10 Legendary Cruising Sailboats from the 1970s & ’80s

Welcome to the Golden Era of Sailboats

From the 1970s through the mid-1980s, North America saw a boom in sailboat production like never before—or since. Fueled by advances in fiberglass construction and a growing appetite for adventure on the water, manufacturers churned out thousands of sailboats annually. The result? A fleet of durable, affordable, and iconic cruising boats that still populate marinas across the continent today.

Whether you’re shopping for a vintage cruiser or just admiring classic lines, here are 10 of the most influential production cruising sailboats from that golden era.

Hunter 37 Cherubini – A Bluewater Bargain

Designed by John Cherubini and built from 1978–1984, the Hunter 37 Cutter was crafted with bluewater cruising in mind. With over 400 hulls produced, it offers a fin keel, cutter rig, and excellent performance in heavy seas. Below deck, you’ll find two private cabins, a spacious salon, and a full galley.

Though now over 40 years old, many of these boats are still sailing strong—just be prepared to replace the original aluminum tanks and leaky ports. It’s considered one of the “real” Hunters built before the brand shifted focus.

Valiant 40 – The Performance Cruiser Pioneer

Bob Perry’s Valiant 40 revolutionized offshore cruising by combining modern performance with serious ocean-going capability. It featured a canoe stern, fin keel, and skeg-hung rudder—design elements now common in long-range cruisers.

Though fewer were built, its impact on design was massive. Known for 180-mile days at sea, the Valiant 40 remains a legend among bluewater sailors.

Westsail 32 – The Cult Favorite for Crossing Oceans

The Westsail 32 is as rugged as they come. With full keel, heavy displacement, and a cutter rig, this traditional double-ender is built for safety and endurance, not speed.

Many were sold as kits and completed by hand, which adds character (and variation) to each hull. With over 830 built, and many having circumnavigated, the Westsail 32 is a bluewater classic that helped define the cruising lifestyle of the 1970s.

Morgan Out Island 41 – The Floating Condo

Built for comfort, the Morgan Out Island 41 prioritized spacious interiors and ease of living. With a wide beam and center cockpit, it was a favorite for Caribbean charter fleets and liveaboard cruisers alike.

Over 1,000 were built, and while it’s not winning any beauty contests or races, it offers unmatched comfort for the price. Perfect for full-time cruising or families seeking space on a budget.

C&C 27 – The Racer-Cruiser Sweet Spot

Canadian-built and sleek, the C&C 27 is a lively racer-cruiser that blends performance with practicality. Its swept fin keel, spade rudder, and tall rig make it fast and fun, yet still suitable for overnight cruising.

With four versions and over 1,000 built, it became a staple for those who wanted to race midweek and cruise on weekends.

Islander 36 – West Coast Workhorse

The Islander 36, designed by Alan Gurney, is a versatile west coast cruiser. With moderate displacement, good sailing manners, and a comfortable interior, it was well suited for both racing and extended cruising.

About 770 were produced, and their continued popularity speaks volumes about their durability and design balance.

Pearson 30 – Simplicity and Speed in One Package

Bill Shaw’s Pearson 30 was one of the first affordable racer-cruisers to enter mass production. With over 1,200 built, its sleek lines and simple, reliable systems made it a favorite for sailors who didn’t want to choose between comfort and performance.

It’s still a solid option for those seeking an entry-level coastal cruiser with a bit of speed.

Catalina 22 – The Gateway Sailboat

If any boat deserves the title of “starter sailboat of a generation,” it’s the Catalina 22. With more than 15,000 hulls built, it introduced thousands to sailing. Lightweight, easy to trailer, and fun to sail, it opened the cruising door to weekenders and first-time owners.

The swing keel made it perfect for beaching and launching anywhere. Even today, it holds strong resale value and a huge fan base.

Catalina 27 – A Classic That Keeps on Giving

With over 6,000 built, the Catalina 27 was a dream for budget-conscious cruisers. It had a forgiving sail plan, spacious layout, and came in nearly endless configurations—wheel or tiller, inboard or outboard, you name it.

The author of the script has owned two of them and still considers it one of the best compact cruisers for weekend adventures or coastal getaways. It’s an ideal first “real” cruising boat.

Catalina 30 – The Best of the Bunch

Topping the list is the Catalina 30, the best-selling 30-foot cruiser of all time with over 6,400 hulls built. Known for its massive interior, easy handling, and affordability, it’s been lovingly dubbed the “minivan of sailboats”—not flashy, but it gets the job done.

It’s family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and has one of the most supportive owner communities around. Parts are readily available, and with a little love, a Catalina 30 can be updated for modern comfort while retaining all the charm of a vintage cruiser.

Final Thoughts: Why These Boats Still Matter

The boats of the 1970s and ’80s were built during a time of experimentation, accessibility, and unbridled optimism in sailing. Many of them are still afloat—anchored in harbors, propped up in backyards, or waiting for their next adventure on the used market.

For anyone considering a classic cruising boat, these vintage legends offer unbeatable value, durability, and soul. They’ve carried generations of sailors into sunsets and storms alike—and with a bit of elbow grease, they can keep going for decades more.

Which one would you pick for a weekend cruise—or an ocean crossing? Let us know in the comments. And if you love old boats, subscribe for more classic sailboat spotlights.