Friends, Have decided I need a center cockpit boat and can't afford a new Hunter 450. The options as I see them are: Morgan 41 out islander, Columbia 41, Gulfstar 41 or 43, and maybe an Irwin 37. I actually looked at the new Beneteau 42 CC. Political issues aside (don't need to stir that up again), I didn't like the layout. Any insights on these boats or another suggestion would be appreciated. Don
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Front and Center
Don, I guess a center cockpit is better than a forward cockpit?
Although a bit dated, my favorite in your length range for long distance sailing was always the Morgan Out Island Ketch 414. Although the center cockpit is small, on a long passage I like the roomier staterooms, the walk-through to the aft stateroom and an engine room you can climb into. (see link) Happy Mardi Gras, MArk
Don, I guess a center cockpit is better than a forward cockpit?
Although a bit dated, my favorite in your length range for long distance sailing was always the Morgan Out Island Ketch 414. Although the center cockpit is small, on a long passage I like the roomier staterooms, the walk-through to the aft stateroom and an engine room you can climb into. (see link) Happy Mardi Gras, MArkme too
Don We went through the same motion having always preferred a CC for various reasons. We ended up with a traditional aft cockpit but that's a different story after inspecting lots of CCs and doing some serious travelling to see them. More to the point, we also spent our share of $$$ on surveyors and pre-surveys and learned alot about Morgans, Irwins, Gulfstars, Vagabonds, etc. Opinion aside, the surveyors either wouldn't survey the Irwins we were eyeing or tried their best to discourage us. Almost the same with Morgans. Their consensus on Gulfstars was to check carefully the deck before bothering to get serious as they apparently are universally spongy. Hope the above doesn't offend anyone. You can get an idea why we ended up were we did. If I were to do this over again, I'd find a surveyor who's opinion I really value and ask him the q you posted here. May save you lots of time (and may have saved us had we done that) Don
Don We went through the same motion having always preferred a CC for various reasons. We ended up with a traditional aft cockpit but that's a different story after inspecting lots of CCs and doing some serious travelling to see them. More to the point, we also spent our share of $$$ on surveyors and pre-surveys and learned alot about Morgans, Irwins, Gulfstars, Vagabonds, etc. Opinion aside, the surveyors either wouldn't survey the Irwins we were eyeing or tried their best to discourage us. Almost the same with Morgans. Their consensus on Gulfstars was to check carefully the deck before bothering to get serious as they apparently are universally spongy. Hope the above doesn't offend anyone. You can get an idea why we ended up were we did. If I were to do this over again, I'd find a surveyor who's opinion I really value and ask him the q you posted here. May save you lots of time (and may have saved us had we done that) Don
Don
I had an Irwin 37 and I have a friend who lives on a Gulfstar 41. The Gulfstar sails better and has more room. Both boats were not top of the line when built so a good survey is important. Beware of wet decks. As you know small areas are ok for repairs but for example, I made a deposit on an Irwin in your area that had saturated decks. I walked, and it is still there for sale. They both are relatively shoal draft ( Irwin 4-4.6' Gulfstar 5'1" ). Both have the Perkins 4-107 or 4-108 unless they have been upgraded. The compression post in the Irwin has been a weak area. The Gulfstar is keel stepped. Generally the Irwins are a little less expensive but be prepared to spend a little more on both boats as the survey will dictate. Neither have been produced for quite awhile. Some of the Columbias are a Bill Tripp design and sail very well. The Morgan 41 sails the worst of all in that it just won't point and like the Irwin has a lot of leeward motion. The walk thru version of the Morgan 41 is very liveable because of it's large beam. As you May notice I like center cockpits also and would like to find one when I sell my Hunter 36.
I had an Irwin 37 and I have a friend who lives on a Gulfstar 41. The Gulfstar sails better and has more room. Both boats were not top of the line when built so a good survey is important. Beware of wet decks. As you know small areas are ok for repairs but for example, I made a deposit on an Irwin in your area that had saturated decks. I walked, and it is still there for sale. They both are relatively shoal draft ( Irwin 4-4.6' Gulfstar 5'1" ). Both have the Perkins 4-107 or 4-108 unless they have been upgraded. The compression post in the Irwin has been a weak area. The Gulfstar is keel stepped. Generally the Irwins are a little less expensive but be prepared to spend a little more on both boats as the survey will dictate. Neither have been produced for quite awhile. Some of the Columbias are a Bill Tripp design and sail very well. The Morgan 41 sails the worst of all in that it just won't point and like the Irwin has a lot of leeward motion. The walk thru version of the Morgan 41 is very liveable because of it's large beam. As you May notice I like center cockpits also and would like to find one when I sell my Hunter 36.
Look at the Pearson 422..
I have one and love it! The link below will take you to the Pearson 422 web site - or you can see some views of Destiny at: http://lewiston.mit.edu/destiny/
I have one and love it! The link below will take you to the Pearson 422 web site - or you can see some views of Destiny at: http://lewiston.mit.edu/destiny/
cc boats
My vote would be for an Endeavour 42. If I could have found one on the West Coast, I would have bought it.
My vote would be for an Endeavour 42. If I could have found one on the West Coast, I would have bought it.
Problem with Endeavour 42
I looked seriously at the Endeavour 42. There is apparently a major problem with the aluminum tanks under the cabin sole failing. From what I gathered it is a major, major teardown and re-assembly job to replace the tanks. From what I gathered the tanks straddle several cabins. I found this on the owners' website (cannot remember the url). Please correct me if I am wrong...
I looked seriously at the Endeavour 42. There is apparently a major problem with the aluminum tanks under the cabin sole failing. From what I gathered it is a major, major teardown and re-assembly job to replace the tanks. From what I gathered the tanks straddle several cabins. I found this on the owners' website (cannot remember the url). Please correct me if I am wrong...
Look at the O'Day 37
We have one and just love it. There is no pass through so the cockpit is set well down in the boat and gives a huge sense of security as well as an attractive line. Does not look like an elephant with a howdah on top. Draws only five feet. Practical Sailor had an article, which I have and would be happy to send you. I attach a photo of ours.
We have one and just love it. There is no pass through so the cockpit is set well down in the boat and gives a huge sense of security as well as an attractive line. Does not look like an elephant with a howdah on top. Draws only five feet. Practical Sailor had an article, which I have and would be happy to send you. I attach a photo of ours.
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