Center cockpit,What do you think

[genesis-uno]

I have only sail aft cockpit and my wife and friends always complain that is to cold in windy days, when they are on the wheel. I,m ready to buy my next 42 ft yacht. Should Y consider center cockpit? Please give me your comments of why I should or why I should not.The idea is for extended sailing and short handed blue watercruising
thanks in advance

[sailingdog]

Get a pilothouse sailboat instead... A center cockpit sailboat isn't going to be much better in terms of warmth... a Pilothouse one will.

[camaraderie]

Dawg...come sit in "my sunroom" any day. We were in shorts and T-shirts in 45 degree weather in our CC enclosure.

Genesis...I have owned both type boats and much prefer the CC cockpit at sea and in general:
1. You are at the center of the boat and have a more comfortable ride there than at the end of the boat.
2. You are higher off the water and there is less spray, waves, pooping seas to contend with
3. Aft cabin space and privacy.
4. With enclosure the cockpit can be warm and dry in all kinds of weather while still providing an all around view.

Disadvantages of CC:
1. coming into a dock you can't really help with the lines
2. less on deck storage...sacrificed for under deck storage/room
3. They tend to be more klunky looking when less than 40' or so.

[genesis-uno]

Hi Sailingdog, we thought of something like that, any suggestion to look for in the adriatic, remember I will be short handed.

[genesis-uno]

Hi Camaraderie, thanks for your response, do you have any comments on a Beneteau 42 cc?, Do You have other good alternatives?

[sailingdog]

I wouldn't recommend a Bendytoy 42 CC for bluewater cruising... Get a boat like Cam's if you're getting a center cockpit beastie.

[camaraderie]

Yes...I once looked at that boat with consideration of buying. I REALLY did not like it...no head-room, shallow bilge...short tankage...exposed rudder that was deeper than the shoal keel on the boat. IMHO...suitable only for relativley short people for weekend cruising.

Bluewater Center Cockpit boats over 40 feet are:
Whitby42 (w/ bolted hull/deck), Brewer42, Kelly Peterson44, Pearson422, Hylas 44 & up, Tayana42 & up, Mason43 & up, Bristol44, any PassportCC, Caliber47, any HansChristianCC, any HalbergRasseyCC, any Amel CC, any MoodyCC

Probably missed some the rest of the gang can fill you in on but that will give you a start.

[Cruisingdad]

Taswell 44 & 49, but go with the Mason, Bristol, or Hylas. Under 500, Mason.

[Gulfcoastbreeze]

Island Packet 445 or SP Cruiser, for a pilothouse.

[gc1111]

My Allied Mistress 39 is a fine blue water, center cockpit, ketch. but they are all pretty old by now.
And I think Cam outlined the Pros and Cons pretty well.