off shore pilot house

[Rogerco103]

I would be interested to hear from anyone cruising in a pilot house. I'm looking to buy a Mariner 50' pilot house but have read that they do not do well off shore, any thoughts?

[atoll]

it's a bit like cruising without an auto pilot, once you have got one you will never go back to hand steering!

[SecondBase]

Well said Atoll.

Roger, generally you hear "they dont do well because of the large windows".

Note: the windows are often smaller than those on a USCG 25 foot defender. Just that boat doesn't have a mast so the windows are ok there. Don't let reason get in the way of enjoying your new pilothouse. LOL Your skin, your guests and even your visitors in some remote harbor will all thank you.

[mcerdos]

Originally Posted by Rogerco103

I would be interested to hear from anyone cruising in a pilot house. I'm looking to buy a Mariner 50' pilot house but have read that they do not do well off shore, any thoughts?

I would think some of your decision would depend on the climate of the area you plan to cruise

[bobconnie]

Our last 3 boats have been Pilot house boats ! our current is 51ft. I really like pilot house boat at sea! Ours has both on deck and pilot house controls. Most pilot house boats have duel controls, so you have the best of both worlds! Ive never sailed a mariner 50 so can't really say one way or enother about them, but if you feel it has good controls both in the house and on deck, then whats not to like?? Just my feelings!

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Rogerco103

I would be interested to hear from anyone cruising in a pilot house. I'm looking to buy a Mariner 50' pilot house but have read that they do not do well off shore, any thoughts?

Get storm shutters.



You'll never go back to a boat without a house. Keeps you out of the wind and rain when it's cold, out of the sun when it's hot. Add heat and AC and you'll start to laugh at people who cruise in foulies or with that white stuff slathered on their nose to keep it from burning off! Plus having a place to hang out inside with a 360 degree view is priceless for many reasons.

[SV Maclas]

Absolutely agree with everyone! We have LOVED having a pilothouse. Whether it be a rainy, cold day or hot and sunny, it is great to hang out in. Eating meals with a view while at anchor is the absolute best!

[Panope]

Originally Posted by Rogerco103

I would be interested to hear from anyone cruising in a pilot house. I'm looking to buy a Mariner 50' pilot house but have read that they do not do well off shore, any thoughts?

Rogerco,

Just for clarification: When you asked your question were speaking about an enclosed structure that one steers from (a pilot house) or were you asking about a "Mariner 50 pilot house" (the whole boat)?

Steve

[Nauticatarcher]

Loved our Nauticat, instead of putting on Wet weather gear just used to shut the door and turn the heater on.

[Rogerco103]

your obviously a big fan but would you sail it across the Atlantic?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Rogerco103

your obviously a big fan but would you sail it across the Atlantic?

unless the ballast ratio is really messed up i cant see that it would make a difference to seaworthyness......after all you don't see many open fishing boats working far offshore!

[Rogerco103]

I was reffering to the whole boat, I'm being told that they are poor sailers.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Rogerco103

I was reffering to the whole boat, I'm being told that they are poor sailers.

isn't that why they have a big engine and large fuel tanks.
generally this type of vessel is called a "motor sailer"

don't confuse seaworthyness with sailing ability

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Rogerco103

your obviously a big fan but would you sail it across the Atlantic?

Yes! With no motor at all, I would happily sail my Nauticat across any ocean. There are several different flavors of Nauticat, some were designed in Finland for cruising the Baltic (traditional motorsailors). Others were designed by Sparkman & Stephens for cruising the world. Very different boats, the S&S designs sail quite well. One recently did the Northwest Passage. All have pilothouses.

[minaret]

An S&S designed Nauticat will out sail that 50' Mariner hands down, no problem, for absolutely certain.




1981 Mariner Pilot House Motor Sailer Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com




50k lbs. displacement, 9k lbs. ballast, and a short stick as a result. This is a pure motorsailor.