RM 800: Lombard-Designed Coastal Cruiser With Proven Durability

Introduction & Design Heritage

The RM 800 emerged in the early 1990s as a compact yet seaworthy sailboat from the French yard Fora Marine. Legendary yacht designer Lombard shaped its lines with a focus on stability and ease of handling for coastal waters. Production ran between 1993 and 2003, resulting in only 24 hulls. This limited run contributes to its niche appeal among enthusiasts seeking an affordable, robust pocket cruiser.

Construction, Technical Specifications & Design Analysis

Built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the RM 800 features a fin keel and spade rudder for responsive performance. Approximate specifications include hull length around 8 meters, beam near 2.8 meters, draft of 1.5 meters and displacement approximately 2500 kilograms. The rig consists of a fractional sloop with aluminum spars. These proven materials deliver reliable strength without excess weight.

Sailing Performance & Handling Characteristics

Owners report the RM 800 handles capably in coastal breezes with good pointing ability and balanced helm. Its modest displacement allows quick acceleration while the keel provides adequate stability for Category C waters. Known for nimble tacking and forgiving behavior in gusts, this model excels on day sails and short passages rather than extended bluewater adventures.

Interior Layout & Comfort Features

Accommodations sleep four in a compact but functional layout. Forward V-berth, convertible saloon settees and small aft quarter berth offer basic overnight capability. The galley includes a simple stove and sink while headroom reaches acceptable levels for a boat of this size. Efficient use of space makes living aboard feasible for couples or short family trips.

Engine, Propulsion & Technical Systems

Auxiliary power typically comes from a small diesel inboard engine paired with a saildrive or shaft drive. Fuel and water tanks are modest to match the boat’s coastal mission. Electrical systems are straightforward with basic battery capacity and minimal instrumentation suited to weekend use. These reliable components require routine maintenance to remain dependable.

Ownership Insights: Market Value, Maintenance & Real-World Experience

With only 24 units built, the RM 800 remains a niche classic on the used market. Buyers should inspect older hulls for osmosis and rig condition while expecting reasonable prices for a capable pocket cruiser. Known issues include typical age-related wear on deck hardware. Owners can connect through Boat Clubs (boat-clubs.net), a worldwide network of dedicated owner communities covering 40+ sailboat manufacturers. This resource provides invaluable real-world advice for new owners.