Singlehanded on a 34 footer possible?

[stefan_r]

I'm in the market for a boat and have an eye on a 34 foot open motor boat (Wellcraft Scarab III with twin Volvos and DuoProps if you're interested).

I want something that will accommodate mates and has a bit of below decks space, and big enough to handle the odd dodgy sea. 34 seems to be the right number...

A major part of the purchase decision is the ability to handle it when shorthanded...what do you think about being able to moor etc 'alone' (or with a very inexperienced crew)????

A bloke in my marina regularly goes out in his 50 foot flybridge alone and does a great job parking, so - of course - you can handle any size singlehanded...he has it down to a fine art...but this is the exception I think.

So what do you think - size-wise is single handed docking/undocking of a 34 a sensible proposition or is it just that bit too big?

Was going to give it a whirl and then maybe get a bow thruster after trying the hard way for a season or two....

I have the handling and close quarters manouvering experience as my other boat's a 46' flybridge in the Med...but I think my first difficulty is that's on shafts and the new one is on DuoProps!!


Stef

 

[Medskipper]

I have a 37 footer and I use it single handed! no bow thruster, just twin screws!
I guess it all depends on how experienced you are!

Barry

 

[duncan]

[ QUOTE ]
I have the handling and close quarters manouvering experience as my other boat's a 46' flybridge in the Med...but I think my first difficulty is that's on shafts and the new one is on DuoProps!!



[/ QUOTE ]

you would appear to have the experience to answer your own question.

most boats can be single handed in most circumstances - few beyond small ribs can be considered perfect for it in all circumstances.

on balance an open 34 shouldn't present any problems to an experienced skipper

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

Hi
I took my 35 ft boat through the french canals last year and was on my own for 6 days and did 32 locks in one day,was right knackered after
I would say that size is fine to single handle mine is shafts though which is a bit easier
Docking would be ok just use a midships mooring when you 1st go in
Good luck
Mark

 

[Xenopus]

Hi Stefan,

Our Hunton is very similar to the Scarab and generally it gives me no problems on my own - I don't feel the need for a bow thruster after 5 years with her. A line from the midships cleat is a great help and having some forethought about the conditions at either end of the trip is common sense. If there's a very strong wind/tide pushing you off the mooring you originally intended to end up on then either ask for help or to have an easier alternative "landing" suggested by the harbour master - they've always been very helpful when told I was alone.

enjoy - boats like these are terrific fun,

Matt

 

[oldgit]

Many boating trips including upriver ditch crawling involving locks made alone in both good and also inclement weather.Need to do bit of planning mainly for arrival.With me this would involve having ropes uncoiled and roughly where they need to be and my boat hook dead handy by the patio doors.Is prob easier with sports boat as no doors to exit and stuff.
Is sometimes simpler NOT to have folks helping out but is nice sometimes to give them something to do to make them feel useful while actually keeping them out of the way.Some guests just want to watch the world go but others really want to get involved during a day out.

 

[stefan_r]

Hi, how is your Hunton....I would actually prefer one to the Scarab (bit more class!) but can't find one in my price range.

Are you petrol or diesel?

What's your top end?

 

[DavidJ]

34ft is a good size. I was amazed how much easier my S37 was was to handle than my previous single prop S24. Stern drives with duoprops are definitly more difficult to handle close quarters than shafts (I have sterns) so strongly recommend a bow thruster, it will take a few years off the learning curve and save a few bumps.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

A fellow club member single hands a Broom 30, Thames locks and all, with grace, style and aplomb, even closing the wheelhouse doors if its cold. Won't see 75 again and is hugely competent. Frankly doesn't need his fenders.

 

[mainshiptom]

The only way to find out is by doing it !

Be sensible but do it !


I have done it loads in the Swale and even up to london St Kats. I do not normmally like tyo be alone but find it very fulfiling on a large boat (mine was 44ft) Two engines and and anchor windlass helps.

Just do it , You will never look back.

The other day I moored up with a crew of two ....What a mess ! did it perfectly with one or none.

Tom

 

[saskia]

Saskia is 11metres - about 37 feet - with centre wheelhouse and I regularly cruise singlehanded on the French canals and rivers. St Jean to Avignon last year. Getting everything ready in advance is the main thing, and planning manoeuvres carefully. I cruise well fendered and with lines ready attached at all four corners and on midships cleats both sides. It's a challenge to your boathandling - I have a single shaft and no bow thruster - especially with expensive plastic at close quarters, and the locks can certainly be energetic. The fun bit is when you abandon the wheel, dive for the side door - and realise you have left the engine in gear!

Happy cruising.

 

[britemp]

I regularly single-handed a 44' motor boat with a single shaft and about 30hp all over the Broads from the age of 11 so you should be OK! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SimonA]

Depends on how much effect the wind has on the boat as well. I have a centre cockpit boat and find by the time I have got out onto the deck the boat is 6 foot from the mooring when the wind is blowing off it.

I use a centre line to get me ashore then secure the lines fore and aft.

 

[Xenopus]

The Hunton is just lovely - we really enjoy her altho there's not exactly loads of space below she's great for a long weekend. She's dual fuel LPG/Petrol 54 kts on the former and 62 on the latter (GPS in 2 directions). However the LPG system has just been modified to increase the flow so we'll see how she goes, maybe this weekend. Actually its not really the speed that I enjoy - we're in the Solent so have to be sensible most of the time anyway - its the handling, particularly in heavy weather, I simply couldn't believe it when I first helmed one in a blow. There are Huntons for sale on their website or at Inwards. The important thing is to enjoy whatever you get!

all the best,

Matt

 

[JohnRob]

Agree with above. Should be fine if you choose conditions. The main problem is when its breezy - manoevering in confined spaces and mooring up will be the bits that give you the dry mouth, but pre-prep is everything. Fenders out early in plenty of space, lines on fore/aft/midships ready. If its really windy off the mooring, perhaps run the midships line to the cockpit so that you can attach the stern line and you have the midships line to hand if she's being blown off. You should be able to haul her in - provided you don't drop the line in the water.. ahem!

ItS

 

[byron]

Jeeze!! I went everywhere in my P.435 single handed. Up and down Thames, across the pond regularly. Like Barry, no bow thrusters.

 

[Oen]

I used to single-hand my 'classic' 32ft shaft-drive, even without autohelm... Longest trip was about eleven hours - hard work, but worth getting there!

Plan ahead, and take your time.

Manoeuvreing's easy, and I used to set warps up on the side decks, so that I could come alongside and step out of the cockpit with both bow and stern lines, before hopping ashore and securing.