What Sailboat cabin doesn't feel like a hole?

[Sailorichiban]

Protection from the elements is the main function of a cabin. Generally larger craft have more luxurious appointments. In all of the sailboats I have had, ranging from 18’ to 40’ never has the term “ hole” come to mind.

[dwightsusan]

Originally Posted by ShalomOrchard

The one thing I don't like about most sailboats is that most have cabins that feel like you are in a hole.
There are at best only smallish portholes and nowhere you can sit in the cabin and look out.

I once saw a sailboat, I think it was a Pearson around 22 ft, but I could be wrong,
one part of the cabin was higher then usual, and had reasonable windows around a sette
on one side, and galley on the other side. Anyone know what model that was, or any sailboat
like that?

Thanks, Jim.

I always kind of liked the Lapworth designed Cal 2-46 and the Hunt designed Cal 44.

[Buzzman]

If you think a monohull is confining or restricted, try sailing a small trimaran!

It's best described as 'living in a trench'.

Or tearing up $100 bills, while soaking wet and living in a trench....

Or, maybe try living aboard a small cat, like a GBE or Crowther 23. Described as like living inside a cigar tube while being pounded and flung around by hooligans in a park....a very wet park....


It's all reletive....

[olivierlc]

I would never have bought a boat with portholes in the hull. mine has a coachroof allowing you to see outside. but holes in the hull no !

I have been traveling and living on board for 2 years. there are many accidents with the portholes in the hull.

to stay in port or go coastal why not ?

[merrydolphin]

Many multihulls. And a few mono’s. Although some mono’s are called “raised deck saloon, most are more like the windows are just skylights. My Cal ll-46 had an open 270 degree view while seated! I crossed oceans in it and MANY have circumnavigated. Great boats and NOT cave like.

[Nicholson58]

Photos, our 1984 Camper & Nicholson 58

Not shown, our friend’s Shipman63. Vast deck and cabin.

[nmuir]

While many would say this is not a sailboat - not a proper one at least - the amount of light and the view is why we (read - the admiral ) chose this boat.
Pilot house and main salon shown. Galley just off picture to the left of the main salon.

[jalmberg]

Many people who think they want a sailboat, really should buy a powerboat. They invariably have lots more room and comfort than a sailboat.

However, when we were looking for a full-time cursing sailboat, we found that a traditional layout felt much more roomy and open than the more modern layout with pullman bunks, 2 heads, etc. Breaking up the small space with partitions into multiple cabins gives the boat a claustrophobic feeling, in my opinion.

Just keep looking until you find a boat that feels right. There are many options out there.

[ShalomOrchard]

Thanks to all!

I mentioned the Pearson 300, as an example of a very nice cabin, with nice windows, and a slightly raised dinette to be able to look out. I am aware that it has a full keel and is not a trailer sailor.

I also think the Tritons are nice, with larger windows in the back of the cabin, and a higher rear house...

Re: NorthCoastJoe. You're on the wrong coast!

[ShalomOrchard]

RE: Sailboats .vs Motorboats.

I DEFINITELY like sailboats better! I can do without the stinky noisy engines (most of the time). Not to mention the fuel bill!

I currently have a Pearson 30. But I'm trying to find a trailerable sailboat that meet my needs and budget.

[dan104]

My boat is not trailer capable, at 18k lbs it would need a big trailer. However it is nice and open inside. In fact the design of the cabin was made to be total open during the day and closes in when the night comes (if I have guest). It has 10 portholes that are real portholes, and two big butterfly hatches that I put sun covers on so I can sleep in when I want.



Check it out Gozzard 36

[nhschneider]

Originally Posted by LLCoolDave

Islander Freeport 36 has a lot of natural lighting. Bob Perry design. The plan b layout has always intrigued me.

I owned an Islander Freeport 36 with the A plan and it did have large portlights that allowed one to sit at the dinette and see what was going on around. One drawback was it made seeing over the cabin top while in the cockpit difficult. The other drawback was that the boat was poorly built, a victim of the early '80s crush in southern California to churn out boats as quickly and cheaply as possible. We sailed the boat from San Diego up into the Sea of Cortez and back to San Diego where we promptly sold the boat!

Fair winds and calm seas.

[gonesail]

the Cabo Rico 400 was a fine pilot house design.

[Lake Superior]

Sceptre 43 has a bright and airy cabin with lots of head room. And only three steps from the cockpit to inside of cabin. These boats were customizable so each Sceptre’s interior is different

[PerfectPirate]

Check out the Nimble 25 Arctic, a Ted Brewer designed trailerable sailboat with a raised saloon cabin. It seems to hit all of the criteria which you are looking for and is a bit more substantial than a McGregor.

Link: https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/nimble-25-arctic