How big a boat to sleep a family of five?

[Bill Erly]

My wife has finally agreed to the possibility of buying a boat for cruising. The burning question is, with three growing children, how big a boat do we need to accomodate all of us? Any suggestions?

 

[Peter Clancy]

It Depends!

This really depends on personal preference. Our Hunter 22' was great for two adults and three kids. Our 31' Kelt was much roomier and our present 32' Catalina is even nicer with a big head/shower and private aft cabin. I would say the 28' to 32' range is a good choice. Go Catalina or Hunter, they've put lots of space and amenities in their boats!

 

[Bob Camarena]

Catalina 30

You'll probably find that the Catalina 30 gives you the most interior space for your money. Technically there are berths for 7. Two in the V-berth, three in the main cabin or "saloon" (one double and one single), and two aft (not really big enough for two adults but OK for 2 kids). In my mind this is too many for the boat, but it gives you some options for your family. If you and your wife take over the V-berth or the double in the main saloon, there are several options for the three children depending on their ages and sexes. You should be able to find plenty of C-30s in great condition in the low $20s and up depending on age. It's a pretty big jump in cost to the bigger and newer boats. You can find less expensive C-30s but by your questions I doubt you'd be interested in a project boat.

 

[Ernie April]

Depends on the ages and mix of the kids...

...and how much you are willing to spend to keep the family sailing together. Then again, all kids are different and the solutions just as varied.Hi, Bill-We had a wonderful Hunter 34 with two boys bunking in the forepeak. All worked just fine until they reached low teenhood. Boys that age (at least ours) seem not to know how to live either in a reasonable amount of space or even together. They were about to self-destruct and take the vee-berth with them. Worse, their problems always spread among the entire crew. Not pretty to the point of leaving them behind.Our solution - perhaps extravagant, but most workable - was the 3-cabin C42. [The C38 and C40 also have 3-cabin versions.] It's a terrific boat with each boy (now in their mid teens) having their own space - not to mention the premium foresuite for master and mate. Now each really enjoys sailing as a family and plan their summers around our vacation time. When one can't be aboard for a weekend, a friend of the other (male or female) is invited to stay in their very own stateroom - always with enthusiastic acceptance and parental approval. Yes, the saloon converts to a double berth, but I purposly took the conversion parts ashore upon taking delivery of the boat. There is sufficient room as is and, while I enjoy camping, I'd rather not have that particular ambiance aboard WindCatcher.Enjoy the search and solution--Ernie April