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boatingnewbie · 24-07-2018, 21:13

I apologize in advance...

Can a catamaran be operated from inside or only at the helm station?

I see that some catamarans now have a nice "charting table" inside the saloon that overlooks the water... can someone actually steer the boat from that table or is that only to look at chart maps, etc.?

Do any cats have the ability to reef sails or steer in an emergency or any other type of operations from INSIDE? Or would someone have to run to the helm in order to do any of the controlling of the vessel?

44'cruisingcat · 24-07-2018, 21:34

We can steer our cat from inside, but sail handling needs us outside.

I think the new Broadblue 55 can be sailed from inside.

Edit: here you go.

https://youtu.be/3Pem-4H1qg0

Dave_S · 24-07-2018, 21:37

Some modern autopilots can be linked to tablets via Bluetooth and you can be anywhere in range.

PS.... but not sails as 44 says above

boatingnewbie · 24-07-2018, 22:35

Thanks, 44. That Broadblue 55 has an interesting layout... not sure most would want all those controls on the inside like that. I guess that sort of defeats the purpose of the feeling of sailing for most.

I hadn't thought about the possibility of dealing with the Auto-Pilot via bluetooth. Thanks, Dave!

danielamartindm · 24-07-2018, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatingnewbie

I apologize in advance...

Can a catamaran be operated from inside or only at the helm station?

I see that some catamarans now have a nice "charting table" inside the saloon that overlooks the water... can someone actually steer the boat from that table or is that only to look at chart maps, etc.?

Do any cats have the ability to reef sails or steer in an emergency or any other type of operations from INSIDE? Or would someone have to run to the helm in order to do any of the controlling of the vessel?

Even earlier cats like some years of Lagoon 410's had a joystick for steering from their interiors. It's not so much a question of can as it is of should. How many cats offer the 360 degree visibility from their interiors needed to satisfy the requirement of maintaining an adequate watch while underway? I don't know of any cats produced with the ability to manage sail plans from inside, and for obvious reasons.

Redreuben · 24-07-2018, 23:01

Buy a computer game.

rbrentp · 25-07-2018, 08:59

Almost any boat with autopilot or Hydraulic steering can be fitted with an inside wheel or joy stick or ap. Visibility and acceptable risk are the next factors. On a crappy cold rainy day visibility isn't great, inside or out.

I am a terrible sailor - I like to be warm and dry. On a long course with no known hazards and radar and AIS I will be in the cabin.

Till the sails need adjusting.

Sand crab · 25-07-2018, 09:14

Maine Cat is about the only production cat that has all sail controls inside. I've never been on one but they look pretty cool to me. And they are still being made in Maine, of course. There's a MC 38' on YW and an MC 41' on Sailboat Listings. They also make a really cool 30' with the same sail handling features. The original design is a giant bimini with roll up clear vinyl panels but now they have a glass option so it's more like a standard cat salon. It is considered a very well built boat.

sirfer · 25-07-2018, 09:22

I have the rapier 400 in the link.
https://youtu.be/AXjHxdwVwQs
All sail controls can be done inside. Raising/ lowering main, sail trimming and reefing can all be done inside.... as well obviously as steering.

svfinlandia · 25-07-2018, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redreuben

Buy a computer game.

There are no dumb questions, only dumb answers.

Al, S/V Finlandia

svfinlandia · 25-07-2018, 09:37

[QUOTE=rbrentp;2681734)
I am a terrible sailor - I like to be warm and dry. On a long course with no known hazards and radar and AIS I will be in the cabin.
Till the sails need adjusting.[/QUOTE]

I also. My Nauticat has hydrolic steering with a wheel in the pilothouse and one in the cockpit. When it's ugly outside you will find me in the pilothouse except when sails need trimmed. When it's nice outside you'll find me in the cockpit.

Al, S/V Finlandia

LoudMusic · 25-07-2018, 09:42

If you have a single sheet / self-tacking jib, technically you could tack a cat from the comfort of the nav table. Assuming you were going to the same angle on the wind port and starboard. Or if you had motorized reversible winches you wouldn't even need to maintain wind angle. And if you had the right computers and an internet connection you could sail your boat across the Atlantic while sitting in your living room in Topeka.

jasbee · 25-07-2018, 09:44

Perhaps you'd like a Lazyboy chair as well - one that could be raised so that you could see out of the ports?!!
What a question - what about the legal necessity to maintain a lookout at ALL times?

Jdeuel · 25-07-2018, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatingnewbie

I apologize in advance...

...some catamarans now have a nice "charting table" inside the saloon that overlooks the water... can someone actually steer the boat from that table or is that only to look at chart maps, etc.?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasbee

Perhaps you'd like a Lazyboy chair as well - one that could be raised so that you could see out of the ports?!!
What a question - what about the legal necessity to maintain a lookout at ALL times?

Funny, it seems like Boatingnewbie specifically mentions being able to see. For that matter (and I'm a monohull sailor) but isn't the saloon in most (if not all) catamarans up on the bridge deck where there's normally a 360-degree view?

Why is there this need to rip on people? Chill the Hell out.