Wot yot for a non head banger?

solent clown

solent clown

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We have two 24ft yachts, one almost ready for the water, and one a long term project. Both are fine for my 4ft 10 wife, but even at a mere 5ft 8 I am not able to stand up properly. At what length does standing up become a viable option generally. I need something to aspire to now the Trident is almost ready to sail. I suspect that going up in size a few feet is going to entail a huge price increase, so it is a longer term aspiration. A couple of years gaining experience, and looking at the kind of yachts you guys recommend will give me time to save!
 
There is no specific size. There are many 23' with standing headroom - just have high coachroofs. Your Trident comes from a style of boat where headroom was not a priority.

Having said that standing headroom becomes practical and aesthetically pleasing at around 26/7 foot length for a family cruising boat - such as the Sabre from the same designer/builder as the Trident. There are of course many boats of this size and even longer where headroom is not a priority for the intended use.
 
If you want a yacht that doesn't resemble a caravan you'll have to go for one with a deep keel, such as (yes, you've guessed it) a Twister. :encouragement:
 
43'

I'm fine in the saloon but have still learnt the hardway to duck in the cabins and the cockpit.

Worst blow I ever had to the head was walking into the forecabin of a 36 footer. Made worse because I ducked but not far enough.

A lot of the AWBs have more headroom for their size - cue endless debate on the downside of that.

I would say though, just sail the boat you've got for now. You'll soon learn to duck instictively at the right places.
 
I would stick to sitting only if the boat suits you and you don't want to go backwards when trying to beat to windward. We lived happily with a Mystere for 14 yrs, where I could just about stand at the companionway.
 
I would suggest that you have a look at the floor of the boat you have nearly ready. You may be able to increase head room by lowering the floor. (remove floor boards) Consider foam filling the deep places then cover with glass. Then cover the whole lot with indoor /outdoor carpet. You won't have a flat floor but you may get an inch or more of headroom in places usefull. I find on my little boat I mostly sit on the seats in cabin so far more stable than standing when in a seaway. Can't stand anyway. olewill
 
The worse sort of boat is one that you can nearly stand up in. I am 6ft 6ins & if I have to stoop it really causes back ache. I was better in my Stella where I was forced to move about sat down , sliding along the cabin cushions. Never had back problems because I could never stoop. Used to cook sitting on the engine casing. Now I cook stooping in front of the cooker & often open the hatch & stand with a bit of my head out of that. Cannot stand in the hatch way because the base of the steps come in the way & it means I would have to stand at an awkward angle.
 
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solent clown said:
We have two 24ft yachts, one almost ready for the water, and one a long term project. Both are fine for my 4ft 10 wife, but even at a mere 5ft 8 I am not able to stand up properly. At what length does standing up become a viable option generally. I need something to aspire to now the Trident is almost ready to sail. I suspect that going up in size a few feet is going to entail a huge price increase, so it is a longer term aspiration. A couple of years gaining experience, and looking at the kind of yachts you guys recommend will give me time to save!
Click to expand...

In the meantime try and arrange somewhere to sit or just perch in all the places you may want to spend a while standing (e.g. galley, chart table). That can make a hell of a difference as your legs will be bent but your back straight. Would a cockpit tent give you some standing room whilst moored up?
 
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