Thinking about a pilot house sailboat

[Seattle Scott]

Mate wants to start looking for a boat with a pilothouse in the 32-37 ft range and less than $50K. I see the Islander 37 and Coopers 31' and 35'. Any others I should look out for? Am I kidding myself that I will actualy be able to see where I am going from the inside helm? Or conversely, am I kidding myself that I will be able to see forward over the pilothouse when in the cockpit? I don't want a motorsailer.

 

[Rick D]

Pilothouses

Gulf 32. I was going to have one built for me over 20 years ago. All if these will require some work as any of these vintages. And, yes, in a well-designed one, you can see adequately from inside. From the cockpit, you can see through the house. These are pretty stout. http://www.gulfpilothouse.com/Used Gulf 32 for sale.html

 

[Dave Groshong]

I'm with Rick, the Gulf 32 is nice, here's links to a few on the market now:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/2936105893.html

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1977/Gulf-Pilothouse-2431660/Marina-Del-Rey/CA/United-States

I like the Fisher 30 too, but sailing from the cockpit is not really feasible.

 

[Andy1237]

This is funny, I was just wondering about a 34-38 footer that sailed good (read great), had a nice open pilot house, and would qualify for a motor sailor. The Island Packet SP cruiser is nice but the decimal point is in the wrong place for my price point! I think a full cover bimini is more the answer.

 

[BobM]

http://www.hshyachts.com/1982_freedom_yachts_39_pilothouse_schooner.html

Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but my friend was looking for a live aboard and it cause my eye when I was helping him search. The companionway is pretty unique and the rig will make it a piece of cake to sail a 39 footer. Just don't ever take the sails down LOL.

It was after his divorce. Every divorced sailor needs a friend to encourage him to buy his dream boat now that he is the sole decider IMO. He ended up with a new Jeanneau 39DS, which had been a show boat and was a couple of years old.

 

[BobM]

Another option may be to do something like this for your current boat.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance-articles/37194-hard-dodger.html

 

[BobM]

Tayana Pilothouse Porn

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...2448576/Sunshine-Coast/Canada&boat_id=2448576

 

[Seattle Scott]

Thanks all. The Gulf 32 looks like it is worth checking out.

 

[kenn]

I have a soft-spot for pilothouse boats. The pilothouse seems to imply ruggedness and comfort in the elements. It's not entirely rational, but then again I'm about 2 years out from actually buying a big boat, so I can indulge these whims now.

Thanks for the link to the hard dodger.