The $15K Challenge: 7 Boats, 7 Markets, One Goal

A coast-to-coast hunt for real bargains in the used sailboat market.

Ahoy BoatFools crew!

I meant to get this out last week but we’ve been busy! Alas, back in May we ran The Under $35K Challenge—and now we’re upping the ante. Can you still find a solid cruising sailboat for $15,000 or less? Prices have cooled a bit, and we’re seeing lots of price drops. But good boats at good prices? They’re still tough to snag—especially with a hard $15K cap.

So we went shopping. But we didn’t look everywhere - we limited our search to Facebook Marketplace only. There are other options out there for sure. Other great sites to search would be Craigslist, Sailboat Listings, and others.

Ok, one solid cruising sailboat from each of the 7 big U.S. markets – all under $15,000.
Welcome to The $15k Challenge.

Where we’re shopping:

1. New England

2. Mid-Atlantic (Chesapeake, Delaware, Jersey shores)

3. Florida

4. Texas & Gulf Coast

5. California

6. Pacific Northwest

7. Great Lakes region

What’s the market like right now?

• Softer, but still competitive: Asking prices are down, but decent-condition boats don’t linger long.

• You’re shopping classics: Think Pearson, Cape Dory, Cal, Catalina, Tartan. Most are 35–45 years old - some even older. BUT THESE CAN BE INSURED!

• Condition is the difference-maker: Buy the boat with dry decks and a solid engine, even if the sails are tired. You can sail with old sails, but you can’t motor with a pooched engine…

• Regional flavors: Florida and the Chesapeake are flooded with boats. California? Much slimmer pickings at this price point.

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The Boats – 7 Markets, 7 Picks

Here’s what we found when we scoured the country for sub-$15k cruising sailboats you’d actually want to own:

(Pictures are linked to their respective ads)

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1. New England – 1972 Seafarer 31 ($9,000)

“Eva is a 1972 Seafarer 31 sailboat with timeless lines and seaworthy performance, designed by the renowned William Tripp. She’s a capable coastal cruiser that blends vintage character with practical upgrades, making her ideal for weekend getaways and extended cruising.” -pulled from the ad. What a pretty boat - and stored indoors. And $9k? If there are no major issues, this is a smokin’ deal. Of course, she’s located in Rockland, ME, so it might not be right next door, but at that price, you could fly up and sail her home!

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2. Mid-Atlantic – 1976 C&C 30 ($14,900)

“You would be hard pressed to find a Classic Sloop of this age to be in such a well-maintained state! For the past 30 years, Dark Star has been owned by the Oldest Boat Partnership on the Bay with three co-owners since the mid 90’s. The Partnership cruised the Bay extensively, raced in the overnight Governor’s Cup a dozen years, and won numerous C&C Annual Regattas on Dark Star.” - pulled from the ad. If you’re in the neighborhood and this is within your budget and you want a modest racer/cruiser, I would get in your car, sit in traffic FOREVER, and get to this ASAP.

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3. Florida – 1967 Alberg 35 ($15,000)

“Recent refurbish 11/2023. Bottom stripped to bare glass, fiberglass repairs, new thru-hulls, 3 coats barrier coat, 4 coats bottom paint, new hull color hunter green gel coat. In 2022, new packing gland, shaft, coupler, and cutlass bearing. 2021, interior and topsides repainted. Virtually brand new Universal Westerbeke M25 XPB-C. 25 hp diesel (74 hrs!). MSD, camp toilet, Exc. Sails and canvas. Sleeps 6. Pressure H2O w/ shower.” - pulled from ad. AND THIS MIGHT COME WITH A SLIP. Are you KIDDING ME? A true classic that has some life left to give!