solent clown
RIP
w have a brand new cockpit tent, I am hoping it will indeed increase the space. Once I have the mast fitted we will try it out.
Wot yot for a non head banger?
- Thread starter solent clown
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w have a brand new cockpit tent, I am hoping it will indeed increase the space. Once I have the mast fitted we will try it out.
PuffTheMagicDragon
Well-Known Member
One needs to adapt to what one has.
When I had a 20' Vivacity I soon learned that the easiest way to move around was on my knees.
The next boat was a Centaur at 26' While this had standing headroom for me in the cabin it was just a bit too low for my son. Worse than the lack of headroom was the fact that sitting at the dinette (Layout 'A') close to the hull was extremely uncomfortable because the cubby holes that are beneath the side-decks were not friendly to my shoulders.
The present boat is a Centurion 32. Ample headroom for me in the cabin and the seating is excellent on the Port side and adequate around the dinette to Stbd. Headroom is also good in the heads/shower but the forecabin is definitely sitting headroom.
My reasoning has always been that it is good to be able to stretch while below, if I want to walk I could always do it round the deck. So, I would suggest that you use what you have for a couple of years and then form an opinion that is based on YOUR personal experience during that time. You will then be in a better position to decide what is essential, what is desirable and what you can do without.
The 'Ideal' boat has yet to be built...
When I had a 20' Vivacity I soon learned that the easiest way to move around was on my knees.
The next boat was a Centaur at 26' While this had standing headroom for me in the cabin it was just a bit too low for my son. Worse than the lack of headroom was the fact that sitting at the dinette (Layout 'A') close to the hull was extremely uncomfortable because the cubby holes that are beneath the side-decks were not friendly to my shoulders.
The present boat is a Centurion 32. Ample headroom for me in the cabin and the seating is excellent on the Port side and adequate around the dinette to Stbd. Headroom is also good in the heads/shower but the forecabin is definitely sitting headroom.
My reasoning has always been that it is good to be able to stretch while below, if I want to walk I could always do it round the deck. So, I would suggest that you use what you have for a couple of years and then form an opinion that is based on YOUR personal experience during that time. You will then be in a better position to decide what is essential, what is desirable and what you can do without.
The 'Ideal' boat has yet to be built...
MoodySabre
Well-Known Member
My mate has a Virgo Voyager which at 23' has full standing headroom
jac
Well-Known Member
As others have pointed out, some more boxy boats will squeeze it in at 23 feet but for an average person 27 -28 feet is the cutoff.
Don't think it's unreachable though.
Plenty of boats for reduced prices. You also seem very practical, have the space, equipment and experience to renovate. Sell the 2 24 footers when done up and buy a 28 footer next autumn / winter
Don't think it's unreachable though.
Plenty of boats for reduced prices. You also seem very practical, have the space, equipment and experience to renovate. Sell the 2 24 footers when done up and buy a 28 footer next autumn / winter
solent clown
RIP
that is pretty much the plan, though it is probably going to be a 2 year plan. Long term we want something we can stay aboard comfortably for longer periods but we dont want to end up with something too big for many reasons, cost, maintenance, mooring etc etc. somewhere around 30ft I think would probably do us. Trouble is actually getting in to see some without wasting vendors or brokers time. New is out of the question financially.
Mrssolentclown
Active Member
I think you will find I'm actually 4 foot 10 and three quarter inches solent clown!
I personally am happy with height of our boats if you had hair you might find hitting your head less of a worry. Would you like me me to crochet you a wig?
solent clown
RIP
save the bother of a wig, how about you simply crochet me a new wife, one a bit taller and less in the manner of one who squats under a bridge scaring goats
solent clown
RIP
Anyway, my ickle darling, I discovered today that I do just about have headroom if I stand with legs wide spread. It happened when I slipped on the icy bit of board that is a temp floor. Best thing about the somewhat stark white interior is at least it feels big for it's size.
