Appleyard
Well-Known Member
Can anybody tell me the advantages/disadvantages of centre cockpit v rear cockpit for liveaboard ?What are your experiences?
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Making the leap
- Thread starter Appleyard
- Start date
ChrisE
Well-Known Member
For what it's worth here's my thoughts.
When this discussion comes up it is usually in the context of which is the safer arrangement for passagemaking. The answer is usually rear, deep cockpit as the centre usually means that you are perched on high which can feel a bit vulnerable when the boat is heeled in a blow. The rear, deep feels very secure on almost any angle of heel. Also if you are thinking of putting windvane steering on your craft then the centre cockpit is a not such an easy arrangement.
On the other hand when in port the centre cockpit does allow for a secluded larger aft cabin. These can be good but need good ventilation as they can be a bit of airflow cul-de-sac. I have seen plenty of centreconckpit craft with the deck aft of the cockpit piled with stuff as this area is good place for stoarge topsides.
For the budget you have been talking about there are models of both sorts for you to choose from.
Our boat happens to have a rear deep with two very secure but airless quarter berths underneath the combing either side of the cockpit. They make great sea berths but are a bit claustrophobic.
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When this discussion comes up it is usually in the context of which is the safer arrangement for passagemaking. The answer is usually rear, deep cockpit as the centre usually means that you are perched on high which can feel a bit vulnerable when the boat is heeled in a blow. The rear, deep feels very secure on almost any angle of heel. Also if you are thinking of putting windvane steering on your craft then the centre cockpit is a not such an easy arrangement.
On the other hand when in port the centre cockpit does allow for a secluded larger aft cabin. These can be good but need good ventilation as they can be a bit of airflow cul-de-sac. I have seen plenty of centreconckpit craft with the deck aft of the cockpit piled with stuff as this area is good place for stoarge topsides.
For the budget you have been talking about there are models of both sorts for you to choose from.
Our boat happens to have a rear deep with two very secure but airless quarter berths underneath the combing either side of the cockpit. They make great sea berths but are a bit claustrophobic.
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bbilly
Well-Known Member
There is a specific article regarding the pros and cons in YM this month.
Will
<hr width=100% size=1>"If you're too open minded your brains fall out"
Will
<hr width=100% size=1>"If you're too open minded your brains fall out"
Abigail
Well-Known Member
Yes - it's a good article.
We have a centre cockpit and really like it. To us it feels very safe in all sorts of sea. It allows a flexible and effective layout below. We have a hyrdrovane wind vane because we think that is the best one for a centre cockpit, but any will do depending on lines across your aft deck.
If you have a ketch a centre cockpit is also good because the mizzen mast and main sheet traveller are both out of the cockpit but easily to hand.
Once you get used to your different relationship to boat behind you it's also easy to handle and as I'm v short sighted I like being that bit closer to the sharp end when mooring.
<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah & Pip
www.greatlittleboats.com
UK & Ireland distributors of Swifgig
We have a centre cockpit and really like it. To us it feels very safe in all sorts of sea. It allows a flexible and effective layout below. We have a hyrdrovane wind vane because we think that is the best one for a centre cockpit, but any will do depending on lines across your aft deck.
If you have a ketch a centre cockpit is also good because the mizzen mast and main sheet traveller are both out of the cockpit but easily to hand.
Once you get used to your different relationship to boat behind you it's also easy to handle and as I'm v short sighted I like being that bit closer to the sharp end when mooring.
<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah & Pip
www.greatlittleboats.com
UK & Ireland distributors of Swifgig
RPC
Well-Known Member
I have sent you a PM, please check your messages.
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Sea Devil
Well-Known Member
I had 4 or 5 boats before I got my Moody 36 centre cockpit and it changed everything - provided a superb aft cabin - do not get pooped - much closer to both ends of the boat - The Hydrovane SS is easy to control via its lines - really a very comfortable solution and for the sort of budget you have available the older boats are much more roboust for blue water cruising
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mocruising
Well-Known Member
I moved from a Warrior 38 to a Hallberg Rassy because we wanted some thing a bit bigger with more space. The Warrior 38 and 40 are good solid boats that have been about for a while now and if you can find an older one I am sure it would be within your budget. I would describe them as a kind of half way house between the mass produced plastic fantastics and the more solid and expensive HR,Oyster,Niad and the like.
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rwoofer
Well-Known Member
I always wonder why people think aft cabins are airless in centre cockpit boats. My experience has always been the exact opposite, which was why I bought a centre cockpit boat (aft cabin has one large hatch and 3 opening windows).
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Melody
Well-Known Member
We have a very large master cabin forward in a rear cockpit boat. For this area (Greece) it is ideal as we Med moor and ot means one person can be on the anchor while the other easily passes ropes ashore when we come in. The cabin is away from the port so its quieter and we have a big hatch for ventilation.
If we weren't Med mooring most days I might think differently so it depends where you are going to sail.
<hr width=100% size=1>Melody McKay Burton
Yacht Valentine, Greece
If we weren't Med mooring most days I might think differently so it depends where you are going to sail.
<hr width=100% size=1>Melody McKay Burton
Yacht Valentine, Greece