Racer Cruiser Sailboat Values

The term racer/cruiser sailboat may draw some eye-rolls from modern sailors, who often view it as a marketing ploy meant to broaden a boat’s appeal. But despite its overuse, the racer/cruiser concept remains highly relevant for sailors who want a vessel that performs well on the racecourse and offers the comfort needed for extended cruising. These dual-purpose sailboats strike a balance that makes them ideal for many enthusiasts—especially those unsure if they lean more toward competition or exploration.

A racer/cruiser is a sailboat designed to serve both as a competitive race vessel and a comfortable cruiser. Typically ranging from 35 to 50 feet in length, these boats are built to handle club races or offshore regattas, then shift seamlessly into cruising mode with features like cabins, galleys, and head compartments. A racer/cruiser under 30 feet can feel too cramped for comfortable long-distance cruising. Whereas a racer/cruiser over 50 feet are typically too costly or complex to optimize for both racing and cruising.

Well-known models in this category include the Dehler 46 on the larger end, and the Dufour 36P, a boat that helps restore credibility to the racer/cruiser classification.

The deck layout of a racer/cruiser must support both fast-paced racing and relaxed cruising. Features like dodgers, biminis, and cockpit tables can usually be removed or stowed to keep the deck clean for racing maneuvers. Some key deck features include: high-peformance rigging that balances durability and low stretch; efficient sail handling systems for both short-handled cruising and full racing crew; dual halyards for headsails and spinnakers; cockpit halyard leads (preferred for cruising) vs mast halyard jumps (preferred for racing).

Modern sail inventories are highly specialized. While racers opt for lightweight, high-performance sails, cruisers value durability and ease of handling. A true racer/cruiser may require two separate sail inventories—or a well-chosen compromise. There are some common challenges or trade-offs to overcome. One is the roller furling jibs offer ease for cruisers but add windage and weight that racers avoid. The other is removable furler drums are a costly compromise that may not offer ideal performance gains. Experts suggest that your best bet is to choose your dominant sailing style (at least early on) and optimize your gear accordingly.

The interior of a racer/cruiser reflects its hybrid nature and is the palce where comfort meets functionality. While cruisers enjoy well-appointed cabins with enclosed heads, full galleys, and cozy berths, racers often view these amenities as deadweight. Expect a basic galley with space for cooking, a curtained off head compartment, and minimalist but usable furniture. Ports and hatches are a compromise too. Opening ports offer valuable light and ventilation for cruising but add weight and complexity for racers.

Racer/cruiser sailboats aren’t for everyone. Some models try to pack too much into too small a hull in an attempt to satisfy two very different sailing styles. But for new boat buyers, weekend racers, or those who want to cruise comfortably while staying competitive, a well-designed racer/cruiser can be the ideal solution. Before buying, be honest about how you plan to sail. If you want the best of both worlds—performance and liveability—a racer/cruiser might be the perfect addition to your sailing lifestyle.

3ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

C

Coronado 23

Avg. Listing Price: $2,800

CAL 227

Avg. Listing Price: $6,357

Catalina 320

Avg. Listing Price: $61,268

CE Ryder Sea Sprite

Avg. Listing Price: $129,900

C&C Mk Ii 38

Avg. Listing Price: $20,000

Composite Technology Inc Pt32

Avg. Listing Price: $4,999

Capital Yachts Newport Pilot House

Avg. Listing Price: $30,000

Cervigon 70

Avg. Listing Price: $1,093,267

Corsair 28R

Avg. Listing Price: $63,000

Columbia Proto 30

Avg. Listing Price: $25,000

Carter Offshore 37

Avg. Listing Price: $36,000

Cape Dory Cd27

Avg. Listing Price: $11,500

Clark Boat Company San Juan

Avg. Listing Price: $4,867

Canadian Sailcraft 33

Avg. Listing Price: $28,000

Clipper Marine Usa 21

Avg. Listing Price: $2,500

CNB 100

Avg. Listing Price: $3,970,286

Cherubini Raider

Avg. Listing Price: $17,000

Colgate 26

Avg. Listing Price: $27,350

CS Canadian Sailcraft 27

Avg. Listing Price: $9,995

Camper & Nicholsons Camper Half Ton No. 14 Of 28 30 1 2

Avg. Listing Price: $25,500

Cambria 44

Avg. Listing Price: $125,000

Corum Yachts Soto Racer 27

Avg. Listing Price: $59,950

Cantiere Del Pardo Grand Soleil 46

Avg. Listing Price: $90,000

Contessa 33

Avg. Listing Price: $24,900

Capri 25

Avg. Listing Price: $5,100

Chaser Yachts 33

Avg. Listing Price: $15,000

CSY Walkover Shoal Draft Short Rig 44

Avg. Listing Price: $69,000

Chrysler Sandpiper 22

Avg. Listing Price: $4,000

CSK Choy 47

Avg. Listing Price: $195,000

Cuthbertson & Cassion C Ll 35

Avg. Listing Price: $24,000

Carroll Marine Frers 36

Avg. Listing Price: $39,900

Carrera 290

Avg. Listing Price: $15,833

Concordia Kevlar 42

Avg. Listing Price: $79,000

Challenger 40

Avg. Listing Price: $77,900

Caliber 33

Avg. Listing Price: $46,000

Conser Warrior 29

Avg. Listing Price: $17,000

Condor 30

Avg. Listing Price: $38,000

Caljensen Marine Cal34

Avg. Listing Price: $15,999

Contest Ketch 41

Avg. Listing Price: $79,000

Class 40 S 53

Avg. Listing Price: $260,000

Choate 40

Avg. Listing Price: $15,000

Christophe Barreau Marsaudon Composites Eos 54

Avg. Listing Price: $797,000

Cheoy Lee Robbs Design

Avg. Listing Price: $30,000

CN Imapla 40

Avg. Listing Price: $80,000

Classic Sciarrelli

Avg. Listing Price: $172,832

Corbin Cotre 39

Avg. Listing Price: $50,000

Carlson Iroquois Ultimate Concept 32

Avg. Listing Price: $34,000

Chuck Burns Pyramid 45

Avg. Listing Price: $40,000

Cascade Yachts Cascade

Avg. Listing Price: $8,800

Cartwright 44

Avg. Listing Price: $114,363

Costantini Bermudian Ketch

Avg. Listing Price: $207,399

Continental Lapworth Gladiator 24

Avg. Listing Price: $7,500

Casey Yacht Alden 618H

Avg. Listing Price: $120,000

Carl Lundquist - Sweden Bruce Roberts

Avg. Listing Price: $89,900

S

Structures Pogo 1250

Avg. Listing Price: $393,000

San Juan 28

Avg. Listing Price: $8,000

Stuart Marine Rhodes 19

Avg. Listing Price: $11,960

Seawind And Mooring

Avg. Listing Price: $12,000

S-2 6.7

Avg. Listing Price: $2,850

Schock Santana

Avg. Listing Price: $9,330

Sabre Targa 34

Avg. Listing Price: $53,434

Sloop Harmonic 33

Avg. Listing Price: $30,000

Swede Sweed 55

Avg. Listing Price: $40,000

Santana 23D

Avg. Listing Price: $1,500

Santa Cruz 50

Avg. Listing Price: $210,000

Stiletto Gt 30

Avg. Listing Price: $27,600

Sonar Sonar

Avg. Listing Price: $5,000

Swift Marine Swift Plus 30

Avg. Listing Price: $19,900

Surfglass Prindle

Avg. Listing Price: $2,000

Sparkman & Stephens Tartan 34C

Avg. Listing Price: $10,000

Soverel 33

Avg. Listing Price: $14,200

Starrett & Jenks Morgan 45

Avg. Listing Price: $5,000

Starwind Sd 27

Avg. Listing Price: $12,500

Smart Yachting Smarttri40

Avg. Listing Price: $220,000

Sigma 33

Avg. Listing Price: $21,550

South Coast One Design 26

Avg. Listing Price: $9,431

Sly Avis 47

Avg. Listing Price: $305,548

Solaris 50

Avg. Listing Price: $801,161

Seidelmann 299

Avg. Listing Price: $4,000

Salona 38

Avg. Listing Price: $137,500

Siedelmann 25

Avg. Listing Price: $4,050

Southern Wind 72

Avg. Listing Price: $349,000

Sceptre 36

Avg. Listing Price: $25,500

Skerry Cruiser Square Meter 22

Avg. Listing Price: $50,000

Sunfish Sailboat

Avg. Listing Price: $500

Seafarer Sl 34

Avg. Listing Price: $16,500

Shock Santana 2023X

Avg. Listing Price: $14,800

Standfast 33

Avg. Listing Price: $14,900

Seaquest Rp36

Avg. Listing Price: $177,111

Scape Race Cruiser

Avg. Listing Price: $355,000