Habitent. Cockpit Tent. What are they like?

[nicappotamus 2]

it's easy - it's a great product for the price. ours has been transformative on both boats that it has been on

people who moan at paying £400 have clearly never tried to have manufactured a low run nice market product which has to be made to a decent standard. Our sailing experience would be significantly less comfortable without one. Frankly perhaps they'd be better off making their own with see through windows, good stitching, unzippable sides, fly screens and drop down screens - and maybe offer the product on this forum for £200

However, if we had the thousands for a bespoke cockpit tent then of course we'd have one - but other stuff (new sails, repairs, props etc) are taking priorty

I'll post a pic in a mo

 

[chewi]

I've had my sirocco for 2 seasons now, and have adapted it better to my boat ( Cobra 750.)
There are those who compare them to a cheap tent .Go on then adapt one as you think fit (up to 400 inc labour) and see if the results match with your criticisms, or go into business and better it for half price and see how that goes.


There are those who compare it to a custom enclosure, fair enough again, stump and enjoy the results.

I find Habitent have spent time creating a configurable solution tailored to boats that can be used where they say it can.

Its a valid in-between option that enough find to be viable to keep Habitent in business.

No problem with that.

Lightweight is used as a criticism above, but that is a virtue, as it still stands up to some horrid weather.

How many have bought a Habitent and been disappointed? Most above seem to have decided against without first hand experience.
Its an off the shelf product designed to fit a wide range of boats, so take it at face value and use its flexibilty to suit your needs.

No connection etc.

 

[Iain C]

I've got one on my B32. I bought it second hand at a two figures bargain price. My thoughts:

-Very well made. So what if it's lightweight cloth? Just because something is thin does not mean it's cheap. It's far harder to make something strong, waterproof and light than it is to make it heavy.
-The poles are thick...by design. They are also very strong. We've all seen tents almost flattened by heavy wind whilst still pegged down securely. Yes, guying them out can stop that, however that's no an option on a boat is it? So the poles need to be strong.
-Very snug once up. It's a great space, fully enclosed or windows up. Warm (or cool) snug and draught free.
-A bit of a pain to put up. However, I've only done it once. I'll probably do it in half the time next time. And what I should have done was get it out on the lawn first and figure it all out.
-No, you won't realistically be moving the boat with it up. Possibly motoring somewhere within an anchorage, but that's probably it.
-As I'm still enjoying the extra space I have below compared to my old boat, I can't see it being used that much. But I'd certainly get it out if I'm going to be in one spot for a few days and I want shelter from rain or sun.

It's going to be expensive because it's well made and niche. It's nothing like a tent from Quechua...and good luck to those that seriously think modifying one of those is going to work. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than a dedicated bimini, and you've not got the clutter/windage/UV damage/guano issue when you're not using that for 95% of the time. And it's not designed to be a substitute IMHO. If I'd had one for my old boat, with less space, I know I'd have used it a hell of a lot.

So it's a thumbs up from me, as long as you think you'll use it!

 

[PerformanceSailor]

The discussion is much appreciated. We are eyeing a new dodger and bimini for our 34 foot sloop, and the cost will be around 4K to 5K in US$. A full cockpit enclosure would raise that to nearer 7K or 8K.
That's from a high quality shop, and having seen lots of cheap canvas work have no interest in buying something that's ugly or poorly made.

I have looked at the Habitent product from the UK for several years and it looks pretty darned good at the price.
Only drawback is that we would still need a decent spray dodger for at least 'some' shelter when under way.

So thanks again for all of the real-world information!

 

[chewi]

The discussion is much appreciated. We are eyeing a new dodger and bimini for our 34 foot sloop, and the cost will be around 4K to 5K in US$. A full cockpit enclosure would raise that to nearer 7K or 8K. That's from a high quality shop, and having seen lots of cheap canvas work have no interest in buying something that's ugly or poorly made.I have looked at the Habitent product from the UK for several years and it looks pretty darned good at the price. Only drawback is that we would still need a decent spray dodger for at least 'some' shelter when under way. So thanks again for all of the real-world information!

Check the 3 dimensions in the fitting guide on their website.. 34' is not impossible, depends on the boat, but it's at the upper end of the scope as far as I recall.