20 Best Aft Cockpit Sailboats Not Double Ended Under $200,000

Island Packet 38
Is this Island Packet 38 one of the best aft cockpit sailboats?

The below list consists of 20 aft cockpit sailboats with a transom not canoe stern from 36 to 45 feet in length. Please see our list of 10 best aft cockpit double enders in the same range. This list is a broad and an eclectic mix of sailboats. They include pinched stern IOR designs like the Tartan 37 to full keeled cruisers like a Cabo Rico 38 to modern racy designs like the Sabre 402. This is a liquid list that I will refine, split, and focus by distinct disciplines. If your boat search list is as diverse as this…you’re in trouble. Get on some real live boats and start over. I would appreciate any comments about the different categories that could be covered. I have listed the sailboats in alphabetical order.

  1. C&C 37+: Aft cockpit and stateroom arrangement with modern underbody. An older alternative is the 38 which became a surprisingly serious cruiser with the Landfall series.
  2. Cabo Rico 38: A full keeled, classically styled cruiser. Quality construction in Costa Rica with William Crealock’s fine lines and clipper bow.
  3. Cal 39: Much later production than the epic Cal 40, but this Lapworth design has passed test of time.
  4. CS 36T: Less known Canadian boat with good offshore pedigree. Has distinctive cove stripe pattern that wraps around and matches stern color.
  5. Elan 43: Unusual 43-foot 4 stateroom European design that is rare over here in the USA.
  6. Farr 38: Or another cruiser Farr like the Farr 1220 with shoaler draft than the stripped out, 9-foot drafting 40 racers.
  7. Gozzard 36: Classic styled above with a modernized full keel. A related older design is the Bayfield 36.
  8. Island Packet 38: Solid, quality built cruiser with shoal draft built by the Tampa Bay area builder. True classic these days.
  9. Kadey Krogen 38: Unique gunkholer with either tandem centerboards or a long fixed 5-foot draft keel.
  10. LaFitte 44: Robert Perry designed offshore cruiser with excellent sailing reputation and build quality.
  11. Morgan 382: Solid little Morgan that has 383 and 384 version sisterships. Ted Brewer design.
  12. Morris 36: The original Morris, known as the Justine, is lovingly built by the world renown craftsmen of this Maine manufacturer.
  13. Panda 38: Ta Shing cruiser not too be confused with her double ended sisterships by the same brand name.
  14. Passport 42: Extended version of Robert Perry’s Passport 40 design with a sugar scoop stern.
  15. Sabre 402: Modern racy cruiser by Sabre design group. Classic teak touches combine classic styling with the latest in performance. Glassed on ledge. Another Sabre is the 38-footer.
  16. Shannon 38: Full keeled cruiser with classic styling like Cabo Rico 38 by legendary Rhode Island builder.
  17. Swan 38: Any list would not be complete without a rocket ship sterned Swan like this 38-footer.
  18. Tartan 37: IOR style, Sparkman & Stephens design with either centerboard or deep keel arrangements. More recent Tartan 4600 is a nice one too.
  19. Tatoosh 42: Robert Perry designed handsome cruiser.
  20. Wauquiez Hood 38: Ted Hood designed, French built racer cruiser. Centerboard or fixed keel.
  21. Can you identify the sailboats in the photos above? Please comment below with any questions, suggestions, or corrections.