I am currently sailing a Catalina 22. I would like to move to a larger boat. I sail in Lake Michigan and a larger boat would be nice. In addition, what I really want is a larger cockpit. I would gladly trade cabin space for more room in the cockpit. I would like to accomodate 6 (or more) comfortably. Any boat suggestions?
Larger cockpit
- Thread starter polarbear
- Start date
Ron's right. We took our cockpit cushions off our C22 and moved them to our C25. I'd bet they'd fit on our C34!!! (Six feet long, I measured them just today.)
You really should look around to see what Ron means.
Didn't you just ask this same question? Didn't like the answers?
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=168616
You really should look around to see what Ron means.
Didn't you just ask this same question? Didn't like the answers?
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=168616
polarbear: Here's a workaround research method for you. 
Go to http://shop.sailboatowners.com
Click on the Canvas and Cushions tab, then go to cockpit cushions. Either style of cushions will work but Bottomsiders has more patterns.
Generally speaking, the more expensive the set the larger the cockpit. The only exception would be sets that have extra cushions for the helm or a companionway step. Keep an eye out for those.
It's an interesting exercise. You'll find that daysailers can have bigger cockpits than 45 footers in some cases.
Go to http://shop.sailboatowners.com
Click on the Canvas and Cushions tab, then go to cockpit cushions. Either style of cushions will work but Bottomsiders has more patterns.
Generally speaking, the more expensive the set the larger the cockpit. The only exception would be sets that have extra cushions for the helm or a companionway step. Keep an eye out for those.
It's an interesting exercise. You'll find that daysailers can have bigger cockpits than 45 footers in some cases.
You don't necessarily have to move up to a much larger boat to have a big cockpit unless you still want a cabin the same size as your present boat. The Sonar is a 23 foot boat with an 11'-6" long cockpit. Plenty of room for six and it's a great performing boat.
Stu, You're correct . I did ask that on the Catalina forum. Thought I'D try where there was a variety of boats. Thanks Ted and Cloud Diver for the leads.
Really hard to just focus on cockpit size because there is so much involved in the total boat.
I started with an S2 Grand Slam that was a 22 foot racer. Small cabin with large cockpit. Would easily accommodate large crew. But not much below.
Next had an O Day 28. Bigger cabin with more accommodations and similar sized cockpit to the Grand Slam.
Then had a Catalina 34. Again much more accommodation below with cockpit a bit larger. Felt more roomy because we went from tiller to wheel. No need for tiller swing space.
Then got a Hunter 38. Huge cabin increase and a cockpit that is very large. For casual sail 8 to 10 people is no problem.
So much depends on your total sailing needs and what you are looking to do and how much you want to spend.
I started with an S2 Grand Slam that was a 22 foot racer. Small cabin with large cockpit. Would easily accommodate large crew. But not much below.
Next had an O Day 28. Bigger cabin with more accommodations and similar sized cockpit to the Grand Slam.
Then had a Catalina 34. Again much more accommodation below with cockpit a bit larger. Felt more roomy because we went from tiller to wheel. No need for tiller swing space.
Then got a Hunter 38. Huge cabin increase and a cockpit that is very large. For casual sail 8 to 10 people is no problem.
So much depends on your total sailing needs and what you are looking to do and how much you want to spend.
A "sport" boat will have a larger cockpit than a "pocket cruiser" Compare the Catalina 22 with the Capri 22. Similar underwater, but very different otherwise... made by the same builder.
As has been noted, in general a daysailer/race boat will have large cockpits where as a boat designed for cruising will have a much smaller proportioned area.
As has been noted, in general a daysailer/race boat will have large cockpits where as a boat designed for cruising will have a much smaller proportioned area.
As most people have pointed out every boat is normally a matter of compromises. That said, We have a Hunter 240 and the cockpit is as large as most 30' boats, but is easy to trailer and has a nice size cabin. Another nice feature is you can raise and lower the mast easily with one person. It also has a walk through transom. That's what works for us, but it might not meet all your requirements.
