Looking for the best liveaboard boats under 40 feet can drive you crazy. Sure, the freedom of water life sounds amazing, but finding that “just right” smaller boat means some tough choices about comfort, safety, and what you can afford. Let’s be real—many boaters get frustrated with cramped spaces, nowhere to put their stuff and layouts that feel like a closet after a few weeks. This guide cuts through the confusion based on conversations with actual owners to highlight boats that give you the most livable space without breaking the bank or sacrificing performance. A comfortable, affordable life on the water is doable, even with a smaller boat.
Table of Contents
- Catalina 38 (Sailboat)
- Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 (Sailboat)
- Island Packet 35 (Sailboat)
- Nordic Tug 37 (Powerboat)
- Grand Banks 36 Classic (Powerboat)
- Albin 35 Command Bridge (Powerboat)
- Endeavour Catamaran 36 (Catamaran)
- Finding Your Perfect Liveaboard Boat
- FAQs – 7 Best Liveaboard Boats Under 40 Feet
Catalina 38 (Sailboat)
The Catalina 38 offers the perfect blend of performance sailing and liveaboard comfort in a classic bluewater-capable package. Originally designed by renowned naval architects Sparkman & Stephens, this 38-foot monohull delivers responsive handling while providing a comfortable home for solo sailors or couples.
What sets the Catalina 38 apart is its thoughtful balance of sailing capability and livability. The spacious cabin features a practical layout with a V-berth forward, convertible dinette, functional galley, and quarter berth. Solid fiberglass construction by Catalina Yachts ensures these boats remain seaworthy decades after their manufacture, with many examples from the late 1970s still cruising today.
Key Features:
- Performance-oriented hull design with comfortable sailing characteristics
- Durable fiberglass construction built to withstand ocean conditions
- Spacious interior with a practical layout for full-time living
- Excellent value retention and typically affordable purchase prices ($45K-$70K)
- Good headroom throughout most of the cabin
- Manageable size for single-handed sailing
- A classic teak interior that creates a warm, homey atmosphere
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 (Sailboat)
Let’s talk about the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 – this boat is the cool, modern loft apartment of the sailing world. The French builders at Beneteau have nailed the balance between “actually sails well” and “doesn’t make you feel like you’re camping in a closet” with this model.
Step aboard and you’ll immediately notice how bright and airy everything feels. Unlike those cave-like older boats, the Oceanis throws open the doors to natural light with huge windows that make the interior feel twice its actual size. And that beam! At 13’1″ wide, this 38-footer offers elbow room that will make your marina neighbors jealous.
Key Features:
- Tons of natural light (seriously, you might need sunglasses below deck)
- Mix-and-match interior layouts depending on how you want to live
- A super-wide beam that means you can walk past each other below
- A kitchen that wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy apartment
- Sailing setup that won’t leave you exhausted (perfect for solo or couple sailing)
- Awesome swim platform that makes getting in and out of the dinghy way easier
- Looks that will have people strolling down the dock for a second glance
Fair warning though – all this modern goodness doesn’t come cheap. New models start around $200K, which is more than you’ll drop on older boats. But hey, if you want that contemporary feel without going over 40 feet, the Oceanis 38.1 delivers some serious bang for your buck in the “floating home that doesn’t look like your grandpa’s boat” department.
Related: 9 Best Liveaboard Catamaran
Island Packet 35 (Sailboat)
If sailboats were superheroes, the Island Packet 35 would be the tank of the group – not the flashiest or fastest member of the team, but the one you’d absolutely want by your side when things get rough. This boat is built like a brick house on the water, with a solid fiberglass hull and that signature cream-colored exterior that IP owners swear by.
What makes the Island Packet 35 special is its unwavering focus on safety and comfort over speed. With its full keel design (think of it as having really deep, stable roots in the water), this boat tracks through waves like it’s on rails. When those unexpected squalls hit and lighter boats are bouncing around like popcorn, you’ll be calmly sipping your coffee belowdeck, maybe just tilting the mug a little to account for heel.
Key Features:
- Built-like-a-tank construction that’ll still be solid decades from now
- Full keel design that provides incredible directional stability in rough seas
- Comfortable interior with genuine teak throughout (none of that veneer nonsense)
- High bulwarks and secure deck layout that make moving around safer offshore
- Surprisingly roomy interior for a 35-footer thanks to clever use of space
- Excellent ventilation system for tropical climates (those dorade vents aren’t just for show)
- Cult-like resale value – these boats hold their worth better than almost any other brand
You won’t be winning any races in an IP 35. It’s kind of like driving a reliable old Volvo instead of a sports car. But if your priority is having a home that can safely cross oceans while keeping you comfortable, and you don’t mind arriving a day or two after the racing crowd, this boat delivers peace of mind that’s worth its weight in gold.
