What is the largest boat one can single hand?

[Lighthouse_35]

So been thinking of this, and I want general ideas on how large one can go in single handing. So would something like Princess yachts model 62 from the Flybridge collection be too large to effectively single hand? And what about if one has a helper like a spouse?

Or is that too big? Any help is welcome!

 

[Portofino]

Depends on your insurance and how big mentally you are prepared to fund gel coat repairs
L is not the factor

 

[Boatbore]

The ability to drive a boat singlehanded is only the tip of the iceberg. Nowadays with all the mod cons of bow and stern thrusters, pod drives, and even simple old fashioned twin shafts, big boats are very manoeuvrable...... but that’s only the beginning of it.

What a half decent boat handler can manage in flat calm, windless conditions, with all gizmos working is not the same as when there’s a strong tide, a side wind, or something isn’t working properly like a bow thruster, or one engine. The problem is not what happens when things go wrong but because the boat is bigger the implications are more serious. Big boats weigh more and have considerably more momentum, the damage that follows is also larger and invariably more expensive. Even if you are the sort of boater who expects the odd scrape and ding, then do spare a thought for the individual on the other end of that “nudge” who may prefer his or her Boat to be like new at all times, And for whom even a blemish takes away some of his fun afloat !

A rule of thumb is, are there enough people on board to deal with the main issues, and if not then there should be.... Boat handling, making fast or releasing relevant lines, and being able to cope when something goes wrong - those are the things you need t9 think about, and for that you are the only one who can make the decision...... but a 60 ft Boat feels almost twice as big as a 50 ft boat, you can’t fend off by hand, nor pull a line tight by hand......

There are other factors to take into account too. It’s fun to clean and polish a 40 footer, buts it’s damn hard work on a 60 footer. Maintenance is greater, with more systems, and larger and more complex ones too.

I have always had crew on anything over 55 foot..... not because I can’t drive it myself, but because I don’t want to do all the necessary chores. If the manufacturers include a crew cabin, then assume having crew is a good idea. If you have 3 strapping sons, or a big family of keen hands on boaters then you can manage fine without professional crew, but you will likely still need a hand for most regular boaty occurrences.

Sorry I don’t have a more scientific reply. But if I had to guess, I would say that for any Boat from 12 tonnes (might be a better way to think about it rather than length) displacement up to about 30 tonnes displacement, then a competent driver and at least one extra capable pair of hands, Two pairs if they aren’t strong, or experienced ones. Anything over 30 tonnes, you need a good driver and a competent pair of hands at both ends.......

Other essential crew roles include glass fillers, washer uppers, and a fantastic chef....... but I fear I may be digressing.

 

[Lighthouse_35]

So ok listening to your feedback, I realize that 60 foot will be too big.

So if I move it down a notch to 55 feet, how much does that help out?

 

[[2068]]

So ok listening to your feedback, I realize that 60 foot will be too big.
So if I move it down a notch to 55 feet, how much does that help out?

No, still too big imho.
Someone at our marina used to single hand a Squaddie 55 in the right conditions, but they were very experienced.
I can just about manage an SC35 in an F0 ... maybe I’m not doing it right, but I don’t have four arms.
All these boats are easily manageable with two people - one on the helm, one doing the lines.

.

 

[jcwads]

As others have said, I think you need to account for conditions and also for potential failures that may be rare, but could happen, such as a bow thruster packing up.

I single handed my last boat which was a 28ft single screw outdrive, but only did so once I was a year into using it and had confidence. Now I have a larger Targa 40 and would not single hand it. Even if I had more experience I would not do it, because the boat is sizable, and having my wife or a friend there ensures we have a second pair of eyes on berthing and close quarters. Also, the tide can really catch you and I wouldnt fancy being alone if conditions decided to get the better of me.

 

[petem]

So been thinking of this, and I want general ideas on how large one can go in single handing. So would something like Princess yachts model 62 from the Flybridge collection be too large to effectively single hand? And what about if one has a helper like a spouse?

Or is that too big? Any help is welcome!

How much boating experience do you have?

 

[john_morris_uk]

How much boating experience do you have?

I suspect the answer might be in the question.

PS IMHO you can single hand many sized craft, but you need to bold enough and brave enough to NOT do a manoeuvre and go and anchor or ask for help sometimes. People forget that there’s no law that says you have to park the boat back in its berth...

 

[oldgit]

Depends dunnit........
If, like virtually all the 50 + footers on our moorings, the boat rarely moves, then you could buy as big a boat as your pocket is deep and still enjoy the sheer pleasure of owning a nice boat and the social cameraderie that goes with it.
Some will reassure that the bigger the boat, the easier it is to handle.!
You also may be natural skipper, always thinking three steps ahead and anticipating all possible scernerios and planning for them well in advance.

