Broom ocean 37 layout question. ??
- Thread starter HONEYMOMMY
- Start date
Whopper
Well-Known Member
My fathers first boat was a Crown while his friend had an Ocean at the same time (and still does) so I've spent a bit of time on both models. Ultimately it boils down to a few things:
1. Crown has the better aft cabin, nicer joinery in the main saloon and a separate aft shower room which the Ocean doesn't have. Crown will also be newer (but thats not really material for boats this age).
2. The Ocean has a larger sitting area in the main saloon but at the expense of a smaller kitchen area. Our Crown only had two seats on the up top driving position which mean't it wasn't very sociable up there. Most Oceans I've seen have seating for a bout 6, or at least it can be easily added with the aft enclosure accommodating this. I think the Ocean has slightly lower freeboard and certainly flat one level all round decks which is nice.
In my opinion the Ocean is a more sociable boat than the Crown, its also cheaper than a Crown and because of this I would prefer it to the Crown. Another boat I would consider if I were you would be a Broom Monarch 12M which I think is the best pre 1990 Broom built.
1. Crown has the better aft cabin, nicer joinery in the main saloon and a separate aft shower room which the Ocean doesn't have. Crown will also be newer (but thats not really material for boats this age).
2. The Ocean has a larger sitting area in the main saloon but at the expense of a smaller kitchen area. Our Crown only had two seats on the up top driving position which mean't it wasn't very sociable up there. Most Oceans I've seen have seating for a bout 6, or at least it can be easily added with the aft enclosure accommodating this. I think the Ocean has slightly lower freeboard and certainly flat one level all round decks which is nice.
In my opinion the Ocean is a more sociable boat than the Crown, its also cheaper than a Crown and because of this I would prefer it to the Crown. Another boat I would consider if I were you would be a Broom Monarch 12M which I think is the best pre 1990 Broom built.
dash300
Well-Known Member
We are hooked.. Had a great first year even with the weather. We didn't thnk the kids would be interested but they are, so the boat is too small for all of us and the girlfriends/friends that come too. It a shame as we put a lot into the boat with servicing/other bits (hubby's area) I did the cosmetic bits
So yes you were right.
Get on as many as you can in drawing up your shortlist. There will be one that just grabs you.
HONEYMOMMY
Well-Known Member
We definately want the sociable area, and I do like the fact the Ocean has a larger area up top. We discussed the sleeping layout. Either will work, I do lean towards the ocean if the four kids have the singles while hubby and I sleep in the saloon as it gives us access to the galley early morning without disturbing them. If I am in selfish mode I prefer the crown for the nice aft cabin.
We haven't been on any oceans yet to have a good look round, just had a peak at a friends at the yacht club.
As far as a Monarch, they would be out of our price range, and a bit awkward on the Thames at times.
Plan is to go and view some to help us decide. I know we will get on a boat and find"the one" Just takes time, which we have.
Greg2
Well-Known Member
Have to disagree a little with Whopper......
Our Ocean had lovely woodwork and was teak.....IMHO a lot nicer than the Crown, which tend to be mahogany. Cockpit on both is less than good to be honest. Ocean has a very comfy seat at the helm (so I was okay) with only a small cushion to perch on for the navigator. Later models had cockpit entrance to one side with a three seater bench across the back (very shallow and a low back so not particularly comfy) whilst earlier models had the entrance in the middle with larger single seats either side. There is some space for loose seating but not a lot.
Most of the Crowns I have been on only have a single forward facing seat with a cushion perch opposite as i recall and no other fixed seating although some have been modified.
They share the same hull so freeboard very similar but the Crown does have the full width raised aft deck and a raised section on the bow.
No question that he Crown aft cabin is better.....centre double berth and separate shower. Galley is more useable as wel IMHO.
Our Ocean had lovely woodwork and was teak.....IMHO a lot nicer than the Crown, which tend to be mahogany. Cockpit on both is less than good to be honest. Ocean has a very comfy seat at the helm (so I was okay) with only a small cushion to perch on for the navigator. Later models had cockpit entrance to one side with a three seater bench across the back (very shallow and a low back so not particularly comfy) whilst earlier models had the entrance in the middle with larger single seats either side. There is some space for loose seating but not a lot.
Most of the Crowns I have been on only have a single forward facing seat with a cushion perch opposite as i recall and no other fixed seating although some have been modified.
They share the same hull so freeboard very similar but the Crown does have the full width raised aft deck and a raised section on the bow.