Hints of steam train too in the first pic
IMG_20171228_125329 by mark punksteel, on Flickr
IMG_20171228_125314 by mark punksteel, on Flickr
Hints of steam train too in the first pic
IMG_20171228_125329 by mark punksteel, on FlickrIMG_20171228_125314 by mark punksteel, on FlickrMrssolentclown
Active Member
Solent Clown be very careful what you wish for. If you worked harder and spent more time away from your computer you might be able to buy a bigger boat
solent clown
RIP
Solent Clown be very careful what you wish for. If you worked harder and spent more time away from your computer you might be able to buy a bigger boat
I had to crack the ice in the bilges to pump it, then as I was finished using the little portable electric pump I did as we normally do, and lifted it up before switching off o the contents of the pipe dont fall back in. The wire came off, and it poured its ice cold contents straight down my sleeve. That was the final straw for it today. Tap at workshop frozen too, so no water for coffee. I guess there is more than one way to be banging your head.
[70521]
Well-Known Member
Is that a mirror I see on that boat? Careful it does not break.
Come to think if it there is one in the heads, but I never use it.
Come to think if it there is one in the heads, but I never use it.
PuffTheMagicDragon
Well-Known Member
A rounded moulding around those doorways in the bulkhead would be a priority. I used to have a Centaur and I did not have any hair to provide protection... 
solent clown
RIP
A rounded moulding around those doorways in the bulkhead would be a priority. I used to have a Centaur and I did not have any hair to provide protection...
Sounds like a plan. Having done lots inside today, including ripping out the engine and putting it back in, I am more comfortable with the space than I was.
Kelpie
Well-Known Member
This pair of (Solent) clowns are gold. Wish we had a 'like' button on this forum 
solent clown
RIP
This week I had a look inside a westerly centaur. I was very pleased with the headroom, and the difference the extra beam makes as compared to our tridents. The living area, ans cockpit tent made it feel just big enough for our around the UK plans, and being a bilge keeler seems a better bet for our casual cruising too.
This particular boat is a project, needing a few things doing, and I am seriously considering buyng it and spending a year rebuilding it to a good standard (it does not need all that much, but I think it would be a boat we could live with size wie for a few years so I would spend some time on it to get it perfect)
Are there any specific areas to look at with an early centaur?
This particular boat is a project, needing a few things doing, and I am seriously considering buyng it and spending a year rebuilding it to a good standard (it does not need all that much, but I think it would be a boat we could live with size wie for a few years so I would spend some time on it to get it perfect)
Are there any specific areas to look at with an early centaur?
WoodyP
Well-Known Member
Before you commit to Centaur have a look at a Kingfisher K30 if you can find one. I have had mine since 2004 and sail single handed a lot of the time. Look at the KYOA Website.. It's not very active at the moment but most of the owners are long-term relationships and don't sell. They are getting cheaper like all other old boats but a good one has years of fun.
VicS
Well-Known Member
KEELS!!!!
Centaurs are well known for losing their keels , esp ITYWF if moored in mud
Check that the keel stubs have been reinforced or be prepared to do it yourself
Useful info to be found on the WOA Yahoo discussion group (in the photo section IIRC) but you will have to be registered with Yahoo to access. Probably more to be found on the WOA Forum pages too
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/westerly-owners/search/photos?query=keel#zax/albums_1237689016
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solent clown
RIP
yes i know about that one at least. Not put off by it as it would be on the list of mods if we get it.
Stemar
Well-Known Member
Early Centaurs had, IIRC, the lower shrouds mounted above a window, which worked and caused leaks. Look for one with the lowers further aft, away from the window.
Also, I was nosing round Ebay and there were a couple of Centaurs in my "recommended for you" list. Looking at them, one at £3K-ish had an engine with a dynostart, The one at £6-ish was a LOT tidier and had a more modern engine with a proper alternator. I know which I'd want, and I reckon the budget to buy and get the £6k one up to scratch would probably be less than the £3k one
Also, I was nosing round Ebay and there were a couple of Centaurs in my "recommended for you" list. Looking at them, one at £3K-ish had an engine with a dynostart, The one at £6-ish was a LOT tidier and had a more modern engine with a proper alternator. I know which I'd want, and I reckon the budget to buy and get the £6k one up to scratch would probably be less than the £3k one
VicS
Well-Known Member
Good point!
Also earlier ones had a spade rudder while later ones have rudders partly supported by a sort of short skeg. IIRC Dylan Winter found the later type much better.