One of the TOUGHEST Small Cruisers Ever Built? Nicholson 31 for $15K | FULL TOUR

• June 20, 2026 by BoatFools Sailing |
• Language: EN
• Play Time: 00:29:00
• SAILING YOUTUBERS

#Nicholson31 #BluewaterCruiser #SailboatTour #PocketCruiser #BoatFoolsSailing

One of the TOUGHEST Small Cruisers Ever Built? Nicholson 31 for $15K | FULL TOUR

Welcome back, BoatFools Nation!

Today Canadian Ken and I step aboard a true offshore legend: a beautifully maintained 1978 Nicholson 31 sailboat.

Designed by renowned yacht designer Raymond Wall and built by the legendary Nicholson yard in England, the Nicholson 31 has earned a reputation as one of the toughest small cruising sailboats ever built. These boats have crossed oceans, circumnavigated the globe, and developed a devoted following among serious sailors who value strength, seaworthiness, and timeless design.

And this particular example absolutely charmed us.

On deck, she is remarkably well-kept for a nearly 50-year-old yacht, with clean lines, quality hardware, and the unmistakable feel of a boat that has been loved by her owners. Below deck, she offers a warm, practical cruising interior that could benefit from a little cosmetic TLC—but at just $15,000, the value proposition is hard to ignore.

More importantly, she's equipped for real cruising.

CONTACT THE SELLER DIRECTLY AT: [email protected]

Highlights include:

• This is a USCG documented vessel
• Autopilot
• Wind vane self-steering
• Radar
• Navigation instruments
• Good sails
• 21 gallons of diesel fuel capacity
• 93 gallons of freshwater capacity
• Proven offshore pedigree

For a 31-foot sailboat, carrying 93 gallons of water is genuinely impressive and speaks to the Nicholson's bluewater cruising ambitions.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Foot space or Snore Space?
00:43 Intro to the Nicholson 31
02:22 Brief History, Hull & Topsides
07:38 The Cockpit!
12:06 Up to the Bow
15:17 Below Deck!
20:29 Head & V-Berth
23:26 The Yanmar Diesel
26:25 Final Thoughts on the Nicholson 31

Whether you're dreaming of coastal cruising, island hopping, or crossing oceans on a budget, this Nicholson 31 deserves a serious look.

What do you think? Is the Nicholson 31 one of the toughest small cruisers ever built?

Let us know in the comments!

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Ahoy! With a reputation for being slightly dangerous enablers of dreams, this is BootFools. If you wander into our waters, we have a suspicious feeling you may be a BoatFool too. Through inspirational, educational, and often hilariously entertaining storytelling and boat tours we journey into the world of exceptional used sailboats. By offering real intel on classic, wood, and fiberglass boats - that are actually worth your time, money and imagination - we inspire people to get out onto the water and behind the helm of their own sailing vessel. This community is made up of real boats, real people, and life-changing fun. It's the place that will remind you why you fell in love with sailing in the first place. 🚨New episodes weekly. Subscribe to get on board and join the adventure, one boat at a time. (And join our Substack community for even more useful tidbits and general Boatfoolery.)

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One of the TOUGHEST Small Cruisers Ever Built? Nicholson 31 for $15K | FULL TOUR Locations

• Maine (45.253783,-69.4454689)