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aliddell · 14-04-2011, 11:48

I am looking at two sailboats: 41' aft cockpit and a 45' Center cockpit. I have only had aft in the past and have heard stories of CCs being wet. One thing I like about CC is it facilitating a separate cabin. Another concern is that I want to install a wind vane and am not sure if that is practical on a CC. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks for the help.

zeehag · 14-04-2011, 11:54

cc ar spozed to be dryer..lol... it is a matter of choice--personal choice. sail on each kind in weather to see whAT YE LIKE BEST-- GOOODLUCK AND FAIR WINDS. mine is aft cockpit.
many dont like cc because of higher freeboard..... is another thing to think about. personal choice.

**boatman61** · 14-04-2011, 12:51

Wot de Broad say'd.......

cabo_sailor · 14-04-2011, 12:55

Yep there are pros and cons just like any boat. I actually think CC is drier than aft simply because you're higher off the water. Of course being higher up off the water means you'll probably feel the roll more. Think of slight roll on deck vs the same roll at the masthead. Center cockpits tend to have better engine access and a spiffy aft cabin. Wind vane steering options are rather limited with center cockpits because of all the strings that have to be strung.

You pays your money and takes your choice.

Rich

Unicorn Dreams · 14-04-2011, 14:18

Welcome Aboard and enjoy CF.

CC supposed to be wetter, never noticed and I figure any water that gets to me is going to hit behind me in an aft cockpit.

CC has better visibility.

CC's don't all have high free board. Some do like the one next to me.

Like helm position is superior when backing into a slip.

Nice size lazaterre locker, engine room nice size with room to store stuff below so it's not scattered all over the decks.

But as everything in life, IT'S A PERSONAL CHOICE.

CharlesFCook · 14-04-2011, 14:24

I like the CC because of the aft deck. A great place to hangout when off watch, shower when underway, whatever...

**Hudson Force** · 14-04-2011, 14:40

My 41' CC has a lower freeboard than most aft cockpit vessels of the same length; particularly, the new cruisers of the last ten years that are getting higher. Splash guards can make a low cockpit, aft or center cockpit dry by their fit and design. I'll be the first to admit that my auto-pilot is a power hog, but there are passive designs controlled by vanes that do not have to transfer a response all the way to the wheel and then back to the rudder, but more directly to the rudder. I do agree though, that the self-steering vane would be easier from with aft cockpit by traditional schemes. I think that it's wise to judge the boat by the total outcome of the design. You can't state generalizations about the cockpit placement that hold true for all boats.

Mark Johnson · 14-04-2011, 15:08

Our CC boat is a Trimaran, and we love the feeling of being in the center of the action... (on the fulcrum point to be exact). Standing at the wheel we are higher up, allowing better visibility all around. Our design allows the majority of the payload... (all tankage, engine, tools, batteries , etc) to be near or below the WL, and in the middle 1/3rd of the boat! We do wish we had a walk through though.

An example in monohulls... The Morgan OI 41 "ketch rig", is not my favorite boat for its seakeeping qualities, but it has one of the best liveaboard layouts I've ever seen. It has a walk under to the aft cabin and is REALLY nice.

If I ever switch to the "dark side" and go monohull, that is the sort of layout I'd go for.

Mark

capnorv · 14-04-2011, 15:17

A low slung aft cockpit is the best for me. That said, I have a CC, and definitely agree there is motion, but wet is more a statement of hull form, not cockpit position ...and sea state.

Kawan · 14-04-2011, 15:29

I had a Dufour Sortilege CC which had a 4ft passageway,so cockpit sole was low, and very dry. Sailormat wind vane was completely independent of main rudder and was a dream.

aliddell · 14-04-2011, 16:28

I had an Aries vane and the lines ran to a spool attached to the wheel. Very nice but I can't imagine lines running all the way to a CC wheel. Is that you yours worked?

redhead78 · 14-04-2011, 16:28

My Jeanneau is not a true CC however, I have a nice size cabin for 2 behind me seperate from the rest. Its kind of like a captains cabin. the cockpit is very large, not really center more towards the rear.I have to work at not using the rear for the "Garage"......Red How do u install a quote that will remain in all your posts?

**bstreep** · 14-04-2011, 17:39

When we went shopping, it pretty much had to be a CC. The "palace" is a "necessity".

The ONLY real drawback of our CC is that it isn't as easy/fun to sail as an aft cockpit. But that's really about it!