PROS: 

Hold Your Own Power: Yes, most modern sailboats have an engine. However, that can be different than the dual-powered engines found on most powerboats. In a sailboat you hold the power while navigating, with slight help from the engine. This could be a pro or con depending on your ideal navigation vision and your willingness to learn everything involved with that level of control. If you want to be in constant control, a sailboat is more aimed toward your style.

Environmentally Friendly: As we discussed earlier, most sailboats contain a single engine with low horsepower. For the most part, sailboats rely on the wind for power and movement, while the engine is mostly used for docking purposes. Although, it is possible to dock without an engine based on the tide and wind. These sailors are very impressive navigators.

Travel the World: If you’re lucky enough to travel the world and want to do so via the water, a sailboat is the only way to go. A sail can take you anywhere, making a sailboat the ideal craft for traveling long distances. Not to mention the money you’ll save on airfare and hotels.

 Save Money on Engine Upkeep: A sailboat’s engine is much smaller and is used far less compared to a powerboat. This keeps maintenance and fuel costs down.

Peace and Quiet: A sailboat is much quieter than a powerboat. Without the ongoing engine roar, the captain is able to socialize more easily, and the overall ride is much quieter. The only sounds are from the water, wind and snapping of sails.  

CONS:

Wind Reliant: This can be seen as a positive or negative based on the situation. Although you are technically in more control of the vessel, you are still reliant on the wind. If the weather isn’t cooperating, sailing can become difficult fast. The best plan is just that, to make a plan. Always look at the weather ahead of time and schedule your adventure accordingly. 

Deep Drafts: A sailboat sits deeper in the water. With most of the hull underwater, it makes it more difficult to navigate a sailboat in shallow waters or near the shore.

Experience: You definitely need more training to operate a sailboat. It takes time to understand how the sail works and how the wind and tide will affect navigation. Owning a sailboat requires more education and practice.

Expenses: Replacing and repairing equipment on a sailboat can get expensive. Sails should be replaced after around 4,000 hours of use and rigging every ten years or so. Both items are pricey. 

Time and Energy Consuming: A powerboat requires the turn of a key and an occasional turn of the steering wheel. A sailboat, on the contrary, requires constant attention and adjustment, between the sails, steering, and weather.