Six or more people in your cockpit ! And still have the sails up ? You need less friends !
I have no idea how you still tack and crank winches , with all those people.
I have a Morgan 384 and more than another couple in the cockpit are not welcome. Others are topside on the cabin roof or inside the cabin.
At anchor we can party and more aboard are welcome. We put down the table attach the two extension leaves and drinks all around..
I have no idea how you still tack and crank winches , with all those people.
I have a Morgan 384 and more than another couple in the cockpit are not welcome. Others are topside on the cabin roof or inside the cabin.
At anchor we can party and more aboard are welcome. We put down the table attach the two extension leaves and drinks all around..
You might consider Stern Perch seats from Zarcor. Example: http://www.sailingtexans.com/scatalina22218.html
Here are some on a Cat 22 but you can put them on most boats. In many cases they are taking room you can't use anyway due to proximity to helm. The seats get the occupants away from the helm thereby increasing the cockpit capacity by 2. this may be a cheap way to get your larger cockpit while enabling choosing from a larger set of boats.
Another thing to ponder is that a small boat will not carry 6 or 7 adults in the cockpit well. It will make the boat very stern heavy. Therefore your want of a larger boat may be a good path. Still you can upgrade your existing 22 for nothing compared to buying a larger boat if you can adjust to the aft load.
Here are some on a Cat 22 but you can put them on most boats. In many cases they are taking room you can't use anyway due to proximity to helm. The seats get the occupants away from the helm thereby increasing the cockpit capacity by 2. this may be a cheap way to get your larger cockpit while enabling choosing from a larger set of boats.
Another thing to ponder is that a small boat will not carry 6 or 7 adults in the cockpit well. It will make the boat very stern heavy. Therefore your want of a larger boat may be a good path. Still you can upgrade your existing 22 for nothing compared to buying a larger boat if you can adjust to the aft load.
The first thing I thought of when I saw this thread was the same as jimmcgee...if you want a large cockpit and want to step up in boat size from a Catalina 22, my mind went right to the Colgate 26. However, this virtually eliminates any cabin to speak of, no option for stern rail seats and price may be an issue. Furthermore, how do you sail your C-22? If you trailer sail and leave the boat out of the water or need the swing keel for depth considerations, the Colgate could be impractical.
Indianabob offered a very nice alternative if I may also shamelessly plug my own boat...the Hunter 240. With a 240 you will feel like you are stepping up to a much larger boat with just 2 more feet. As bob mentioned, the cockpit is enormous for it's size and the cabin is quite agreeable for several adults, especially compared to a C-22. The water ballast system and centerboard make towing and trailer storing the boat (as well as hull maintenance) easy and save considerable slip and haul out fees. Also, most can be had for 10k or less. I would also highly recommend looking at the larger sister, the Hunter 260. You gain a fully enclosed head, nicer galley, and wheel steering to eliminate tiller arc. If able, definitely try one out on Michigan and see how she handles the water. I sail the outer banks and icw without issue.
Indianabob offered a very nice alternative if I may also shamelessly plug my own boat...the Hunter 240. With a 240 you will feel like you are stepping up to a much larger boat with just 2 more feet. As bob mentioned, the cockpit is enormous for it's size and the cabin is quite agreeable for several adults, especially compared to a C-22. The water ballast system and centerboard make towing and trailer storing the boat (as well as hull maintenance) easy and save considerable slip and haul out fees. Also, most can be had for 10k or less. I would also highly recommend looking at the larger sister, the Hunter 260. You gain a fully enclosed head, nicer galley, and wheel steering to eliminate tiller arc. If able, definitely try one out on Michigan and see how she handles the water. I sail the outer banks and icw without issue.
Amen. Put those freeloaders on the rail! Arrrrh! After that it's 6 for drinks, 4 for dinner and two to sleep aboard.