Plus-size skipper needs advice.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Geoduck

Your biggest problem will be finding a boat with bunks long enough for you to stretch out in. Head room might be a problem as well. What ever you do, don't compromise on these issues or you'll be sorry! Oh yeah, don't forget about the head, make sure you try it on for size!
Good luck on the search!

On the bunk size thing, might want to consider whether adding a trotter box or a folding extension onto a bunk end is possible. On some boats that would be more feasible than on others, whilst not looking for work! nonetheless for an otherwise good (for you) boat might be the difference between a yay or nay.

[N1EYO]

That is something I would not have thought of. Thanks!

[zboss]

Another thing...if you are tall. Examine the space available under the boom for a bimini (possibly with solar panels on top) if you want one and make sure you can stand and move about into and out of the cockpit.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by zboss

Another thing...if you are tall. Examine the space available under the boom for a bimini (possibly with solar panels on top) if you want one and make sure you can stand and move about into and out of the cockpit.

I have a big bimini that covers the entire cockpit. It's netted and nearly doubles my living space about 10 months out of the year. I can stand under it, and I like to stand at the wheel a lot. However, a friend who helped me move the boat hated it. He is six feet tall and couldn't stand under the bimini. He also prefers to stand at a wheel but it wasn't an option for him.

[GILow]

+1 to the point made by S/V Alchemy.

I am about 6'2" whereas my wife is only 5'2" and I am having to weld up some steps to various bits of the boat that my wife cannot reach.

[N1EYO]

Since I started this threat so long ago, I’ve lost about 165#.
I got divorced. 😎

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by N1EYO

Since I started this threat so long ago, I’ve lost about 165#.
I got divorced. 😎

And...did you find a boat?

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by N1EYO

Since I started this threat so long ago, I’ve lost about 165#.
I got divorced. 😎

Cool if that makes you happy all the better.
Are you by chance still looking for an awesome boat?
I have a friend with a 1963 Spencer 35 mki that is looking to give it a new home for around 3k.
The bad is she needs a new engine
SPENCER 35 MK I sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by N1EYO

Since I started this threat so long ago, I’ve lost about 165#.
I got divorced. 😎

Well done.

[JPA Cate]

N1EYO,

Fwiw, the Columbia 50 had 7 ' headroom. I don't know if any of its bunks would be long enough for you at 6'7", but it's a thought. Bunks can be modified. And congrats on the weight loss.

Ann

[N1EYO]

Not yet. My search parameters have changed

[N1EYO]

Agreed. Another reason I liked the aft cabin with the fore/aft queen bed, such as the Morgan OI51

[zboss]

Not to shy you away from sailboats but there are a lot of power cruisers out there that would be a great fit for the ICW and Bahamas. It’s also a good practice to buy a boat for what you are going to do NOW vs. some vision of what you may do 5-10 years from now.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by N1EYO

Since I started this threat so long ago, I’ve lost about 165#.

Congrats. Now if you can lose a few inches in height as well that will make boat shopping much easier.

Originally Posted by N1EYO

I got divorced. 😎

Congrats again or not???

So did you get divorced because you lost the weight or lose the weight because you got divorced?

[james247]

Originally Posted by N1EYO

The wife and I are finally looking to get out of the daysailer and into a bluewater cruiser. She's 5'5". Not so much of a problem. Me... 6'7" and over 300 lbs. I can see a wee challenge ahead. I'm wondering which classic plastic boats would be best for me to look at. I'm thinking full, long keel and maybe ketch rigged. I'm fond of the Whitby 42, the Morgan OI-41,51 and perhaps an Islander Freeport. But, not being financially flush enough to try each one on for size, I'm turning to the community.

Hit me with your best advice !

If you intend to buy a boat under 35feet first lose 80 to 100 pounds. Smaller boat move underfoot and your weight will accentuate this. You won't enjoy the experience at all. You state you feel comfortable on a 40plus footer.
Sorry but I'm speaking from experience. I lost the weight. And wow what a difference.