Small Sailboats

Sunfish, Laser, Hobie Cats, Catalina, and more. Ideal for Michigan lakes. Fun, fast, affordable sailing. Beach cats. Singlehand or family sailboats. Recreational or race. Visit our showroom in southeast Michigan.

1. under $1100

   Super Snark

   Specifications
   Length	11 ′
   Beam	3 ′ 2 ″
   Sail Area	45 sq ft
   Weight	50 lbs
   Capacity	310 lbs

   The Super Snark is simple, rugged, and straightforward. Enjoy it yourself; share it with family and friends. Anyone can sail this so inexpensive, easiest to car-top sailboat. Children or adults. A whole lot of summer fun in a cute little affordable package. see more

2. under $2000

   Walker Bay 8 Performance Rigid Dinghy

   Specifications
   Length	8 ′ 3 ″
   Beam	4 ′ 4 ″
   Sail Area	39 sq ft
   Weight	71 lbs
   Capacity	1–2
   Max HP	2 HP

   If you only want to sail, the WB 8 may not be your most comfortable choice, but if you want all the advantages of a versatile dinghy: row, motor, fish, sail—and you want to car-top and move the boat easily to the beach (has its own built-in keel wheel) then the Walker Bay 8 is a clear winner. Affordable, and rugged throughout. Well designed. Quality components, innovative features and hull material that's built to last.
   more at walkerbay.com

3. under $3000

   Walker Bay 10 Performance Rigid Dinghy

   Specifications
   Length	9 ′ 8 ″
   Beam	4 ′ 9 ″
   Sail Area	50 sq ft
   Weight	126 lbs
   Capacity	1–3
   Max HP	3 HP

   The WB 10 is the big sister of the WB 8, same high quality with similar characteristics throughout, but 10 ′ affords you more room, more carrying capacity—and a flat cockpit floor which makes her more comfortable to move around in, and to use. see more
   and more at walkerbay.com

4. WB 9 Rigid Inflatable Dinghy: RID 275

   Specifications
   Length	9 ′
   Beam	5 ′ 8 ″
   Sail Area	50 sq ft
   Weight	89 lbs
   Capacity	1-3
   Max HP	4 HP

   The Walker Bay RID 9 (Rigid Inflatable Dinghy) has inflatable "tubes" surrounding its 8′ hull, thus the RID's larger exterior dimensions. Extra buoyancy on the perimeter makes it more stable and comfortable to sail—especially for kids or novices, than a traditional, narrow-railed, all rigid dinghy. The WB RID 9 offers more carrying capacity as well. With "perf. plus" sail.
   more at walkerbay.com

5. Optimist

   Specifications
   Length	7 ′ 7 ″
   Beam	3 ′ 7 ″
   Draft	3 ′ 2 ″
   Sail Area	33 sq ft
   Weight	77 lbs
   Capacity	1

   There are many small boats you can purchase for your sons/daughters to get them into sailing and loving it. Many board boats and dinghies are great for children and, at lesser prices.

   Where the Optimist shines singly brightest is that the Opti immerses your child to sailing with other kids the same age. And he gets to drive his own boat!

   Your child will strive to achieve, while learning independence in a safe, "kids everywhere" atmosphere. He'll skipper his own boat and attain skills by racing sailboats which will serve him throughout his lifetime.

   From sandbox to sailor in incremental steps, used by clubs throughout the world. Be forewarned, Opti racing is not cheap, but your child will play nicely with others in the healthy outdoors. That's a win.
   more at laserperformance.com

   Many Metro Detroit sailing clubs teach kids to sail using the Optimist, including Pontiac Yacht Club , who offers a good program reasonably priced. Info on other
   southeast Michigan small boat sailing clubs.

6. under $3500

   Pico

   Specifications
   Length	11 ′ 6 ″
   Beam	4 ′ 8 ″
   Sail Area	76 sq ft
   Weight	154 lbs
   Capacity	1–3

   The Pico is one of the best bargains in small boats, with broad appeal. Two sails promote teamwork between parent/child, small adults/children. Easy to rig. Easy to right. Great board boat most anyone can singlehand.

   Rounded deck for comfortable hiking, ample room for legs, foam filled roto-molded poly hull insures good durability, even with rugged use and constant beaching.
   more at laserperformance.com

7. Hobie Island

   Specifications
   Length	16 ′
   Beam max	9 ′ 4 ″
   Beam min	3 ′ 6 ″
   Sail Area	57.5 sq ft
   Weight	115 lbs
   Capacity	350 lbs

   Everyone should own an Island. There's simply nothing like it. A 16′ Mirage Adventure pedaling kayak at its center, and pontoons (amas) on each side, this trimaran is extremely stable. You sit in a comfortable center seat (tilts how you like it), steering lever at your side, sail control line in your hand, moving your legs only to pedal.

   It's like a remote control car—only you're in it! Furling sail rolls in or out in seconds. All the advantages of a catamaran.