You may however, be like one or two of us and come to regard any days boating without breakdown, damage, disaster or embarrassment, a rip roaring success.
There will come a day, normally, both hot and sunny, when all those around you who once shared your excitement at the prospect of a days boating, suddenly become unavailable, you become "Billy no Mates", and the boat will remain firmly attached to the pontoon.
10 meters or so and you are probably OK single handed, even with a lock to get you out on to the water.
A metre or two above that, your enjoyment of the day will definately be enhanced by somebody to take and handle lines, after that, you will probably need some assistance and do not mean the latest electronic/ mechanical wizardry bow/stern thruster .
Suppose it depends if you merely want to own a boat or actually go boating ?

Just buy something and then get it right on the next boat..or the one after that...or....etc etc

 

[rlw]

If you have a partner that will help you should be fine with a 50 footer. On my Targa 40 my wife does the bow lines I drive the boat and do the stern lines. However if it is very windy that changes and I keep the boat in position untill the boat is secured. I occasionally single hand for test drives and for that purpose I have a remote on the bow thruster to keep the bow in position while I sort out the stern lines.

 

[petem]

I suspect the answer might be in the question.

PS IMHO you can single hand many sized craft, but you need to bold enough and brave enough to NOT do a manoeuvre and go and anchor or ask for help sometimes. People forget that there’s no law that says you have to park the boat back in its berth...

I agree. The fact that the OP is asking the question suggest to me that he has little experience. You'll know better than me but I suspect some people are natural boat handlers, others will always struggle.

Totally agree with your second para too (I was going to make the same comment when we were discussing training using bow thrusters recently). The marina where we keep our boat has nice wide fairways and berth next to us is permanently empty so paring the boat is relatively easy. But if it was too windy or I lost an engine or the bow thruster and was struggling then there's a nice long quay that I could park alongside.

So my answer to the OP would be that it depends on...

a) How confident / experienced and skilful he is at manoeuvring a boat.
b) What aids the boat has (pods, remote controls, etc).
c) How the marina that he keeps the boat in lends itself to single handed boating.

 

[DougH]

The ability to drive a boat singlehanded is only the tip of the iceberg. Nowadays with all the mod cons of bow and stern thrusters, pod drives, and even simple old fashioned twin shafts, big boats are very manoeuvrable...... but that’s only the beginning of it.

What a half decent boat handler can manage in flat calm, windless conditions, with all gizmos working is not the same as when there’s a strong tide, a side wind, or something isn’t working properly like a bow thruster, or one engine. The problem is not what happens when things go wrong but because the boat is bigger the implications are more serious. Big boats weigh more and have considerably more momentum, the damage that follows is also larger and invariably more expensive. Even if you are the sort of boater who expects the odd scrape and ding, then do spare a thought for the individual on the other end of that “nudge” who may prefer his or her Boat to be like new at all times, And for whom even a blemish takes away some of his fun afloat !

A rule of thumb is, are there enough people on board to deal with the main issues, and if not then there should be.... Boat handling, making fast or releasing relevant lines, and being able to cope when something goes wrong - those are the things you need t9 think about, and for that you are the only one who can make the decision...... but a 60 ft Boat feels almost twice as big as a 50 ft boat, you can’t fend off by hand, nor pull a line tight by hand......

There are other factors to take into account too. It’s fun to clean and polish a 40 footer, buts it’s damn hard work on a 60 footer. Maintenance is greater, with more systems, and larger and more complex ones too.

I have always had crew on anything over 55 foot..... not because I can’t drive it myself, but because I don’t want to do all the necessary chores. If the manufacturers include a crew cabin, then assume having crew is a good idea. If you have 3 strapping sons, or a big family of keen hands on boaters then you can manage fine without professional crew, but you will likely still need a hand for most regular boaty occurrences.

Sorry I don’t have a more scientific reply. But if I had to guess, I would say that for any Boat from 12 tonnes (might be a better way to think about it rather than length) displacement up to about 30 tonnes displacement, then a competent driver and at least one extra capable pair of hands, Two pairs if they aren’t strong, or experienced ones. Anything over 30 tonnes, you need a good driver and a competent pair of hands at both ends.......

Other essential crew roles include glass fillers, washer uppers, and a fantastic chef....... but I fear I may be digressing.

+1 Excellent reply succinctly put.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I sometimes single hand our 48 footer, it's no big deal if you are well prepared with lines and fenders etc, but I much prefer to have someone with me to have another pair of eyes and hands, just makes it all more sociable and relaxed.

 

[Irish Rover]

This is a question that has been exercising my mind as well since I decided to change my boat. My last 2 boats have been around 8M single engine sports cruisers. The most recent was a Jeanneau Leader. I recently bought a motorised catamaran 10.3 x 4.45 metres which I will take proper delivery of in early April. I frequently take the boat out alone day cruising or fishing and occasionally do short 1 or 2 day trips alone. Up to now I've managed quite well mainly because my home marina and most of the ones I visit have assisted docking. I imagine I will get used to the new boat in time but in the meantime I'm a bit apprehensive.