Nordic Tug 37 (Powerboat)
Ready to ditch the sails but keep the liveaboard dream alive? The Nordic Tug 37 might just be your perfect match. This salty little tugboat-inspired trawler has developed something of a cult following among powerboaters who want to go places without watching their fuel gauge drop faster than a lead weight.
What makes the Nordic Tug 37 stand out in the powerboat world is its remarkable efficiency. While your typical 37-foot express cruiser might guzzle 20+ gallons per hour at cruising speed, this tug sips fuel through a single 330hp diesel engine, often burning under 4 gallons per hour at 8 knots. Do the math – that’s some serious range from a standard fuel tank! Push it to its top speed of about 16-18 knots when you need to outrun weather, then drop back to economic cruise for the long hauls.
Key Features:
- Incredibly fuel-efficient single diesel engine setup (your wallet will thank you)
- All-weather pilothouse design that keeps you comfortable regardless of conditions
- Surprisingly spacious interior that feels more like a 40+ footer
- Solid, stable ride even when coastal conditions get choppy
- Traditional tug styling that never goes out of fashion (and turns heads everywhere)
- A semi-displacement hull that balances efficiency with the ability to get up and go
- Excellent craftsmanship with high-quality finishes throughout
These boats command premium prices (typically $300K+ for newer models) compared to similar-sized vessels. But Nordic Tug owners will be quick to tell you that the initial investment pays dividends in operating costs, reliability, and exceptional resale value. For full-time liveaboards who want to cruise extensively without worrying about wind direction or fuel bills, it’s tough to beat this pocket trawler for practical, comfortable living.
Related: Average Cost of Owning and Buying a Liveaboard Sailboat
Grand Banks 36 Classic (Powerboat)
If boats could be classified as icons, the Grand Banks 36 Classic would be right up there with the Rolls Royce of the sea. This legendary trawler has been turning heads in marinas since the 1960s, and for good reason – it’s the definition of “they don’t make ’em like they used to.” With its distinctive navy-blue hull, gleaming teak, and salty Downeast profile, this boat screams “serious cruiser” without saying a word.
The GB 36 Classic is what happens when traditional craftsmanship meets practical design. Below decks, you’re greeted with a solid wood interior that feels more like a cozy cabin than a boat – think warm teak, clever storage solutions, and a layout that makes sense for living aboard. The displacement hull slices efficiently through water rather than pounding over it, giving you that smooth, gentle motion that makes long passages genuinely enjoyable rather than something to be endured.
Key Features:
- Rock-solid build quality that’s stood the test of decades (some 1970s models still cruise today)
- Twin diesel engines provide reliability and redundancy for offshore peace of mind
- Genuine teak interiors and exteriors that give unmatched warmth and character
- Economical cruising speed of 7-8 knots that stretches your fuel budget
- A surprisingly spacious salon that becomes the heart of your floating home
- Covered aft deck that serves as your outdoor living room in all but the worst weather
- Deep, safe side decks that make moving around while underway secure and comfortable
Owning a classic GB 36 is a bit like having a vintage wooden sailboat. That gorgeous teak requires regular maintenance to keep it looking shipshape, and you’ll want to budget for ongoing TLC. But Grand Banks devotees will tell you it’s worth it. The community of owners is incredibly passionate, the boats hold their value remarkably well, and there’s something deeply satisfying about living aboard a vessel with genuine nautical soul rather than just another fiberglass condo.
Albin 35 Command Bridge (Powerboat)
Ever notice how some boats just seem to fit perfectly into their environment? That’s the Albin 35 Command Bridge cruising the Intracoastal Waterway. This Swedish-designed charmer has developed a devoted following among liveaboards who want a boat that can do a bit of everything without breaking the bank or guzzling fuel like it’s going out of style.
What makes the Albin 35 special is its brilliant balance of practicality and comfort. The semi-displacement hull gives you the best of both worlds – efficient cruising at trawler speeds (around 8 knots) when you’re in no hurry, and the ability to bump up to 15+ knots when you need to make that next bridge opening or outrun an approaching storm. And that command bridge? It’s not just for show – the elevated helm position gives you fantastic visibility for navigating shallow coastal waters and crowded marinas.
Key Features:
- Spacious flybridge that doubles as an amazing outdoor entertaining area
- Generous cockpit perfect for fishing, lounging, or just watching the sunset
- Semi-displacement hull design that doesn’t force you to choose between speed and efficiency
- Surprisingly nimble handling makes docking less of an adventure
- Wide side decks that make moving around the boat safe and easy
- Reliable single diesel engine setup (typically Volvo or Yanmar) that sips rather than gulps
- Sensible Scandinavian design that prioritizes function over flashy features
While the Albin won’t win any awards for interior volume compared to some trawlers, what’s there is thoughtfully designed. The salon and galley feel open and connected, and clever storage solutions abound. Where this boat shines is in its outdoor living spaces – between the flybridge and cockpit, you’ve got more usable deck area than many larger vessels.
For ICW cruisers and coastal liveaboards, especially those who enjoy a bit of fishing alongside their cruising lifestyle, the Albin 35 hits a sweet spot that’s tough to beat in the under-40-foot category.
Endeavour Catamaran 36 (Catamaran)
If the monohulls we’ve covered are apartments, the Endeavour Catamaran 36 is more like a ranch-style home that happens to float. This compact cat packs an astonishing amount of living space into its 36-foot length, thanks to that wide beam that stretches nearly 15 feet across. Translation? You get almost double the interior volume of a similar-length monohull.
What sets the Endeavour 36 apart is how it combines the stability of a catamaran with practical liveaboard features. Unlike some cats that feel like sterile, floating condos, these Endeavours maintain a boat-like feel with clever layouts that maximize both privacy and communal living. The twin hulls create natural separation for bedrooms, while the main salon and galley span the center, creating a genuine great room with panoramic views that’ll make your land-dwelling friends jealous.
Key Features:
- Rock-solid stability that means no more tippy dinners or sliding out of bed at anchor
- Incredibly shallow draft (about 2 feet!) that lets you sneak into gorgeous anchorages other boats can only dream about
- A spacious cockpit that doubles your outdoor living space compared to monohulls
- Twin diesel engines provide redundancy and precise maneuvering in tight marina spaces
- Level sailing with no heeling (a huge plus for those prone to seasickness)
- Remarkably fuel-efficient when motoring thanks to slender hull designs
- Forward trampoline area that becomes everyone’s favorite lounging spot in nice weather
You’ll typically pay a premium of 20-30% over a comparable monohull for all these benefits. But many liveaboard cat converts will tell you they’d never go back to “living on the edge.” For those who prioritize comfort, space, and stability over sailing performance or tradition, the Endeavour 36 offers small-cat living without requiring a lottery win. And that shallow draft? It opens up countless skinny-water cruising grounds that deep-keeled boats have to sail right past.
Finding Your Perfect Liveaboard Boat
Choosing the ideal liveaboard under 40 feet means matching your lifestyle to the right boat. Sailboats offer the joy of wind-powered travel with designs ranging from performance-oriented to stability-focused vessels. Modern sailboats provide bright, airy interiors with flexible layouts, while classic designs deliver proven seaworthiness and timeless appeal. For those preferring engines over sails, trawlers combine excellent fuel economy with comfortable all-weather cruising capabilities. Traditional powerboats feature beautiful woodwork and cozy interiors, while more versatile models excel in coastal waters with practical features. Catamarans maximize living space with their wide, stable design and shallow draft for accessing secluded anchorages. Your perfect boat depends on what matters most to you: performance, comfort, efficiency, or space. The right vessel is waiting!
FAQs – 7 Best Liveaboard Boats Under 40 Feet
What size boat is best for liveaboard?
The ideal liveaboard boat size is typically 35-45 feet. This range offers enough space for comfortable living while remaining manageable and affordable. Smaller boats (under 35 feet) can work for minimalists or solo sailors, while larger vessels provide more luxury but increase costs and maintenance. Your perfect size depends on your lifestyle needs, sailing experience, and budget.
Can you live on a 40-foot yacht?
Yes, a 40-foot yacht provides excellent liveaboard accommodations. This size offers a good balance of livable space (typically including 1-2 cabins, a galley, head, and salon) while remaining manageable for a couple or small family. Many consider 40-footers the sweet spot for liveaboard life—large enough for comfort without the excessive costs and maintenance of bigger vessels.
Can you solo sail a 40-foot boat?
Yes, you can solo sail a 40-foot boat, but it requires experience and proper equipment. Modern advancements like autopilots, electric winches, and roller-furling sails make single-handing possible. However, beginners should start with smaller vessels. A 40-footer demands good physical fitness, thorough planning, and systems knowledge. Many experienced sailors safely solo boats this size for coastal cruising and ocean passages.
