesn’t have to be that way. Because in today’s market there are numerous reliable boats for cold weather sailing. The Norwegians have a saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. And the same thing applies to boats; by substituting “bad clothes” with “the wrong boat”. So, if you like sailing in the winter and want to benefit from affordable winter berthing, and solitary anchorages then buying a reliable boat for winter sailing is a must. In this article, I will list the best boats/sailboats for cold weather sailing. Robust boats that can counter rougher sea conditions, have great internal helm positions with great visibility and are capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Follow me!

Sargo 33

Sargo 33 is a robust motorboat built in Finland and as a consequence, it perfectly reflects the Finnish boating lifestyle. It’s built accordingly to the Northern weather conditions, it’s very fast, and seaworthy. The 36ft Sargo has a long waterline and a strong V-shaped hull. These features ensure a pleasant voyage under rough conditions and at a speed of up to 40 knots. The model comes with a single or twin engine. The single-engine D6 400 offers maximum economy and a maximum of 30-knot speed. On the other hand, the twin D6 400 motors can even go past 40 knots.

A useful feature of Sargo 33 is its aft door in the rear bulkhead of the wheelhouse. Moreover, it has two more sliding doors on either side. This useful access point along with the sliding roof section that you can slide back lets sufficient light and air in the boat’s interior. The front cabin is above average in size as well as storage compartments which are also quite big. In the interior, the wheelhouse is equipped with under galley storage, lockers, and space under the seating. The cabin is equipped with a V-berth with infill, a head, and a separate shower cabinet. The middle cabin can have twin or double berths as standard as well as an optional head. Both cabins offer under berth storage, shelves, and sufficient hanging space.

In the exterior, there are lockers located on the aft deck and in the bow. Also, the engine room offers enough space for storing your essential items. Furthermore, you’ll find a double seat next to the helm with a reversible backrest. This allows the dinette to augment behind it and thus facing the galley opposite the dinette. The end of the settee gives access to the 2 single berth cabins. At the other end of the boat, you’ll find the fore cabin. Lastly, the large and protective deck that surrounds the wheelhouse offers an easy sailing handling system, even for short-handed sailing.

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Skookum 53

The Skookum 53 is made by Ed Monk and is also called 53′ Second Star. It features a solid and insulated fiberglass hull. In addition, its fuel and water tanks are integral and also made of fiberglass. Deck and accommodation structures are wood-framed along with plywood, glass sheathing, and epoxy. At 53′ LOA, its layout is smartly designed, as well as both interior and exterior space. The interior offers enough space for 6 persons to live in comfort. The wheelhouse is also spacious and provides seating for the helm plus two or three on the observation seat. Aft there’s a covered aft deck, with walk-around decks to the side.

Its engine is a 6-cylinder John Deere 6086 TFM along with a Sabb controllable pitch gear and Helseth self-contained shaft system. Also, a Yanmar 3GM 30 has been specified as a get-home engine and has its own separate propeller and shaft. The auxiliary engine is multifunctional as it powers a 24v DC generator as well as hydraulics.

Let’s now refer to its interior space! The salon and galley are situated in the aft cabin, where there’s also a V-berth, a shower, a head as well as a separate guest room. The Skookum 53 is a sturdy and spacious liveaboard and cruising sailboat that will suit you well if you’re with your friends or family and want to sail to Northern climates. In addition, its layout features a double master stateroom aft and two further sleeping cabins. It’s particularly bright and airy below, with an inside steering position, a saloon, two separate dining areas, and a large, fully-equipped, and functional galley.

The Skookum 53 is a cutter-rigged ketch and designed with a round underbody. It is also equipped with a full deep draft keel, as well as with a raked transom. Lastly, it features a paravane rig that ensures roll stabilization. Even though you can’t normally use paravanes at the same time with sails, they’re quite useful on Skookum for use when sailing isn’t possible. Lastly, even though Skookum is quite big its whole design is quite simple, so the rig is economical to maintain and travel with. Skookum sailboats are extremely robust sailboats and serve great for winter sailing made under harsh weather conditions.

Botnia Targa 46

The Targa 46 is an evolution of the 42 and 44 models. But this one forms the perfect example for all-weather offshore boating. The model features a relatively high wheelhouse and has exceptional performance in cold weather sailing conditions. The deck has large square-set windows that surround the wheelhouse allowing plenty of light and giving great views while sailing. You’ll enjoy the landscapes while you’re helming the boat, cooking meals, or relaxing in the dinette. Furthermore, the deck space is considerably large due to the small wheelhouse options available.

