Quarter Decks

[Ben M-P]

I was wondering why most modern sailboats don't have quarterdecks? I know that they would make for more windage and probably more motion in the cockpit but the large aft cabin sound awfully nice. Am I missing something obvious?

Godspeed

[markpierce]

They increase windage and reduce stability, thus make for an unsafe boat.

[GordMay]

Most modern sailboats aren't ships.
➥ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deck_(ship)

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Ben M-P

I was wondering why most modern sailboats don't have quarterdecks? I know that they would make for more windage and probably more motion in the cockpit but the large aft cabin sound awfully nice. Am I missing something obvious?

Godspeed

My take is that most modern sailboats do (pretty much) have quarterdecks.

It's just that they have cockpits on them Otherwise they couldn't get the Aft Cabin / Stateroom / Quarter Berths under there..........

[Ben M-P]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

My take is that most modern sailboats do (pretty much) have quarterdecks.

It's just that they have cockpits on them Otherwise they couldn't get the Aft Cabin / Stateroom / Quarter Berths under there..........

I guess your right I never thought about it that way before. In that case having a quarterdeck wouldn't increase your windage much than many other boats already carry. I don't understand the stability issue, is it just a higher CG or is it more windage aft that or both that would be a problem?

I'm asking because I have considered adding an aft cabin on to an aft cockpit boat and was wondering if there was a good reason not to (design wise)?
I saw a boat like that one time and liked it (it was 26' by the way).

[SaucySailoress]

Welcome aboard, Ben. Here's one. Why's a quarterdeck called a quarterdeck and not a quarter cabin, if it's a cabin, really?

[muskoka]

I thought quarterdecks pertain to sailing warships? That's where the captain commanded the battle.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Ben M-P

I'm asking because I have considered adding an aft cabin on to an aft cockpit boat and was wondering if there was a good reason not to (design wise)?

I saw a boat like that one time and liked it (it was 26' by the way).

Downside to an "Old style" aft cabin (at the end of the boat - behind the cockpit) especially on a smaller boat is can be a bit cave like. or quite a bit cave like

Not being a boat designer I can't say whether any fundamental reasons not to add an aft cabin - but would seem that being designed with would more likely be better overall.

For a looksee at with / without - a google on the Westerly Pentland / Longbow / Renown / Berwick variants might be interesting (Aft Cabin's are small!)

[Shrew]

According to the link provided by Gord:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deck_(ship)

Quarterdeck: (a) The part of the upper deck abaft the mainmast, including the poop deck when there is one. Usually reserved for ship's officers, guests, and passengers. (b) (Naval) The area to which a gangway for officers and diplomatic guests to board the vessel leads. Also any entry point for personnel.

[Ben M-P]

Thanks I think I got a handle on it now.