Rupert Holmes analyses the pros and cons for today’s boat owners of the most popular cruising yacht ever built in Britain, and also suggests some worthy alternatives
used boat test
Oysterman 16: tradition in miniature
Condensing all the character, charm and idiosyncrasies of a traditional gaffer into a pint-sized package, the Oysterman 16 has proved to be the ideal boat for one West Country enthusiast.…
Bavaria 34: find out why this boat was a sell out success
Rupert Holmes revisits this popular high volume cruiser from the late 1990s and early 2000s and looks at the alternatives
Rustler 33: the elegant weekender
With many cruising yachts only used for weekend sailing, Rustler decided to create something that's made for the job. David Harding reports
Seascape 18: the light fantastic trailer-sailer
Despite her racy appearance, the Seascape 18 is a versatile and well-mannered trailer-sailer – as David Harding reports
Ovni 395: aluminium all-star
She can dry out on the beach, cross oceans, and bounce off submerged dangers that would present a serious threat to other boats – so does the Ovni 395 have…
Etap 24i: the boat that will do whatever you want
Small enough to trail, big enough to cruise for a fortnight and fast enough to win races, the Etap 24i is as versatile as they come, says David Harding
Bay Cruiser 26: space, pace and practicality
How do you combine trailability, performance and live- aboard comfort in a 26-footer? David Harding explains the secrets of the Bay Cruiser 26
Best used Beneteau sailboats to buy right now!
Stylish and built in quantity, Beneteau yachts can make great second-hand buys. Peter Poland checks out some of the most desirable models
Frances 26: a proper little yacht
With her long keel, appealing lines, big-boat feel and surprisingly roomy interior, the Frances 26 is a sought-after, second-hand buy, says David Harding
The Voyager: a midget gem
Shorter than most dinghies but with twin ballasted keels and a proper cabin, the Voyager opens up a whole new world of budget boating. David Harding reports
Elizabethan 31: the solid offshore cruiser
Her reputation as an able passage-maker makes the Elizabethan 31 highly sought after by cruising folk, but she’s also a spirited performer, says David Harding
GT35 boat test: ‘outstanding, production cruiser’
David Harding tests the GT35 boat and finds a yacht that offers "a blend of performance, power, stiffness, comfort, security, ease of handling, innovative thinking, clever detailing and structural integrity…
Dragonfly 25: the versatile trailable trimaran
Equally happy cruising with the kids or flying two hulls at 20 knots, the Dragonfly 25 is a versatile trailable tri. David Harding went for a spin
Sargo 31: a superb fast cruiser
The Sargo 31 sits right in the middle of the Finnish firm’s five-strong range: Nick Burnham takes the helm of a boat capable of covering ‘serious distances at high speed’
Bavaria Cruiser 33 comes of age
The Bavaria Cruiser 33 looked like a formula for success. David Harding tests the family cruiser
Elan 31: the Elan that time forgot
She has been superseded by younger siblings, but does the Elan 31 look or behave like an outdated model? Not in the least, says David Harding
Westerly Konsort: space, security & good performance
One of the roomiest cruisers of her size, the Konsort is also known for her solidity, interior finish and easy manners. No wonder she’s such a popular second-hand buy, says…
Duchy 27: the motor launch fit for a duke
The Duchy 27 started life as a Aquila 27 before being tweaked by Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding. David Harding puts the motor launch through its paces
Dehler 32: where fast meets friendly
The Dehler 32 combines race-boat performance with easy sailing for short-handed crews, says David Harding