Up to what Loa boat would you consider it practical to singlehand?

[Poignard]

Agreed, until the bigger, heavier boat gets out of control. Then they are a big heavy battering ram. When everything works, they are a pleasure.
Things you don't want failing when manoeuvring are engines, steering and bow thrusters. Everything else is superficial (including a bow thruster for us as we don't have one)

With a Twister (28ft loa) it was easy to do things single-handed such as pulling it along a pontoon, or turning it round, or rafting up on another yacht.

For want of a better word, the boat was handy.

 

[geem]

With a Twister (28ft loa) it was easy to do things single-handed such as pulling it along a pontoon, or turning it round, or rafting up on another yacht.

For want of a better word, the boat was handy.

My boat certainly isn't handy then. If it's blowing, and you arrive at a pontoon and somebody tries to push the boat, it simply doesn't move. You can only manhandle the boat with lines and the engine. Springing off to get out of a tight spot is the only option. It works, but can be challenging at times.

 

[dunedin]

My boat certainly isn't handy then. If it's blowing, and you arrive at a pontoon and somebody tries to push the boat, it simply doesn't move. You can only manhandle the boat with lines and the engine. Springing off to get out of a tight spot is the only option. It works, but can be challenging at times.

But even sailing as a couple we wouldn’t manhandle a boat to get in or out of a berth. Using engine and ropes is standard practice surely? And once every 2-3 years we have used ropes onto the genoa sheet winches to reposition.
But what you describe is also why 90% of new bots above 40 feet have a bow thruster
PS. Clearly less need mid ocean or sailingnthe Caribbean than in coastal cruising.

 

[Concerto]

My take is bigger is easier, might seem odd, but it stems from everything happening faster and harder on my last boat (36ft) ... it heeled more, it bounced around more, and it was more susceptible to sudden gusts than the current one. The boats I sailed in my youth (Kingfisher 20+ and an Albin Vega) were very exciting in a F5/F6 ... my current one needs an F8 before it gets exciting.

The other proviso is, if I don't feel comfortable with the conditions or the forecast, then I won't go out. The biggest problems with this approach are schedules and deadlines - so I'm sometimes forced out when I would otherwise stay put. Had it happen twice this year, both times having to head out into 30 knot plus winds with associated sea state. Surprised at how my fears were unfounded, was far less drama than I expected - had one of the best sails of the season with her bumbling along at 8-10 knots under a heavily reefed genoa.

I agree that small boats can be more difficult. My first boat I owned was a Hunter Formula 1, a 22ft extreme kevlar laid up hull race boat. A delight to sail fully crewed and could be planed, but I would only sail it single handed with only the mainsail as I could not manage the cross winched genoa sheets whilst helming and she was too sensitive to the wind strength and helm.

Boat handling in close quarters in windy conditions needs careful control. I enjoy single handed heavy weather sailing and do sail when many fully crewed boats remain in harbour. One thing you do notice as you enter a harbour or marina is how the wind eases to buildings and boats disturbing the wind flow. It can be much easier than you expect.

 

[geem]

But even sailing as a couple we wouldn’t manhandle a boat to get in or out of a berth. Using engine and ropes is standard practice surely? And once every 2-3 years we have used ropes onto the genoa sheet winches to reposition.
But what you describe is also why 90% of new bots above 40 feet have a bow thruster
PS. Clearly less need mid ocean or sailingnthe Caribbean than in coastal cruising.

I realise that. I was just thinking about a time a friend offered to take our lines as we were coming into our berth and it was breezy. I told him not to try and manhandle the boat. Just get the lines on and secure it. I told him you won't be able to stop the boat any other way.
We arrived and he secured the boat. He was a little shocked at the loads involved.
PS. We are in a marina. No bow thruster needed. You learn to deal live with what you have. The wind doesn't blow us around so much as the hull has a deep forefoot. I can spin her around using the propwash if needed

 

[Supertramp]

This discussion has focused on the size (and perhaps weight) of the boat.

The depth and nature of the skipper's experience is at least as important. Someone brought up handling different boats under power in a range of locations would have no qualms about berthing and confined waters maneuvers in almost any conditions.

For those of us like me who avoid such challenges when not necessary, this becomes a limiting factor. If you can't manhandle the boat if things go wrong then its probably too large - around 10T would be my limit. Go bigger when you have complete confidence in your skills.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

This discussion has focused on the size (and perhaps weight) of the boat.

The depth and nature of the skipper's experience is at least as important. Someone brought up handling different boats under power in a range of locations would have no qualms about berthing and confined waters maneuvers in almost any conditions.

For those of us like me who avoid such challenges when not necessary, this becomes a limiting factor. If you can't manhandle the boat if things go wrong then its probably too large - around 10T would be my limit. Go bigger when you have complete confidence in your skills.

Good point, maybe the answer to the OPs question has nothing to do with a specific size/weight and has much more to do with the skipper.

"The size you feel confident with" is perhaps the right answer.

 

[MontyMariner]

If you can afford one of those, you should also look to see what Amel offers (Accueil - AMEL)

An amel (ketch) is my dream boat.