When it comes to sailboats intended for living aboard, the ideal length can vary depending on the intended use and personal preferences of the sailor. However, generally, the ideal length is between 35 to 50 feet.
A sailboat’s length greatly impacts its living space and capabilities as a home. If you plan to live aboard with family or friends, you’ll need a sailboat that’s spacious enough for everyone to live comfortably. In this case, a boat with a length of at least 40 feet would work well. The increased size provides sufficient living space, storage space, and room for everyone to live without feeling congested.
Additionally, longer boats usually carry more oversized water and fuel tanks, thus giving you the ability to travel further out to sea with enough provisions to last more extended periods.
However, if you plan to live aboard by yourself, you can opt for a shorter, more manageable length of around 35 feet, requiring less effort and less demanding on a single person to handle. A shorter sailboat can be easier to manage solo or with minimal crew, making it more efficient for single or couple use.
The ideal sailing length, in this case, is determined by your individual preference, and it boils down to how much space you need, how far you plan to travel, and how many people you’ll sail with.
The ideal length for a sailboat intended for living aboard is subjective and highly reliant on personal preference, overall use, and the number of people onboard. However, a boat length of 35 to 50 feet is ideal for those seeking ample living space, adapted to long-term sailing or for an efficient single-hander. Which one is right for you will depend on your own requirements and intent, but any boat within this range will set you up for a comfortable cruising lifestyle.