Single handing ~40' center cockpit. . .

[Cool Beans]

So! Been awhile. . .Still looking for my next liveaboard. . .looked at 13-14 powerboats of various sorts, all of them filled the practical needs of my next boat. . .most of them left my wanderlust wanting Not a whole lot of magic in most motor yachts. . .

Haven't seen any in person, but I've been eyeballing several 38-42ft boats online. Irwin 38CC, Irwin 41CC (ketch rigged, very sexy), Endeavor 40 CC, etc. . .

Not sure if I'm asking the right question, but how more "effort" is required to solo sail a larger boat like this? Tacking the huge headsail, making sail adjustments, raising/lowering sail, etc.

Thanks!

 

[woodster]

that would depend on how the running rigging is set up on a particular boat ....Zeehag sails a ketch rig.... a 42 footer i believe solo....well her and bubba the boat cat ...not sure about bubba's ability though

 

[Phil Herring]

As long as you keep a good eye on the weather, sail handling isn't too bad. An autopilot is nice for keeping it headed up when need be. Docking however... that's an adventure, especially with a center cockpit. But it's all doable, you just have to think 3 steps ahead.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Woody's right, but ask yourself this: "What's different between an aft cockpit and a CC?"

As far as the sailing gear (standing & running rigging), not much.

What's different is the location of the cockpit.

That WILL impact your docking technique.

 

[Mark Maulden]

I used to singlehand a Gulfstar 44 ketch CC...Like Phil says..you gotta think ahead

 

[Roland5048]

If you are coming from primarily aft cockpits to center cockpits, as stated above, there is going to be a bit of a learning curve. Mid-ship cleats are going to be your best friend. Besides that, everything being bigger and heavier, maneuvers are going to require more effort and fore-thought. Again, how's she's rigged is a big factor in that. Thirty years ago, winching in a big genny in heavy air, well, not as tough. As far as rigs, I, personally like a ketch rig. Putting aside the argument that now you have two sets of rigging and two sails you also have more options as to sail sets and generally smaller sails to deal with. Exception being the genny. As far as aft versus center cockpit, while the CC usually gives a nice aft stateroom, I still prefer an aft cockpit. Just my preference. The answer to your question: Depends. Find one you like and go for it.
Roland
s/v Fraulein II

 

[capta]

I have sailed my 53 footer without any problems single handed. Well, I did have a cat, but she was a lazy thing and wouldn't help at all.
More to the point, can you DOCK a 40 odd foot sailing vessel alone? If that is beyond your present capabilities, then stick with a smaller vessel. Practice using spring lines and if necessary your winches and windlass capstan as aids to docking.

 

[Terry Cox]

I've been solo sailing our Passage 42 many thousands of miles all over PNW waters in all kinds of weather for many years. As long as I do what she wants, like any woman, everything seems to turn out okay. Mid ship cleats a must for single handing. Ditto all sail trim lines into the cockpit. The link that follows covers two docking maneuvers that have helped me.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/mods.php?task=article&mid=45&aid=5998&mn=42

 

[Gunni]

I single-hand all time and have a dock full of neighbors who do as well. All of your concerns have been addressed by technologies: control lines led to cockpit, TidesMarine Strong Track/batten cars, furling headsails, bigger winches, auto-pilot with remote, electric windlass, max-props. You will be a better sailor by developing the knowledge and skills it takes to handle her alone under power and sail. Go for it.

 

[KD3PC]

Also an ex-Passage 42 owner, and as mentioned spring lines, and cleats as well as a slip line - slow going and think ahead...
I found our 42 was an odd bird when the wind was abeam, and had to learn to go with it, and not fight it. Even anchoring out one weekend, as the winds and currents were just too much to get back to my slip.

It can be done, but not for the feint of heart. Practice and knowing the boat are critical, or were in my learning curve.

 

[ben payne]

i solo a 37 irwin cc ketch all the time and find it really easy. just had to move the main halyard to the cockpit when i bought the boat a few years ago.make sure what ever boat you do get has an anchor windlass as you don't want to have to pull 80 ft of heavy chain and then a 40-50 lb anchor . docking is easy, just have a cleat midship and go slow. (or install a bow thruster and cheat) if you do go for an irwin, get the deep draft keel, i sailed a few before i bought mine and the ones with the shoal draft tended to get pushed around more and didn't go to windward as well.

 

[Cool Beans]

Woody's right, but ask yourself this: "What's different between an aft cockpit and a CC?"

The biggest difference to me?

vs.

 

[Cool Beans]

More to the point, can you DOCK a 40 odd foot sailing vessel alone? If that is beyond your present capabilities, then stick with a smaller vessel.

Honestly, I have no idea. . .never docked anything bigger than what I have. I'm prepared to go 40+ feet in a trawler and learn with a captain, I'm sure I could do the same for a large sailboat. As far as trawlers go, I've been told the heavier they are, the easier it is. I'd imagine the same is true for a larger sailboat? Mine, solo can be a bear if the wind is wrong. If I have at least one other person, I just give them a boat hook to pull the bow over if needed. . .the boat is light.

The rest of the advice seems to be the same advice I've gotten to make my own boat easier to handle solo (which I never got around too, lol). Lines lead aft, lazy jacks, auto pilot, etc. Those colossal sheets of canvas can be intimidating!

Thanks much!