Short Cockpits

[DBJ]

I just purchased a partially completed Allegra 24. The builder did a beautiful job on the hull. However, he shortend the cockpit from 7'' to 5'' adding 2'' to the cabin. Having an extra 2 feet added to the cabin is great but I wonder about the short cockpit and am interested in getting input before I decide to go back to the orginal design or continue with what I have.a

Idea??

[nnelson1]

I prefer having a larger cockpit.
When sailing, you and your crew will want to be topside together enjoying the fun. That extra 2 feet will be sorely missed.
However, when tucking in for the night in a nice little harbor, the extra room in the cabin would be nice as well.
Question to you: how many people will be sailing with you? Are you mainly single or double handed? Or is this going to be a family boat?

[DBJ]

This is a family boat but we see her being used by 2,3 or 4 at a time often for two to three week trips.

[paulk]

What you want to end up with may depend some on the kind of sailing you expect to do. At sea, smaller cockpits are desirable because they hold less water if you get pooped. A smaller cockpit also puts contol lines closer together so they can be handled more easily. In bad weather, a smaller dodger can be used, which causes less windage and may make the boat easier to maneuver. If you''re mostly daysailing, you and the crew will want to be on deck. Even so, a five foot cockpit should be plenty big enough for four people to sit around. Overnight, however, if four of you are planning to sleep aboard, you''re going to have to decide now whether you want four below (keep the cabin as it is) or if you want two below and two in the cockpit (lengthen the cockpit.) Welcome to boat ownership!