 

[Sishoe]

Having gone from a 30ft SD to 44ft SD to 43ft IPS to another 43ft IPS to a 64ft shaft. The most difficult to control (if you discount my total in-experience in the 30ft) would of been the 44ft SD (gobbi 425sc) never really got to grips with it. By far the easiest of the 5 boats is my current 64ft (targa 64) shaft drive boat, a combination of big props with loads of bite and hydraulic bow/stern thrusters with remote, makes the boat a very predictable beast to berth.
I've single handed all my boats, but tbh i try to avoid it where possible and think its always better to have a companion on-board, even if they don't have a specific role/purpose, just in case you fall ill or fall off !!

 

[Hurricane]

IMO, the bigger the boat, the easier it is to handle.
I don't consider handling to be the issue.
After all, what do the crew do whilst you are actually handling the boat?
Docking is probably the place where help is needed.

The problem comes if something goes wrong.
On passage, again, everything is fine until something goes wrong.

I single hand our Princess 67 but most of the time, there is a crew (or someone who can "be an extra pair of hands")
Last year, rather than wait for SWMBO to come out to the marina in Spain, I single handed the boat across to Mallorca.
Then flew SWMBO out to Palma - thus giving me an extra 3 or 4 days in the islands.
In fact, I was "in company " with another boat for about 75% of the way and there were yachtie friends in Palmanova when I got there.
It was very rewarding and I would do it again.
As far as the boat was concerned, she didn't even know that I was the only one on board.
It is all about planning.
Getting away was easy - I just found an empty space of water to put all the fenders away.
Under way, it was just the auto pilot and me "on watch" all the time (whereas with crew, we would share the watch).
On arrival, manoeuvring the boat was just as usual - only instead of SWMBO lowering the anchor from the fore-deck, I used the flybridge remote switches.
Again - preparation - released the anchor ready for launch before approaching the anchorage.
It was a couple of days before SWMBO joined and I moved the boat to other anchorages on my own.
Recovering the anchor is a little more difficult - we have a big Rocna and it really needs to be stowed on board carefully - during that time, I have to be on the fore-deck so I was watching the drift all the time.
In fact, conditions were so good that there wasn't any problems.
And thats the point, you always "factor in" the conditions.
In the Med there are no tides so it is really only wind and other idiots to watch out for.

If I need to go into a marina, I would contact the dockmasters for their help.
If the conditions were bad, there is always the waiting pontoon/berth where you can pick up some helpful dockmasters.

So, to recap.
Actually handling isn't the problem.
It is always what could happen if anything went wrong.
So, that said, the size of the boat isn't the big factor.

 

[Bouba]

This is a question that has been exercising my mind as well since I decided to change my boat. My last 2 boats have been around 8M single engine sports cruisers. The most recent was a Jeanneau Leader. I recently bought a motorised catamaran 10.3 x 4.45 metres which I will take proper delivery of in early April. I frequently take the boat out alone day cruising or fishing and occasionally do short 1 or 2 day trips alone. Up to now I've managed quite well mainly because my home marina and most of the ones I visit have assisted docking. I imagine I will get used to the new boat in time but in the meantime I'm a bit apprehensive.

If it’s twin engined and the engines are far apart because they are on the pontoons then she should maneuver very easily

 

[jrudge]

Hurricane is spot on.

About 4 weeks ago I moved the Boat round the marina ( andraxt). I was on board for the week and my spot was pretty bouncy.

There was me. 2 marinaros in the Boat , 2 on the dock. It was blowing a gale ( literally a real gale ) and with all those people it still went a bit wrong.

Med mooring on a nice day with a boat either side no problem. Come in stick a line mid cleat to mid cleat with the Boat next door and slowly do the ropes

Much simpler all round with someone else on board in general.

 

[BruceK]

Hurricane IS spot on as usual. I have a 36 foot LOA sports cruiser. The length some say is still manageable. I'd say that is very much boat dependant. I could handle mine all day solo but have to have crew for docking. No way round it unless the conditions are perfectly calm as I simply cannot get from the helm to a cleat and back to the helm again should something go wrong or I miss my throw because where I am you typically get one chance only and then have redo the manoeuvre. Also who handles the fender when things go awry otherwise? It's my experience the fenders hung from the sides / freeboard are never quite suitable when you are about to hit someone else's boat. Rails, stern quarter corners, pulpits etc seem to gravitate there of their own free will. If you have dockside help, all is fine, but that's not solo handling.
For me the criteria would be boat layout, remote control availability, home berth typical prevailing conditions that precede size

 

[alant]

So been thinking of this, and I want general ideas on how large one can go in single handing. So would something like Princess yachts model 62 from the Flybridge collection be too large to effectively single hand? And what about if one has a helper like a spouse?

Or is that too big? Any help is welcome!

I used to singlehand a 120' bladerunner in Southampton docks. It had "360 degree schottel" drives at stern & bow, so could be manouvered easily, even mooring alongside without lines.