No question that he Crown aft cabin is better.....centre double berth and separate shower. Galley is more useable as wel IMHO.
HONEYMOMMY
Well-Known Member
So my next question has to be....
Where can you buy decent fixed seating with storage underneath?
Where can you buy decent fixed seating with storage underneath?
Greg2
Well-Known Member
So my next question has to be....
Where can you buy decent fixed seating with storage underneath?
The Ocean does have stowage under the bench seat (later models) - I think there were two or three lockers on ours, one of which was the fa locker.
I did see a Crown for sale that had some form of seating added to create a kind of enclosed cockpit.....don't know if they were made to measure or off the shelf......not sure where you could buy such things from
oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
The crown has more cubic space inside and personally I prefer the galley layout. The linear ocean galley felt cramped. Both good boats. Rearranging helm layouts including seating and lockers should be a lot less costly then rearranging inside accommodation.
HONEYMOMMY
Well-Known Member
I can find some sites in the USA that have seating with storage under that would be ideal, not sure about shipping and customs extra costs yet. Must be something in the uk. Have to keep looking.
I am tanking it may be possible to add a couple of bench seats or some sort of corner seating up top to make the outside space nice for everyone to enjoy the heat waves we will have during the summer. Haha.The galley size for me is not a huge issue, the saloon size is more important. How much room does a person need to make a bacon sarnie... Could be a question for the lounge.
Whopper
Well-Known Member
Saloon on the Ocean is a lot more accommodating than the Crown. You will seat more people (in comfort) in the saloon of the Ocean. The windows are also lower inside the Ocean than the Crown giving a better view out.
If you were to go for a Crown, a new canopy would make the outside helm position quite sociable (Think Broom 41) were the canopy comes right out to the aft grab rails. Then customised seating could be installed with storage. I have seen this on several Crowns in Ireland and it works well.
If you were to go for a Crown, a new canopy would make the outside helm position quite sociable (Think Broom 41) were the canopy comes right out to the aft grab rails. Then customised seating could be installed with storage. I have seen this on several Crowns in Ireland and it works well.
ash12
Well-Known Member
We have extended seating on the aft deck of our crown that was an option that was ticked at the factory, seating for 8 people with storage under each one, you can get a small 4hp outboard in the one!
apollo
...
I can find some sites in the USA that have seating with storage under that would be ideal, not sure about shipping and customs extra costs yet. Must be something in the uk. Have to keep looking.
The galley size for me is not a huge issue, the saloon size is more important. How much room does a person need to make a bacon sarnie... Could be a question for the lounge.
hi, I obtained the moulds for some extra rear deck seats from another member of the Broom Owners Club, I made them and then handed the moulds back.
He still has them.
Should have shown them to you sorry!
Here are some pics
HONEYMOMMY
Well-Known Member
They look good. The ones I have seen in the USA are similar, but have a back rest addition. Not sure we have the skill to make our own. (Hubby may disagree as I haven't asked him
)Robin B
Well-Known Member
I am watching with interest as I am doing exactly the same thing on my Ocean 37 at the moment. The American ones are ideal at 55", but crazy prices to import.
Robin B
Well-Known Member
Watching with interest as I am doing the same at the moment. I too have seen the American 'pontoon seats', but cannot find anyone willing to ship them to the UK. DHL quoted over $10k...! The cheapest shipping I could find for two seats was £700 + vat + taxes.
I looked at Outhill, but they worked out serious money and not the right size.
In the end I have ordered 2 x fibreglass lockers 55" wide and hope to have them delivered from Wales this coming week. I'll pop some details up if they are any good. With a bit of upholstery and some hinged back, I could be there.
I agree about the Ocean 37 - for us, saloon space is a lot more important than cooking space, and the layout is ideal for us.
Did you find anyone able to import them in the end?
I looked at Outhill, but they worked out serious money and not the right size.
In the end I have ordered 2 x fibreglass lockers 55" wide and hope to have them delivered from Wales this coming week. I'll pop some details up if they are any good. With a bit of upholstery and some hinged back, I could be there.
I agree about the Ocean 37 - for us, saloon space is a lot more important than cooking space, and the layout is ideal for us.
Did you find anyone able to import them in the end?
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HONEYMOMMY
Well-Known Member
I like the design of the Outhill seating, but agree the prices are high, but it looks good quality. I am lucky I don't have to worry about the shipping from USA as we have family that can help, so minimal costs.
I have seen a few seats on Ebay lately, so will keep looking there.
I am still interested to know of others experiences and recommendations.