You can choose between three different lengths for the wheelhouse. Like this, you’ll get a wheelhouse tailored to your needs and better balance the internal and outside space. Another great feature of Targa 46 is that its aft deck extends right to the transom. This offers plenty of shade when facing the wintery sun and want somewhere to relax onboard. Also, its flybridge maximizes space on the upper deck. The greatest feature is that Botnia offers Volvo Penta IPS or sterndrives for this specific model. This offers a powerful engine that is capable of reaching 40 knots speed.

The sleeping compartments split between lower decks at both ends. The forward one has V-berths and back aft there’s a double and a single berth. Meaning that four persons can comfortably sleep in there. The model doesn’t have a comfortable fore cabin, like its sisters 42 and 44, but this maximizes headroom in the forward cabin. Additionally, there’s an open bow cockpit to relax. Lastly, the model has been built with twin Cummins QSC 8.3 600hp Diesels and is also shaft-drive. This results in less mechanical complication but it might reduce performance. In any case, the Botnia Targa 46 is made for withstanding extremely cold weather conditions and there’s no way it will let you down during your cold-weather sailing adventures!

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Sargo 25 Explorer

The Sargo 25 was introduced in 2009 and is the smallest of the five hull lengths in the Minor Offshore range. This model is an overall robust and all-weather boat. Sargo 25 features an enclosed wheelhouse, well-protected walkaround, single-level side decks, and an open aft cockpit. The cockpit is the perfect spot to enjoy gatherings and relax while drinking a hot cup of tea and viewing the wintery landscape. Its well-proven Category B-Offshore hull with stable tracking and great running efficiency offers a blend of qualities that make it one of the best all-season crafts. And it’s also worth mentioning the fact that this model is built by Sarin which is Finland’s premier boatyard. The region is well-known for manufacturing seaworthy and robust vessels.

Once you step into the aft swim platform, you’ll notice an elevated guardrail, a powerful rubbing strake, a prop inspection hatch, and two cockpit access gates. All these features make it clear that this model is one of the best in terms of robustness, design, and performance. And then, forwarding towards the cockpit there’s a broad open space lined by wooden benches. From there the walkways extend to either side of the wheelhouse. And additionally, there’s the smart design of an arranged foredeck with a secure seat. And not just that, but also a hinged ladder, many grab rails, and a step-through bow complete the well-made exterior.

Another great feature is the absence of an aft door. Meaning that instead of having direct access between the wheelhouse and the cockpit, there are two sliding doors and a big sliding roof hatch that allow enough light and air in the interior. As there’s no access through the back end of the wheelhouse, you can use the entire section in any way that suits you best. The cockpit side is also equipped with a storage compartment, a C-shaped seating on the interior, and an aft-facing bench.

And let’s get to the interior! The saloon can easily fit 6 people in and you can adjust it by removing the table and lifting the hatches. So, this seating area will open up and will offer a deep-set lateral double berth. And like this, you get a bed with enough light, plenty of headroom, and storage space. Moving towards the helm console you’ll find a sink and a stove situated beneath the chart table. Along with the fridge which is built into the base of the helm seat you get a basic and practical galley.

You might find it expensive as a model but many sailors and the company itself ensures that it’s a multi-functional boat and perfectly capable of winter sailing. And more than that, you get 2 double berths, a practical galley, a seating space for six, a spacious aft cockpit, and a sturdy hull. A reliable and seaworthy boat that holds its value and can take you to the far Northern seas safely.

Hardy 335S

Hardy Marine is a well-known brand for its trawler sailboats and for its vertical deck saloon design. The interior of Hardy 335S consists of full-length glass saloon sliding doors and when opening them up you’ll directly face the saloon on the main deck, level with the cockpit. A teak-laid floor and comfortable-looking dark blue upholstery form an overall great interior design.

In addition, you’ll find two bucket seats for the helm and navigator as well as a large vertical wooden steering wheel with a stainless steel rim. And heading towards the lower deck there’s a useful galley opposite of reasonably sized heads. Right ahead in the fore cabin, there’s an offset double berth. The master cabin has a large double bed with storage, drawers, as well as a hanging locker. Also, the main saloon has one single and one extendable berth.

Even though it’s a Hardy, its style is quite modern and angular. There’s no rope fender but the signature blue top band to the hull is still there. The downside with this model is that there’s no seating in the cockpit area. However, there’s plenty of space for folding chairs around the table. The side decks are equipped with deep bulwarks, high guard rails, and a modern recessed foredeck that make the model a perfectly seaworthy vessel suitable for all-weather sailing. There’s also a vertical ladder to the flybridge and a single bench seat situated behind the helm.

