Why is sailboat racing fading away in the United States? In this video, we dive deep into the real reasons behind the decline of recreational sailboat racing—from skyrocketing costs and aging fleets to shrinking regattas and missing new sailors. We compare what racing looked like in the 1980s versus today, and explore how boat prices, club culture, and generational shifts are reshaping the sport. But it’s not all doom and gloom—because there’s still hope. We’ll show you the clubs and communities that are reinventing racing to make it fun, affordable, and accessible again. 📌 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Participation is down 01:49 – Costs have gotten out of hand 03:09 – Where are all the new boats? 04:19 – The aging sailor problem 05:38 – Too serious, too intimidating 06:20 – Other sports are stealing sailors 06:59 – Fleets are shrinking fast 07:27 – It's just not fun anymore 08:40 – What could save racing 09:31 – Final thoughts Credits: @T2PTVSailingOnDemand @CYCATV @lakewissotayachtclub635 @ronjenkins4257 @thearkadelphian1210 @CalSailingClub @ampiper420 @NatBaddour 📸 Follow along: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor 💬 Let us know in the comments: Are you still racing? What’s your local scene like? What would make racing more fun again?

Think you need a 40-foot yacht to live the cruising life? Think again. In this video, we dive into 7 of the best liveaboard sailboats under 30 feet—compact, seaworthy vessels that prove small boats can take you far. These pocket cruisers offer the comfort and capability to support full-time living, whether you're dreaming of coastal hops, Great Lakes exploration, or even crossing oceans. We’ll cover: ⛵ Interior layouts and onboard living comfort 🌊 Offshore vs. coastal performance 🛠️ What makes each boat uniquely suited for long-term cruising 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro - What is a Pocket Cruiser 00:30 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 02:09 Nor'Sea 27 03:47 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 05:18 Cape Dory 28 06:30 Island Packet 27 07:44 Catalina 27 09:18 Albin Vega 11:28 Final Thoughts Red Dot On The Ocean - The Matt Rutherford Story https://amzn.to/45ulH1W *Amazon Disclaimer* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Credits: @boatshedboats - Dana 24 walkthrough @sailboatguide - Nor'sea 27 walkthrough @SV-Mig - Nor'sea 27 outside walkthrough @Tom_Fores - BCC Tour @LittleYachtSales - Cape Dory 28 walkthrough - Island Packet 27 walkthrough @arnewiththeboats7324 - Catalina 27 walkthrough @SirAnteli - Albin 27 walkthrough @JohnnyBareToes1 - Albin Vega drone overhead @nik47779 - albin vega sailing @dobbsalexander - dana 24 sailing @moodswingsail2413 - nor'sea 27 sailing @MorseAlphaExpeditions - BCC sailing @Adventureman_Dan - BCC sailing @ducheneaut - Cape Dory 28 sailing @SVSaltyAbandon - Island Packet 27 sailing @mcschrage - Catalina 27 sailing Whether you're a minimalist voyager, weekend adventurer, or planning your big escape, these boats offer real-world, proven solutions to go small and live large. 👉 Subscribe to follow more classic cruisers, affordable sailing tips, and real-life sailing stories. ⚓ Follow Old Boat Sailor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor 📸 And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor *FTC Disclaimer* Old Boat Sailor is viewer supported. We may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase through our links

Tired of the 9-to-5, rising bills, and mowing your lawn every weekend? What if you could trade your mortgage for a marina slip and your morning commute for sunrise on the water? In this video, we explore the real pros and cons of living on a sailboat versus living in a traditional house. This isn’t just a fantasy comparison—we’re diving deep into actual costs, maintenance realities, lifestyle perks, and personal freedom. As someone who’s owned both homes and boats for over two decades, I’m sharing my firsthand experience—along with stories of other sailors who’ve made the switch. From tiny boat cabins to spacious homes, winter heating battles to backyard sunsets, we’re putting every aspect of these two lifestyles head-to-head. 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:38 LIVING SPACE & COMFORT 01:32 COST OF LIVING 03:16 MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS 04:29 WEATHER & SEASONAL LIVING 05:19 DAILY LIVING & ROUTINE 06:17 NATURE & LIFESTYLE 07:19 SOCIAL LIFE & COMMUNITY 08:51 FREEDOM & MOBILITY 10:12 FINAL VERDICT Credits: @LearningtheLines @TheExcellentLaborer @BenjaminSahlstrom @yachtworks370 @Unwrittentimeline @sailboatrefit4145 @boatus @HomeRenoVisionDIY @SailriteDIY @practical-sailor @AllAboutPressureWashing @TheFosterJourney @BeauAndBrandy @contessa26-jim @svSailPending @costablancayachtservices6074 Whether you’re dreaming of cutting ties and sailing away, or just wondering if boat life is really as romantic as it sounds—this is your real-world breakdown. 👇 Drop a comment: Would you rather live on a boat or in a house? 📸 Follow on Facebook and Instagram for more: https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor/

Why do most people choose powerboats over sailboats? In this video, we break down 5 big reasons why sailboats often lose out in popularity — even among boat lovers. Whether you're new to boating or a long-time sailor, understanding these differences will give you insight into the real challenges of sailboat ownership — and why powerboats dominate marinas, lakes, and waterways. 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:31 Reason 1 - Sailboats are intimidating 02:06 Reason 2 - Learning to sail is hard 03:24 Reason 3 - Sailboats are a lot of work 05:49 Reason 4 - Sailboats are expensive 07:46 Reason 5 - Sailboats are slow 10:24 Final thoughts Credits: @trevorwalczy5786 @seasthedayyachting @StartedSailing @SpinnakerSailingSF @JoshPostVlogs @BoatTEST @MyBoatLife @arpa592 @ivtyachtsales @MarineMaxOnline @BoatingWithBoogaboo @Lucilla @boatvibes @boatsdotcom @bayliner @rogerbsailor If you're thinking about buying your first boat, or just want to understand the divide between power and sail, this video is for you. 👇 Let us know in the comments: Do you sail or power? Why? 📸 Follow on Facebook and Instagram for more: https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor/

