Choosing a sailboat · Coastal cruising · 3 min read
Which sailboat for coastal cruising?
Size, keel type, ease of handling: how to choose a sailboat for coastal cruising, and which RM models fit.
Size, keel type, ease of handling: how to choose a sailboat for coastal cruising, and which RM models fit.
Coastal cruising lets you get as close as possible to the shore and explore every treasure of the coastline. It calls for a boat that is easy to handle, at ease in all weathers and comfortable for the whole crew on trips of a few days.
RM’s plywood-epoxy yachts bring a real advantage here thanks to the choice of keels available on the different models.
| RM 890+ | RM 980 | RM 1080 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hull length | 8.90 m | 9.80 m | 10.80 m |
| Light displacement | 3,200 kg | 4,200 kg | 5,940 kg |
| Draft | 1.90 m / 1.50 m twin keel | 1.69 to 1.98 m | 2.05 m / 1.76 m twin keel |
| Engine | 13 hp | 20 hp | 30 hp |
Builder’s data.
A twin keeler can dry out: it plays with the tides and spends the night on a beach safely, stable without legs.
A lifting keel reduces draft to get close to the shore: every cove becomes accessible for nights at anchor. Our guide to twin keel boats in tidal waters explains drying out in practice.
Beyond anchorages, coastal cruising means sheltering in harbours and marinas. Boats of 30 to 35 feet easily find a berth and manoeuvre comfortably between pontoons.
A sailboat builder since 1989, RM Yachts designs boats suited to every project, including for those who want to be able to go further later.
Full specifications and keel versions on each model page.
Between 30 and 35 feet, about 9 to 11 metres: enough comfort for a few days aboard, easy handling and an easy berth to find.
Yes. It settles upright at low tide without legs, opening up drying harbours and anchorages that uncover in tidal waters.
A twin keeler rests on two fixed keels and dries out upright. A lifting keel reduces draft on demand to approach coves and shallow water.
The RM 890+, the smallest cruiser in the range, easy to sail alone or with family; the RM 980 offers more volume for a mixed programme.
The RM 1080 is an ocean cruiser: it covers coastal cruising as well as passages, so your programme can grow without changing boat.
