Yachts with open plan interiors 26-30ft

Open plan layouts are an invitation to disaster; a seagoing boat should have limited distances to get thrown around, coupled with handholds.

I found this to be true when test sailing a Hunter Horizon 27.
 
Seajet said:
Open plan layouts are an invitation to disaster; a seagoing boat should have limited distances to get thrown around, coupled with handholds.

I found this to be true when test sailing a Hunter Horizon 27.
Click to expand...

You really do need to get away from your outdated ideas of what is good and what is bad - or rather the idea that only you know what is good. It is clear that many people value open plan layouts in small boats and back their judgement by buying them. As a consequence builders make them. The OP clearly sees benefit for him so is looking for one - so who are you to say that he is wrong?
 
Many Folkboats are very open inside, to a point of being too spartan for many. I'm also unsure of whether the GRP variants are as open as the original wooden Nordics, that date back to the 40's.
Is it not possible to achieve the boat that you want by modifying one that's close to it? Many yachts appear to have non-structural partitions, masquerading as bulkheads?
 
Often (but not always) structural bulkheads are required to rigidify the hull.

Strongall boats don't need this and so interior planning is more flexible.
 
Have a look at the Kelt 850. It's not quite open plan but has a v attractive wrap around saloon. If you put a search into Youtube there's a video of the interior of one.
 
Tranona said:
You really do need to get away from your outdated ideas of what is good and what is bad - or rather the idea that only you know what is good. It is clear that many people value open plan layouts in small boats and back their judgement by buying them. As a consequence builders make them. The OP clearly sees benefit for him so is looking for one - so who are you to say that he is wrong?
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Tranona,

it is you who need to stop homing in and disagreeing with anything I post !

While the attention is flattering, it remains a matter of common sense let alone seamanship that an open plan layout tends to leave crew large spaces to be thrown about in unless there are plentiful handholds, and I've yet to see a serious blue water boat boasting an open plan.

Now let me guess what sort of interior your boat has...:)
 
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What has open plan in small boats got to do with getting thrown about?
Whether there is a full main bulkhead or not makes zero difference, as most movement internally is fore and aft and dependent on sensibly positioned grab rails or handholds.
Why do folk feel it necessary to contribute negative red herrings to every debate?

Asking too many questions here perhaps?
 
I've been in open plan boats and traditional layout ones, 20' upwards, in waves; the open plan jobs were definitely more troublesome as soon as things got lumpy, and one tends to get thrown athwartships a lot more than lengthways, though both are a pain.

Try it !
 
Quandary said:
What has open plan in small boats got to do with getting thrown about?
Whether there is a full main bulkhead or not makes zero difference, as most movement internally is fore and aft and dependent on sensibly positioned grab rails or handholds.
Why do folk feel it necessary to contribute negative red herrings to every debate?

Asking too many questions here perhaps?
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I believe the issue is where there is an area thought 'Open Plan', there will be fewer handholds to combat significant pitching and rolling, than if there are more partitions, or closed area that folks can grab or steady themselves against.
 
Seajet said:
I've been in open plan boats and traditional layout ones, 20' upwards, in waves; the open plan jobs were definitely more troublesome as soon as things got lumpy, and one tends to get thrown athwartships a lot more than lengthways, though both are a pain.

Try it !
Click to expand...

How do you know I haven't.
Or perhaps you are convinced you are the only one with experience, but then if you really had that, perhaps you might have a more open mind!
 
Seajet

Not "homing in" on everything you post. Nor do I disagree with everything you post. Only occasionally when you talk rubbish. The question asked for suggestions for open plan boats - NOT for your opinion on such boats. Who mentioned anything about "seagoing" and "bluewater"? Why bring this in? Nothing to do with the question. I am sure Colin has worked out for himself what sort of boat he wants next and is just asking for suggestions on what might suit. Doubt he wants a lecture from you.

One of my boats is as "traditional" as you can get with lots of handholds and bulkheads in 26', mostly made by me and placed where I find them useful. The other is a big open plan saloon (and has twin aft cabins and a sugar scoop, and a furling main) because those were the features I wanted for the type of use the boat was bought for.

So, please stop introducing your prejudices into a sensible question. If you don't have any suggestions for suitable boats for Colin, ignore his request. Plenty of other people will come up with useful ideas.
 
Seajet said:
Tranona,

it is you who need to stop homing in and disagreeing with anything I post !

While the attention is flattering, it remains a matter of common sense let alone seamanship that an open plan layout tends to leave crew large spaces to be thrown about in unless there are plentiful handholds, and I've yet to to a serious blue water boat boasting an open plan.

Now let me guess what sort of interior your boat has...:)
Click to expand...

Well, I would suggest that the open plan Pacific Seacraft 31 is a pretty good example of a blue water yacht.
 
chinita said:
Well, I would suggest that the open plan Pacific Seacraft 31 is a pretty good example of a blue water yacht.
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That's the problem with labels like "bluewater" - everybody is supposed to have the same view of what they mean. Plenty of Bavarias like mine have crossed oceans and been chosen by long term cruisers. Equally plenty of long keel, heavy displacement, cutter rigged, compartmentalised interiored, handhold rich boats have never got further than the Needles!
 
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