In the market for a centerboard cruiser? Here is my take on very short list of 35- to 45-foot boats that have drawn my eye. Some I’ve sailed, some not. I’d love to hear from readers about their favorite centerboarders.

Krogen 38

This is a pure cruising cutter that the late Jim Krogen designed for himself to cruise the shoal waters of Florida and the Bahamas. It has two bronze centerboards, one in front of the other, making it very easy to balance on long passages.

Pros: This is a robust, three-cabin cruising boat with a loyal following.

Cons: Cored hull and teak decks on the boat often pose problems.

Morgan 41 Centerboard

I’ve sailed on a couple of these sloops and like the way they look and sail. The poor man’s Bermuda 40’s heritage traces back to designer Charlie Morgan’s breakthrough Paper Tiger, ensuring a loyal following among Morgan fans.

Pros: Storied design, with a good deck layout and comfortable motion.

Cons: Finish quality varies greatly as many were owner-completed. Factory interior is pretty basic.

Tartan 37

A classic Sparkman & Stephens design. Three couples who I cruised in company with in the Caribbean had Tartan 37s, and all of them were happy with the boat.

Pros: A very popular dual-purpose classic with good bones.

Cons: A bit pricey for the size and vintage, and not as spacious as contemporary 37-footers.

Ovni 43

In the Pacific and Southeast Asia, we sailed with two different couples cruising aboard these aluminum boats, made popular by circumnavigator, rally organizer, and author Jimmy Cornell.

Pros: Tough aluminum construction, good track record.

Cons: High price, and used boats are hard to find.

Block Island 40

I’ve never sailed on this fabled yawl designed by Bill Tripp, but contributing editor Ralph Naranjo often cites it as an example of rugged construction and sound design.

Pros: Proven offshore design with a cult-like following.

Cons: Many of the older Block Island 40s require expensive upgrades that will quickly eat through a cruising budget.

Bristol 35.5

This Ted Hood design marked Bristol’s push into the big-boat market under Clint Pearson.

Pros: This is a solidly built and popular Bermuda veteran.

Cons: Totally enclosed cable makes it difficult to service. Not as spacious as contemporary cruisers in this size.

Sabre 38 MkI or MkII

I’ve sailed several Sabres, ranging from the older Roger Hewson designed 34s to the new-generation Jim Taylor boats, and have always been impressed with the way they handled.

Pros: Sabres craftsmanship is above average for production boats. Stick-built interior is more amenable to owner conversions.

Cons: Outside of the Northeast, Sabres do not carry as much value as some other brands.