   A sailboat, pedal boat, kayak—and efficient at all. Quick to rig, sails great, easy to car-top.
   Perfect fun . see more

8. Hobie Bravo

   Specifications
   Length	12 ′
   Beam	4 ′ 5 ″
   Sail Area	86 sq ft
   Weight	195 lbs
   Capacity	1–2 small

   Unique hull design, and so novice friendly. Easy to rig. Square topped, furling sail allows you to quickly control power in any wind condition, and roll it up completely upon exiting, or whenever you want. A great beach boat that anyone can use and enjoy.
   more at hobiecat.com

9. WB 10 Rigid Inflatable Dinghy: RID 310

   Specifications
   Length	10 ′ 2 ″
   Beam	6 ′
   Sail Area	50–85 sq ft
   Weight	149 lbs
   Capacity	1-4
   Max HP	6 HP

   The WB RID 10 (Rigid Inflatable Dinghy) has inflatable "tubes" which surround Walker Bay's 10′ rigid dinghy, adding more carrying capacity and so much stability a heavy person can stand on the side and not tip it over. Dinghy sailing that accomodates larger people.
   more at walkerbay.com

10. under $4000

    Sunfish

    Specifications
    Length	13 ′ 9 ″
    Beam	4 ′ 1 ″
    Sail Area	75 sq ft
    Weight	120 lbs
    Capacity	1–2

    The 21st century Sunfish is a quality board boat: lightweight, strong and rigid, that anyone can sail. Simple, with only two lines, one to hoist the lateen sail, one to control the power. Built since 1950, design improvements have enhanced this classic boat, which still carries an affordable price tag. Well suited to kids or average sized adults.
    more at laserperformance.com

    The Greater Detroit Sunfish Club welcomes you to sail with them. They'll even teach you how to sail—free!

11. under $5000

    Expo 12.5

    Specifications
    Length	12 ′ 9 ″
    Beam	5′
    Sail Area	65 sq ft
    Weight	160 lbs
    Capacity	1–2

    Style and comfort. The Expo 12.5 uses the SmartRig™, one of the easiest of all rigs to sail, use, and control. Its tapered composite mast and free-standing arched boom allow the sail to be rolled in or out quickly, no effort, no snags, while providing headroom. The Expo 12.5 accelerates well off the wind and feels stable underway.

    Wide hull, and a deeper cockpit than most board boats, allows you to sit more comfortably in light air. Two-tone deck reduces glare on sunny days. Remarkable features in this compact design. see more

12. Hobie Wave

    Specifications
    Length	13 ′
    Beam	7 ′
    Sail Area	95 sq ft
    Weight	245 lbs
    Capacity	1–4

    The Hobie Wave provides all the sweet taste of traditional cat sailing, but in modern design— so she's user friendly and comfortable. At only 13′ she's easy to set up and sail. Her roto-molded poly hull insures beaching durability, and she'll carry several on her roomy tramp. Fast with one aboard. Solid winner. see more

    Metro Detroit Hobie Fleet 276 welcomes you. See info on small boat sailing clubs in southeastern Michigan.

13. under $6000

    Laser

    Specifications
    Length	13 ′ 10 ″
    Beam	4 ′ 6 ″
    Sail Area	76 sq ft
    Weight	130 lbs
    Capacity	1–2

    Chosen by racers who seek serious competition, and those who love sailing on the edge. Responsive, fast, thrilling, an Olympic class sailboat—AND

    this Maserati's price tag is likely within reach. One quality, lightweight, simple board boat you too can learn to sail. Hone your skills to perfection. Buy it for your teenager. Buy it for yourself!

    You may get downright exhausted on a Laser, but you'll never get bored, nor tire of sailing her. She's a joy in any wind condition, you need only be—or become agile and in physically good shape.
    more at laserperformance.com

    The Laser sailboat is available in several versions: Standard, Race, or XD, and with smaller sails, including the popular (easier) Radial. The Laser is actively raced in the Metro-Detroit area at various southeast Michigan sailing clubs.

14. Catalina Expo 14.2

    Specifications
    Length	14 ′ 2 ″
    Beam	6′ 2 ″
    Draft	4 ″ – 3′ 6 ″
    Sail Area	105 sq ft
    Weight	340 lbs
    Capacity	1–4

    Catalina's Expo 14.2 daysailer has amazing headroom and a SmartRig™ with a roll-up sail, making her exceptionally easy to control in any wind condition and so simple to singlehand. Minutes to rig, even alone. Easy to trailer. Moor her and she self-bails by gravity—you need not cover her. Great for old, young, experienced, or raw. Perfect, easy, roomy boat. Comfy for larger people too. see more

15. $7000–$10,000, many variables

    Hobie Getaway

    Specifications
    Length	16 ′ 7″
    Beam	7 ′ 8 ″
    Sail Area	180 sq ft
    Weight	390 lbs
    Capacity	2–family

    She's big, she's wide (don't tell her!) and she's oh so comfy. Ride first class on this luxury liner. Optional wings and trapeze add even more comfort and excitement. Modern design, modern material (roto-molded poly) make her affordable too. Learn more about catamarans and their advantages or
    more about the Getwaway at hobiecat.com

    Metro Detroit Hobie Fleet 276 welcomes you. Find new lakes to sail in and around the metro-Detroit area, learn about southeastern Michigan small boat sailing clubs.

16. Catalina 16.5

    Specifications
    Length	17 ′ 2 ″
    Beam	7 ′
    Draft	5 ″–4 ′ 5″
    Sail Area	150 sq ft
    Weight	430 lbs
    Capacity	1–6

    The Catalina 16.5 is a traditional, sloop rigged daysailer, built right: she's hand-laid fiberglass. We add accessories including reefing main and furling genoa to make her novice friendly, and give more control to seasoned sailers who may sail her in heavy air.

    Her cockpit is wide, deep, and roomy. Covered storage in her bow. She self-bails at rest, so you can leave her uncovered at a dock or at mooring. Special two-tone deck not only looks great, but reduces glare.

    Trailering is a cinch: her pivoting mast, her forestay housed in her headsail, reduce rigging time.
    more at catalinayachts.com

17. under $17,000

    Nomad

    Specifications
    Length	17 ′ 2 ″
    Beam	8 ′
    Sail Area	175 sq ft
    Spinnaker	adds
    Weight	625 lbs
    Capacity	2–6

    The Nomad is stable yet powerful, with top-notch, performance-oriented equipment. Available by special order only for a limited time, but she may be your dream boat.