Thinking of buying an older sailboat? WATCH THIS FIRST. I break down the top red flags and costly mistakes people make when buying used fiberglass monohull sailboats from the 1970s to 1990s. From soft decks and blistered hulls to rotten bulkheads and sketchy keel bolts — this is the stuff that turns a “cheap” sailboat into a financial nightmare. In this video, I also share the painful story of my own mistake: buying a 70's Seafarer 31 that looked like a dream… but quickly became a disaster. 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:26 What things to avoid 05:38 My worst boat ever 06:59 Example bad and good boat on Yachtworld 20:12 Final Thoughts Credits: @bluecollarsailing @twohalf-hitches @CaptainAction @livingforsail @RVLifeNOW @emsailing1625 @DoWhateverfilms @FaithsWind @cdsailor @AskCaptainChris @scubadubacorporation9279 @windspeedahead @WildlyIntrepid @costablancayachtservices6074 @Sailing.Artemis @BigEasySailing 💬 Have your own horror story or boat-buying advice? Drop it in the comments — let’s help each other avoid costly mistakes. 📸 Follow along: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor

🚤 Ready to buy your first sailboat but not sure where to start? In this video, we walk you through how to buy a small sailboat — from trailerable dinghies like the Sunfish and Laser, to beginner-friendly cruisers like the Catalina 22 and West Wight Potter 19. We’ll cover: ✅ What makes a great first boat ✅ Which sailboats are best for beginners ✅ What to avoid (seriously — don’t buy a “free” project boat) ✅ Where to find affordable sailboats near you — Facebook, Craigslist, YachtWorld, and more ✅ Real-world advice from a first-time buyer Whether you're sailing solo on a lake or looking for a small family cruiser, this guide will help you get started with confidence — and without draining your wallet. 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Where to start 00:44 What is a beginner sailboat 02:43 What to avoid 04:33 Where to find good sailboats 15:04 Final thoughts Credits: @MydealersCa @LaserPerformanceSailboats @nlightnmedia3129 @mcschrage @Angryramz @yachtworks370 @talbot3178W @davidhuval @SailingPuffin @UK-Sailmakers-International @sailingthanksdad @karlsawesomeadventures9608 @gregorykelley5091 @brucedyson-smith459 @Sunfishworlds @geneneill530 @Alvarada @MojoYachting ⚓ Drop a comment below with the boat you're looking at or already own — and subscribe if you're into old boats, small boats, and Great Lakes sailing. 📲 Follow us for more: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor

🚤 Step back in time to the golden age of sailboat design! In this episode of Old Boat Sailor, we’re showcasing 10 of the most iconic cruising sailboats from the 1970s and 1980s — boats that helped launch the dreams of thousands of sailors and still dominate marinas today. From classic Catalina models to rugged bluewater cruisers like the Westsail 32 and Valiant 40, these sailboats defined an era of affordable, accessible sailing. We’ll cover what made each boat special, how they sail, and why they’ve stood the test of time. 🧭 Whether you’re shopping for your first liveaboard or just love vintage fiberglass, this video is for you. Don’t miss the #1 pick! 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Hunter 37 Cherubini 01:49 Valiant 40 02:08 Westsail 32 02:28 Morgan Out Island 41 02:47 C&C 27 03:04 Islander 36 03:19 Pearson 30 03:33 Catalina 22 04:09 Catalina 27 05:19 Catalina 30 06:10 Final thoughts about 70's and 80's sailboats Credits: @jamesconger8509 @catalinayachtvideos @BoatSnoop @Popyachts @scottflicksailing5275 @ProjectAtticus @littlewing.ws32 @SailingIntoOblivion @VoyageDreams @SailingMORGAN @LittleYachtSales @morrinh @philipcragg1966 @sailinghaldis @LarsBergstromYachtTours @Lucilla @geneneill530 @klsckeylargo @nlightnmedia3129 @AdventuresInParadise @AppleRob @talbot3178W @arnewiththeboats7324 @mcschrage @rogerbsailor @LittleYachtSales @moodswingsail2413 @SVBlueLatitudes @MydealersCa @guamdrone 📌 Like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy content about old boats, cruising life, and classic yacht history. 📷 Follow along: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor

Think buying an old sailboat is a smart budget move? It can be! But it’s not without... surprises. In this video, I share my experience buying a 1994 Catalina 320 — from skipping the survey (oops) to sailing her 475 miles across the Great Lakes. And yes, I also cover everything that broke along the way. Spoiler: it’s a lot. Whether you're dreaming about buying your first boat or you're knee-deep in epoxy already, this one's for you. Let’s laugh, learn, and maybe cry (just a little) about old boats together. 🧭 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:43 Boat tour 02:44 What broke 08:15 Final thoughts & old boat wisdom 🧰 Broken stuff covered in this video: Rotten worn out canvas Dead autopilot Sun baked and useless radar Broken hatch lens Engine starter contacts corroded Oil and fuel filter 10 years old Cracked water intake hose Head water intake hose slipped off fitting Refrigeration doesn't work VHF Radio is ancient. Useless bilge pump setup with check valve 💬 Got your own old boat horror story? Drop it in the comments 👍 Like this video if you’ve ever fixed something with zip ties and hope. 🔔 Subscribe for more sailing content, salty opinions, and budget boat chaos. 📸 Follow Old Boat Sailor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldboatsailor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldboatsailor