Dumb Question From A Newbie

[ronjonCDN]

Can someone explain the pros and cons of a centre cockpit thanks for all your help in advance

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by ronjonCDN

Can someone explain the pros and cons of a centre cockpit thanks for all your help in advance

Welcome, no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to cruising !

PROS :-

1. Nearer the action. Further from the following sea.

2. Usually has an aft cabin - which provides space for skipper + SO - while the crew/youngsters live forward.

CONS :-

1. Getting to aft components of steering and propulsion systems = difficult.

However, because boats have their own personalities and so many designs - asking the question will probably return a thousand answers for and against.

[Trim50]

I've owned both. The aft cabin is a really nice thing to have, however I personally prefer the sensation of driving rather than riding.

[Auzzee]

Having also owned both, I would have an aft cockpit for daysailing, but I prefer the centre cockpit for cruising. I feel the belowdecks layout of a centre cockpit is better for living aboard. There is perhaps more room available for living in a CC, the 'driving position' feels safe.....and it's usually closer to the fridge!

David.

[delatbabel]

I have never owned an aft cockpit boat, but I have sailed and raced a few. I would not do an ocean crossing in one, I would always opt for the center cockpit with an aft cabin. The comfort of an aft cabin compared to sleeping in a forepeak (especially on the wind) is indescribable, and you only need one big dumper from a following sea coming over your stern to ruin your day with the aft cockpit (especially those modern, very open, low transom jobbies, I wouldn't take one out of the harbour myself).

Consider the shape of your stern, too. I have found there's a big difference between a square ender and a slightly rounded or canoe stern in a following sea -- the latter is vastly preferable even if it does reduce the space in the aft cabin a bit.

Del