Comfortable cockpits

[paulmcquillan]

When we were looking, two of the most comfortable cockpits were on the:
Tartan 37 (the S&S design)
Newport 41 (C&C design)

We ultimately settled on the divided cockpit of the N41. Agree strongly with the earlier post about making sure you can brace your feet when heeled.

Backrests and coamings on both were far better than many of the others. We also like the Catalina 38 cockpit (but had some concerns over the unrestricted volume and didn''t like the hull form as much)

[JohnDrake]

I have a Wauquiez Hood 38 and found her cockpit to be very much to my liking.

First, the benches are something over 7 ft long and run the full length. I like this better than the types of cockpits that have a long athwartships bench all the way aft with the alongships benches being shorter and not running the full length (a T type design). I like to sail the boat kicked back, feet up, on one or the other (depending on the tack). The 7+ ft length also means that four people can fit comfortably in the cockpit, lounging with their backs against a cushion and their legs up (this is how just about everyone who sails with me apparently loves to locate themselves).

The Hood 38 benches are also a nice width. I think about 24 inches. They are comfortable for sleeping....or just being lazing about. This is a big advantage ...as lazing about under the bimini takes up a good part of our time. 22 inches is a bit too narrow for sleeping or even just lying down. 28 inches is great for sleeping, but not for sitting.

Hope this helps

John
s/v Invictus