Vagabond 14 - Trailerable Daysailer and Weekend Cruiser

Introducing the Vagabond 14 Sailboat

For adventure seekers looking to explore the open waters, the Vagabond 14 sailboat offers an exciting option for day sailing or weekend cruising. As a smaller, trailerable sailboat, the Vagabond 14 combines versatility, performance, and classic good looks into one elegant package.

Built by Vagabond Yachts in Southern California, the Vagabond 14 first launched in 2002 and continues production today. With its sleek lines and rounded stern, this 14-foot craft draws inspiration from the timeless Cape Dory sailboats of New England.

Key Features of the Vagabond 14

What exactly does this pocket cruiser have to offer? Here are some of the Vagabond 14's essential features:

• Sloop rig with a staysail and mainsail
• Spacious open cockpit with room for up to 4 adults
• Roomy storage compartments for gear
• Tiller steering with 360 degree visibility
• Retractable keel and kick-up rudder
• Mast raising system for easy setup
• Available in sail-away or customizable options

With its simple rig and retractable keel, the Vagabond 14 achieves respectable performance while remaining highly trailerable. The keel retracts to just 2.5', allowing easy launching and retrieval. A thoughtfully designed cockpit provides comfortable seating for several adults, making this a wonderful boat for daysailing with friends and family.

Sailing Performance of the Vagabond 14

Despite its small size, reviewers praise the Vagabond 14's sailing abilities. With the keel lowered, it tracks well and achieves good speeds while remaining stable in a variety of conditions. The sloop rig is easy to handle, even for beginners, yet offers good power when needed.

The retractable keel gives the Vagabond 14 versatility to sail in both deeper and shallower waters. Dropping the keel enables it to sail more like a traditional yacht. Retracting the keel turns it into a centerboard boat capable of navigating rivers, lakes, and shorelines. This adaptability expands the possibilities for where the little Vagabond can go.

Trailerability and Transport

One of the Vagabond 14's biggest assets is its trailerable size. At just 14 feet with a retracted draft of 2.5 feet, it is simple to tow behind many mid-sized vehicles for access to a variety of launching spots.

On the water, the Vagabond 14 can reach speeds around 10 mph when powered by its 70 sq. ft mainsail and 28 sq. ft jib. It can sail in winds of 25-30 mph when reefed. With such capabilities, adventurers can explore coves, islands, beaches, and inland waters only accessible by small boat.

When the journey is done, the Vagabond 14 can load onto its trailer in minutes. The sturdy mast raising system enables one person to lower and raise the mast. This simplicity means more days on the water with less hassle.

Owning and Customizing a Vagabond 14

Pricing for a new Vagabond 14 starts around $15,000 - $20,000 for a sail-away model with all rigging and essentials included. Customization options let owners upgrade sail materials, add trailer packages, and select from several hull and deck colors.

Inside the cockpit, white vinyl cushions keep passengers comfortable. Storage space under the side benches and foredeck area provide room for supplies and gear. A locker at the helm holds smaller items within easy reach.

The Vagabond 14 is just as suitable for casual family cruising as performance racing. Owners can outfit it to match their style by adding extras like:

• Bimini top or cockpit tent for shade
• Marine radio for communication
• Electrical system with navigation lights
• Tiller pilot for hands-free sailing
• Cabin amenities like porta potti or icebox

This versatility makes the Vagabond 14 at home on lakes, bays, shorelines, and beyond. Trailer it to a new destination each weekend or keep it moored at your local sailing club.

Maintenance and Care

Like all sailboats, proper care and maintenance will keep a Vagabond 14 in good sailing condition for years. Recommended tasks include:

• Rinsing the hull with fresh water after saltwater use
• Checking for chafe on halyards, sail edges, rigging
• Inspecting hardware for tightness
• Cleaning and lubricating moving parts
• Applying UV protecting wax to the hull
• Storing indoors or under cover during harsh weather

The Vagabond 14 is constructed from hand-laid fiberglass making the hull robust and durable. However, routine maintenance will help it last longer and look its best.

Adventuring Under Sail

For sailors who delight in reaching tucked-away anchorages, seeking new horizons, and reveling in the freedom of the seas, the Vagabond 14 offers a gateway to adventure. Its versatility transitions seamlessly from trailer to water, enabling exploration further inland or along rugged coastlines.

Wherever there is wind and water, the Vagabond 14 excels. Sail into the sunset after a day of island hopping, lie beneath the stars after anchoring in a secluded cove, or pack a lunch and spend a day circumnavigating a lake. With a Vagabond, the possibilities are endless.

Though compact in size, the Vagabond 14 provides ample space for several adults to enjoy time on the water. Family daysailing, overnight camping trips, and racing at the yacht club are all within reach. This plucky little craft punches far above its weight class.

For skippers seeking an affordable, trailerable sailboat without sacrificing performance or aesthetics, the Vagabond 14 checks all the boxes. Its simplicity, capabilities, and classic styling craft an opportunity to embark on aquatic adventures from the seat of an elegant daysailer. Let the journey begin!

FAQs

How many people can the Vagabond 14 comfortably fit?

The Vagabond 14 has seating for up to 4 adults in its open cockpit layout. For overnight cruising, 2 adults is ideal.

What is the weight capacity of the Vagabond 14?

The Vagabond 14 has a total weight capacity of around 1200 lbs. This includes passengers, gear, engine, etc.

How shallow can the Vagabond 14 sail when the keel is retracted?

With the keel retracted, the Vagabond 14 draws only 2.5 ft allowing it to navigate in as little as 3 feet of water.

What vehicle is needed to trailer the Vagabond 14?

A mid-sized SUV, crossover, or pickup truck is typically suitable for trailering the Vagabond 14 which weighs around 1000 lbs fully loaded.

How fast can the Vagabond 14 sail?

The Vagabond 14 is capable of sailing up to 10 mph or more with optimum winds. Average cruising speed is 5-7 mph.