Buying a used boat: 8 small cruisers under 7 metres for little money on the market
Varianta 65 - agile classic
With a Varianta 65, buyers are opting for a GRP classic from the very beginning. Since the mid-seventies, the centreboard boat designed by the renowned designer Van de Stadt has been built by Dehler in Freienohl. Production was only discontinued in 1982 after a good 4,500 units had been built. The supply on the used boat market is correspondingly large, but so is the demand: the boat has a loyal fan base, the class association is active and there is an active regatta scene (www.varianta.org). Various models of the Varianta have been built, but what they all have in common is the concept of a safe, family-friendly boat that sails well. It is fast and agile, but not overpowered and can be easily handled by beginners. Boats with accessories are currently available from around 4,000 euros*.
Technical data
Neptun 20 and 22 - cosy cruiser with lifting roof
At first glance, the Neptun 20 and its two-foot larger sister, the Neptun 22, with their unmistakable retractable roof, are primarily reminiscent of camping on the water. But the back deckers from the Neptun shipyard in Rheda-Wiedenbrück don't do too badly under sail either - provided there is a little wind and the sails are not too old. The good-natured sailing behaviour forgives mistakes and makes the boats ideal for beginners. The N22 is available in a version without a lifting roof and with a dinette in the cabin, while the N20 is only available with two long longitudinal berths in the saloon. With the lifting roof up, people up to around 1.75 metres tall can even stand, and thanks to the feeling of space, even a rainy day in the harbour can be endured below deck. The shallow draught makes the boats easy to trailer. The N20 was built around 1900 times and the N22 over 7000 times. Spare parts and, on request, a new Neptun 22 are still available from the shipyard. Used boats are currently available from around 4000 euros*.
Technical data
Jantar 21 - hot trailerable box
Older people will remember: having just got your driving licence, you had to get your first car. But not just any car - it had to be cool. On the other hand, it had to be inexpensive. So the choice fell on a fast small car that was usually already a little rocked. The Jantar 21 is just such a boat, with enough space below deck for two, and if they can stand each other, even for a holiday. On top of this is a rig that can really give this vessel, which weighs just under a tonne, a run for its money. With the large genoa, the small yacht achieves a sail carrying capacity of a whopping 5.1, which is performance cruiser territory. You should invest around 10,000 euros in a good 21. So if you are looking for a sporty boat with challenging sailing characteristics that is also suitable for two people to live on, the Jantar 21 is a recommendable choice. What's more, you'll be able to annoy the odd cruising sailor with this nimble little boat - just for fun, of course.
Technical data
- Hull length: 6.30 m
- Width: 2.50 m
- Draught: 0.28-1.30 m
- Weight: 0.9 tonnes
- Sail area: 14m²
- Designer: Andrej Skrzat
- YACHT test
Jaguar 22 - big surprise
At first glance, the Jaguar 22 doesn't look particularly promising: Rather heavily built, probably also due to its American genes, as it is actually a Catalina 22 and has a comparatively small sail area to boot. She's not really a racer either, but at least she has an appealing light wind performance. What really sets her apart, however, is her huge cockpit. Otherwise, the very high boom is striking. Here, too, the US genes are evident: safety first. Ideal for European family and beginner crews, it doesn't matter if there is a child in the cockpit: there is no danger from the boom.
However, the pleasing lines with the low freeboard and the strong cabin superstructure ensure little height below deck. The Catalina or Jaguar is therefore an outdoor boat. The large cockpit is inviting, the high boom allows the installation of a bimini, and some owners even sail with a parasol. The Jaguar's sophisticated design and high level of safety make it a good entry-level boat, especially in light winds. With a swivelling keel, it is also easy to trailer, although the weight should be checked before buying. If you like the timeless lines, you can sail away for little money. The package was well received: almost 16,000 units were purchased, making it one of the most frequently built boats ever and available from around €2,000*.
Technical data
Etap 22 - safe and solid
The crew feels safe on the small forecastle from Belgium: a high ballast ratio, foam-filled cavities, a deep cockpit and solid workmanship ensure seaworthiness. The Etap 22 can certainly take a breeze and is available with a normal and a larger inland rig.
Around 1,500 of these boats were built between 1972 and 1982, before being replaced by the Etap 23 and later still by the more modern Etap 22i. The German Habeck family has even sailed around the world on it. The Etap 22 has a somewhat unusual oval companionway without a sliding hatch below deck. Instead, halyards and trim lines can be led on the superstructure. Storage space in the cabin is somewhat limited due to the foam panelling, and the large keel box takes up a lot of space. A chemical toilet can be accommodated in the foredeck. The boat is currently on offer for around 3,000 to 7,000 euros*.
Technical data
Dehlya 22 - Dehler's small yacht
The name Dehlya 22 symbolises the collaboration between the shipyard and YACHT. The saloon inside is open-plan, which creates a good feeling of space. The ship was equipped with the interior fittings and forecastle modules. In fact, the small cruiser was also available for self-construction. Overall, it looks like a real yacht, which may be due to its appearance, but also to the operating concept and sailing characteristics. She parries gusts with some composure. More cloth in the form of a genoa would have suited the boat well. The Dehlya doesn't look particularly slender, on the contrary. Nevertheless, it remains easy to trailer and is therefore flexible. The gateway to the ascent, so to speak. The Dehlya is available from approx. 5,000 euros* on the used boat market.
Technical data
Sunbeam 22 - elegant water fun
At the time, the Sunbeam S22 was the counterpart to the Varianta 65 from Dehler. The two small cruisers designed by Van de Stadt were visually similar and the concept was identical: an affordable boat for the whole family, flexible in use thanks to a trailer; "elegant water fun" was written in the former sales brochure. The pretty, slim ship was built from 1968 onwards by the Austrian Schöchl shipyard in Mattsee. Four people can theoretically sleep on board: two in the foredeck, which is separated by a proper bulkhead, and two on long longitudinal berths in the saloon. A proper built-in wardrobe and the galley on the port side are also reminiscent of a small yacht below deck - albeit only with seat height everywhere. The wardrobe door can optionally separate the foredeck. There is storage space under the berths. The top-rigged Sunbeam sails safely, but can also be sporty and fast under spinnaker, for example. A good 40 per cent ballast ensures sufficient stability. On a new model, you could choose between a centreboard and a fixed keel. Used boats today cost around 3,000 to 6,000 euros*.
Technical data
- Hull length: 6.70 m
- Width: 2.15 m
- Draught: 0.55-1.35/1.15 m
- Weight: 0.95 tonnes
- Sail area: 19.0 m²
- YACHT test: 12/2016
Friendship 22 - complete package
The successful mix of small cruiser and yacht comes from the Netherlands, but the shipyard no longer exists. It stood for good build quality, which is just one argument in favour of a Friendship 22 alongside its timeless appearance and relatively large amount of space below deck. Another is the fun sailing characteristics. Although the boat lays on its side early despite its wide belly, it is stable and safe thanks to its high ballast ratio. The Friendship is available with different keel variants. A stronger towing vehicle is required for towing. Below deck, the space for lying on the longitudinal berths can be extended by folding up the backrests. Another clever feature is the pantry block, which is only pulled out from under a cockpit bench for use. Used boats cost around 5,000 to 10,000 euros*, newer models are more expensive.
Technical data
* Status 2020
The big YACHT used boat special:
- New, used or chartered - here's what to consider
- Which type of boat is the right one? Decision-making aids
- Overview: Used boats under 6 metres
- Overview: Used boats under 7 metres
- Overview: Used boats under 8 metres
- Overview: Used boats around 9 metres
- Overview: Used boats over 9 metres
- Dream yachts: These are the favourite ships of YACHT readers
- Buying a used boat: Your guide through the online jungle
- Own inspection or surveyor? What you need to look out for
- How to avoid traps in the purchase agreement
- The boat is bought - what's next? The first steps
- What insurance do I need for my boat?
