Head Room

[Steve Perrott]

I presently have a Mirage 25 which is quite roomy for the size. I would like to move up to the 32-35 range eventually (leaning more towards the 32 end). As it is a lot more money, i would like to make the rigt choice for a versatile racer/weekend coastal cruiser as far as interior size goes. I would like, but don't absolutely need, a decent berth aft. My real problem is that I am 6'4", cutting me off for some berths and most standing room accomodation for boats under 40'(anything over 35' is not affordable for me and frankly not desirable).Searching around the net, standing room is a hard thing to determine usually. Sometimes it's noted usually around 6'1" or 6"2" on boats the 32-35 size. I do know the Ontario 32 has about 6'4", but this nice boat is more of a cruiser and a little older in vintage than I am after. (Oh, did I mention I was a tall 6'4"?).So several questions for anyone kind enough to provide feedback:1. What are the best headroom accomodations I can get on Beneteaus, 1995 or newer in the 32-35 range?2. Ditto question # 1 with other boats.3. Am I being unrealistic? If so, just how uncomfortable would I be moving around below in a 6'1" or 6'2" headroom boat (bending over in the Mirage is a pain; on the other hand the real goal is to spend most of my time in the cockpit).Thanks in advance,Steve PerrottP.S.- Beneteaus are very popular, and a beautiful boat. However, just how bad is the problem re the flat hull slappping hard when going to weather? The consensus seems to be that the 32-35s are not blue water craft, but is the problem that significant for bay and coastal weekend sailing?

 

[Jack]

Oceanis 370 owner here!

Steve,My wife and I bought a Beneteau 370 last year and was the best thing we ever did! I too am a tall guy, 6'3.5" and was in need of a bigger boat. Our first boat was a Hunter 27. The Beneteau advertises the head room at 6'3". I can tell you that it is taller in some spots and shorter than advertised in others. Not a problem though. The floor in the owners cabin is lower than the that in the salon, so as the cabin top slopes down overhead, the floor gets lower to make up the difference. We absolutely love it and it is a sterdy well designed boat. We occasionally hear some slapping, but never really gave it a thought until I read your article. Hasn't been a problem for us. Good luck in your search.Fair Winds,JackBeneteau 370

 

[Greg aboard 'BlueBerry']

headroom

being 6'3 myself, i have a bit of experience here! A couple of boats for you to look at and consider, which I have owned and therefore can recommend. I had an Irwin 32 citation, 1986 model which allowed me standing headroom in the main cabin, and had an aft berth and a half (not truly a double due to the engine compartment) which allowed me adequate sleeping room. I seem to remember that the shape of the berth in the main (of of those drop down the table guys) also worked well. as always, as you move forward in the boat the cabin top slope gradually reduces the headroom. I have cruised this boat extensively on LI sound, and found it quite adequate. She had a phrf of about 135(?) or so, so was a fairly good performer. Since that model has been out 15 years or so, there may be some good values on the market. Just last month I purchased a new boat, an '88 legend 37. LOTS of headroom, footroom, sail area....lots of boat, for a fairly reasonable price. I know you said you wanted to stay smaller, but I ended up buying this one when my objective was to get another 32 footer. Just a thought. Good hunting.

 

[Bryan C.]

Look at the Hunter specs here on HOW

Greg, as another 6'3"er, this was also an issue to me. It was one of the reasons I bought a Hunter 35 (6'2" was close enough) The Hunter specs chart here on the HOW gives headroom for the models; there are several models over 30' that offer sufficient headroom.http://www.soft.donbass.com/igor/yachta/heart_interface_accessories.htm

 

[mark stevens]

6'3" myself

I own an Oday 30 1982. it has a lot of room for a 30 ft boat.I sail the southern coast of Maine and have enjoyed her as a cruiser. I also occasionally will enter a handicap race at my yacht club and can perform pretty well. This is a lot of boat for the money with averages in the low to mid twenties.

 

[Steve Perrott]

Thank You Re: Head Room

Thank you to Jack with the Oceanis. I was on a 32.5 Beneteau First today. I needed about another 1 1/2 inches to completely stand up but I could live with it. the owner told me he experienced notrouble with "slapping" when close hauled. Perhaps if the market turns around (or I work a lot of overtime) I could make the same choice you did. Thanks also to Mark with the O'Day, especially as this advice is more in line with my pocket book. thanks also to Gary with the Legend. I had a peek on the internet for sisterships; a beautful yacht indeed!Finally, thanks to Bryan for the web address. I'm going to take a look now. As it looks like there won't be anymore activity, I'm signing off with appreciation for your time.Steve Perrott