Concerning Hardy’s performance, under that aft cockpit, there’s a pair of Volvo Penta AQAD 41 200hp diesel engines; one of the most powerful in the world – able to reach a top speed of 20 knots. Hardy 335S is one of the boats that has proven to withstand cold weather and harsh sailing conditions. You can find it in today’s market with a reasonable price ranging from $50,000 to $70,000.

Aquastar 430

The Aquastar 430 is an evolution of the Aquastar 42, as the 430 introduced the T-top hardtop over the aft deck. This new model designed by Mark Tucker brought a new look, modern design, and a large window area. As we refer to an aft cabin boat, the accommodation compartment extends to the entire length of the boat. The full-beam aft cabin features a queen-sized bed, plenty of storage space, as well as an en-suite split between a shower stall and a separate head.

Going towards the other end and on its lower deck, the fore cabin has a centreline double bed, two heads, and a functional galley. The main deck includes a C-shaped dinette opposite a sideboard, and the entire interior is made of modern design carpentry that adds a stylish note to its overall image.

Along with the modern styling and interior, Aquastar kept all of its practical boat crafting features. For instance, the wide side decks that facilitate sideway boarding, deep gunwales, and solid grab rails. Moreover, the aft deck, which tends to be a weak spot of aft-cabin boats, uses moldings so as to create well-protected seating areas. The twin helm seat backrest can be turned over so as to add extra seating in the dinette area. The option of a dinette opposite the galley can also convert into a sleeping area. 

This motor yacht is specifically designed for heavy weather conditions, so the hull is semi-displacement rather than a planing hull. This aids the passage through rough seas rather than bouncing over them. And even though there will be a lot of spray, Aquastar added extra hefty chines and spray rails, so it got you covered. Lastly, the boat ensures great handling, ability for both upwind and downwind sailing as well as excellent maneuverability. It will be your best companion during your winter sailing adventures!

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Moody Carbineer 44

With overall great performance under sail and capable of over 1000NM under power, the Carbineer is considered to be one of Laurent Giles’s best designs. And keep in mind that Moodys manufacturing quality was one of the best during the early seventies. And now this sailboat appears to perform excellently under rough weather conditions in comparison with many others just half of her age. If you’re keen on the classic lines of a traditional classical cruiser but want the maintenance benefits of a robust GRP hull then this sailboat really worths your attention.

The sailboat is ketch rigged with proctor aluminum spars along with stainless steel standing rigging. Keep in mind that the Carbineer 44 lengthens to Carbineer 46. This configuration allowed the aft cockpit to extend back further and therefore offering more headroom in the aft cabin. Furthermore, the Moody Crbinner 44 comes with either one bunk to port with stowage locker to starboard or bunks to port and starboard. The fore cabin has two bunks port and starboard. Moreover, there’s a large wardrobe on the aft bulkhead to port. In addition, there’s a spacious passageway commencing from the steps and forward to the saloon. The fore toilet to starboard includes a washbasin, a head, a shower stall, and lockers.

As for the spacious galley situated to port, it includes twin stainless steel sinks, a cooker and refrigerator, and stowage cupboard located on the forward bulkhead. The saloon has an L-shaped settee with a teak adjustable table, lockers, and plenty of seats that can provide comfort to 7 persons. The steering position includes a chart table arrangement forward of steering and the wheelhouse itself is reasonably spacious. Its max speed can reach 8.5 knots and its GRP hull along with long keel construction ensure excellent performance for winter sailing. So, if you’re a numerous crew and are looking for a large, sturdy, and reliable sailboat for sailing in cold weather, then this one might be the one for you!

The Bottom Line

If you’re the type of person that enjoys wintery scenery and sailing or living aboard during the winter, buying a sturdy and reliable sailboat is of great importance. Cold climates and temperatures require robust hull construction, a long keel, a powerful engine, and preferably a motor yacht. But if you have a large crew then one of the aforementioned motorboats and sailboats will also serve you great. Keep in mind that you’ll face freezing winds, cold spray off the sea, and harsh weather conditions during your winter sailing. But if you’re here and looking for the best motorboats and sailboats for cold weather then you’re already keen on sailing in cold temperatures and Northern climates. And remember that sailing is about one’s needs, like routes, plans, voyage duration, and weather preferences. Wish you a pleasant and safe cold weather sailing!