Comparative test of 19-foot touring dinghies: Four trailer boats tested off Boltenhagen

Trailer boats promise easy area changes, uncomplicated sailing and longer trips at a fair price. YACHT tested the exciting segment of boats between 5.50 and 6.00 metres for three days in Boltenhagen at the entrance to Wismar Bay. Four boats were compared:

• Beneteau First 18 (YACHT 3/2010 as Seascape 18)
• XP 19 (YACHT 14/2020)
• Lis 6.0
• Sailart 19 (YACHT 11/2016)

Despite their similar size, the test boats cannot be easily categorised: For a small cruiser, they offer too little living comfort for long trips (none of the test boats had a galley), but the Sailart 19 and also the Lis 6.0 offer significantly more comfort than can be expected from a touring dinghy or a pure daysailer. The First, on the other hand, is a designated regatta boat, but it is just as inviting for a quick after-work sail or a fast-paced trip on the water with light luggage.

In excellent test conditions with plenty of wind on the first day, the test boats had to prove their seaworthiness in gusts of up to 23 knots. However, their great strength also became apparent: low ballast and a flat lateral plan ensured that all test candidates were able to glide at high speeds. As a result, they outperformed many much larger cruising yachts in terms of speed. The test boats frequently reached 8 knots. The First 18 managed 12 knots speed over ground under gennaker seemingly effortlessly. However, the wind also claimed victims on the XP 19: the rudder blade broke at over 11 knots.

Fortunately, there was a replacement for the damaged blade, and so we were able to get back on the water on the second day in the best summer weather with a light breeze. This revealed another advantage over large cruising yachts: Almost all test candidates can reach the beach even in shallow water thanks to their retractable appendages. But thanks to the folding ballast centreboard or lifting keel, it is not only possible to head for the best spot in the anchorage, it also simplifies the launching of the boats. All of the candidates in the test can be launched without a crane; a slip ramp is sufficient. This makes owners more flexible and also saves money.

But it wasn't just the sailing that showed exciting differences. The cockpit layouts and the equipment below deck were also extensively compared. The comprehensive test report will be published in an upcoming issue of YACHT and on YACHT tv.

Many thanks to all participants of the comparison test for the good co-operation and the provision of the boats as well as to the Yachtwelt Weiße Wiek in Boltenhagen for the great test location!