What happened to the "small" "Affordable" cruisers?

[gilgsn]

A 20 footer has another disadvantage, that is much less storage space. If you add a life raft, folded dinghy and supplies, you pretty much have only one bunk left.. I haven't made more than a two-day crossing, so I might change my mind about the cozyness later ;-)

Gil.

[fish53]

You can always build one, I built this for less than 20K including all new diesel engine, driveline and hydraulic steering. Plenty of underdeck storage, sleeps two, uses less than 1/3 of a gallon an hour at 6kts. and about 1000 mile range with 60 gallons of fuel. I intend to do the Great Loop next year.

[Don C L]

At 20', aren't you pretty much sailing your life raft? ...and maybe your dinghy as well

[Phantom Jim]

Anything more than you need plus a tad extra may well be wasted boat. Many of our friends got larger boats so their friends and family would have good accommodations when they visited. Most guests were sporadic and the owners ended up living with an oversized boat most of the time.

Choosing realistically may be a difficult chore, but well worth it. Worthwhile guests will understand the limitations and truly enjoy being aboard regardless of the accomodations. The un-worthwhile guests are best left ashore in a hotel room.

[Fore and Aft]

Nice boat Fish53 are you going to put a rig on her? I could see a headsail helping with the fuel economy and steadying her?
Gilgsn, comfort I think is in the eye of the beholder. You get used to what you have. On small boats it's like a free day long Yoga lesson.
It's a shame small boats have gone out of fashion. Here in Tin Can Bay Queensland is a neglected sweet looking pocket cruiser for sale. She has a brilliant pedigree and would make a fine yacht for the right person. I would even give them the nosey parker marine surveyor special price if they wanted it surveyed.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bore...cht/1254167992
https://trident24.com/
Cheers

[fish53]

Yes I have the mast and sails waiting, I have to haul her out in a couple of weeks when my new propeller gets here. I'll be putting them on and a few other projects before relaunch and head south.