Yawl Sailboats for sale

What is a Yawl?

A yawl refers to a specific type of sailboat that utilizes a fore-and-aft-rigged system with two masts, with the mizzen sail serving as more of a balancing point than a driving sail. The small sail hanging over the stern helps with steadying for mooring. This boat is also known as a “rule beater” because it was originally designed to work around racing rules and gain advantages against the odds. Historically, yawls were also known as the jolly boat on a ship that utilized four or six oars for propulsion, in addition to the sails.

How are Yawls built?

Yawls are typically built like other sailboats in most aspects, except for the location of the sails and masts. The yawl is constructed with a smaller second mast that is situated behind the rudder post for a more dignified, poetic look than ketches and other sailboat rigging styles. Most yawls are constructed of high-quality wood and made by hand, which makes them more expensive than some mass-produced machined vessels.

What Types of Engines Power Yawls?

A yawl is a sailboat and therefore will not be powered by a motor or engine of any kind. Instead, the vessels are powered by two sails and a rudder, offering a more leisurely pace on the water than sailboats with different rigging setups and sail designs. The rigging setup used on yawls is precisely what differentiates them from other similar sailboat classes.

What Optional Equipment is Available for Yawls?

Like most sailboats, yawls offer a variety of optional equipment and accessories. Boaters can purchase rail-mounted storage racks, marine radios and satellite receivers, high-end navigation systems and racing equipment, and more. Weather mapping equipment, depth sounders, adaptable rigs and sails, and other products can also be found for yawls and other sailboats. Mast climbers, whisker poles, and bosun’s chairs are also available for many models.