Suitable boat for cruising to and around the Med

[Swagman]

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Although some people moor stern to, I always moored bow-to. It gives more privacy in the cockpit and with a short-handed crew I find mooring easier.

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All the more reasons to choose a centre-cockpit like a Moody 346 or a 376: you can go stern-to but still retain some privacy, and you gat a palatial owner's aft cabin!

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IMHO the response above is a very subjective view.
I've owned both aft and centre cockpit boats.
Most peeps I know today with centre cockpits in the Med (50+ footers excepted) say they find ther primary outdoor seating area is relatively cramped for space, usually overprotected with screens etc and therefore pretty airless when parked up, and most important in sunny climes, difficult to install a bimini over which is both high enough walk under, yet low enough to sail with.
Still, good luck with whatever you get - centre or aft cockpit....
JOHN

 

[chrisc]

Lots of opening windows...

 

[rays]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm amazed at the volume of replies, so helpful!
The issue of buying here/Greece has been the subject of much debate in our house. I can't see alot of difference price-wise. Many of the Greek boats are ex-charter and have three + cabins. We want only two, but two comfy ones. Finding a boat in the UK with holding tanks, biminis etc is not too hard. We like the idea of spending a season here to really get the experience level up, iron out problems, add equipment etc and then head south, perhaps with an extra pair of hands for Biscay.

 

[affinite]

Hi Don
We did what you are planning a few years ago.
We were already experienced boaters having owned a motor cruiser in Salcombe for many years, but having finally seen the light and caught the sailing bug on a few introductory courses, we jumped right in and bought a 34 foot Feeling 346 (aft cockpit) and based her in Poole.
We then spent 2 years learning to sail her around Poole and the West country.
Winter 2003 was spent fitting out for cruise to Greece. (Holding tanks, Bimini, new sails etc.)
June 2004 With an experienced delivery skipper at the helm (to hold my hand) we then sailed her out to Greece - 5 weeks in total - great trip.
We've now spent 2 seasons cruising around Ionian islands and we love it(even in August!)

My 346 is an aft cockpit but, with wheel steering, cockpit space is cramped and as other posters have said you do want a nice big cockpit in which to stretch out and enjoy your sundowner. Im looking to trade up next year specifically to get some more cockpit space.
Some would argue that the best bit is the planning (although dolphins playing around the bow in Biscay takes some beating) so enjoy and if you have any specific queries do pm me.
Steve (Affinite)

 

[Appleyard]

PM'd you

 

[derekeaster]

When you are living on a boat for any length of time space is an important factor, not just for lounging below and on deck but for storage. You will aquire considerably more items aboard for this kind of life. Lack of storage space equals an untidy and cluttered boat.
Have you considered a catamaran

 

[cliffb]

I constantly come back to thinking about a Cat. But it's the extra cost of berthing and finding a berth wide enough that puts me off a bit. Besides.... having never sailed one, I'm a bit nervous about how I'd get on with it. Particularly in a bit of a blow.

 

[vyv_cox]

I think you're right. I have nothing against cats, raced small ones for years, but I would not have a cruising one for the reasons you say. It's all very well that you can get into shallow anchorages and have plenty of space but there are many occasions in the Med when no anchorage is available. We were at Bonifacio in August with quite lively conditions outside. We watched the usual pantomime of boats arriving to an already packed marina at 1700 - 1800, mostly managing to fit in somewhere. But when a large cat arrived he had to admit defeat and move elsewhere. He would have had to go quite a few miles in unpleasant conditions to find an anchorage.

 

[davidbains]

I've cruised a 25ft wide tri in the Med for 16yrs now. We do a lot of anchoring!!!!!
However the family enjoy a non (or little) heeling boat with the extra deck space.
Deck space is underated in my view. So many boats have mean narrow sidedecks and
cramped foredecks, the family are on top of each other in the cockpit.
If your cat is less than 7mtrs wide you can usually be hauled with a large travelhoist
as long as the dock is wide enough! Aqua Blue seeks places with large cranes for wintering.