Pilothouse in the PNW

[Tedd]

why not a good enclosure on a 'regular' boat

I often think this is what I'd prefer. But I do feel that a pilothouse is likely to be a bit more convenient in the winter. No setting up or taking down, it's always just there when you need it. Also, in the Pacific northwest it seems like you spend a lot of time motoring in certain areas and at certain times of year, either because of rain, currents, lack of wind, or a combination. I imagine a pilothouse is a little nicer for two people when you have a long day inside.

 

[MitchM]

in our pilothouse, the helm chair at the inside station fastens to the floor. no more jacklines in a pitching cockpit with rain pouring in sideways. ... sailing in pouring rain is no longer as dreary cold , wet lonesome and scary. all my control lines lead to the cockpit , so i only have to go outside to put another reef in.

 

[Rick D]

Rick:
I just checked out the Hunter 32 Vision. That is a really nice boat!
It comes in toward the low end of the range for ballast/displacement ratio. How stiff is it? After the Mac 26 my wife is keen to get something stiff!

It's been twenty years since I had her (for nine years) but she was pretty stiff. She rated about the same as a Catalina 30 and that seemed about right. She was a wonderful boat I would buy again in a heartbeat.

 

[Tedd]

sailing in pouring rain is no longer as dreary cold , wet lonesome and scary.

That's definitely the appeal for me. They don't call this area the Wet Coast for nothing. So far I've been a summer-only sailor, but I want that to change.

 

[jssailem]

@Tedd while browsing boats today I came across this Sparkman and Stevens Motor Ketch.
http://www.grayandgrayyachts.com/co...830000&photo_name=On+Her+Mooring&photo=0&url=

It might be the type of boat that fits your desire.

 

[Tedd]

John:
I like the style of that boat a lot. Any idea how they sail? From the specs, it reads like it might be a bit more motor-y than I'm looking for. (I think my wife would love it, though. Might have to hide it from her.)
Tedd

 

[jssailem]

No idea. S&S has a sailboat reputation. She is a long keel so looks like she will be stable and track well. She will not be a flyer. Guess 7 plus knots. 33 feet long at the water line.
For our NW waters she looks to be a good boat.

 

[Tedd]

I hadn't heard of S&S before but, wow, they do have quite a track record! That's definitely one that will go on my list.
Thanks,
Tedd