28-36 Sailboat with large cockpit,st wheel,marine head, kind of fast. Recommendation?

[sea2ocean]

I'm looking to buy a boat. Most of the time it will be for day sails so a big cockpit allowing a few adults to be on the boat comfortably would be idea.

I'd also like
- a steering wheel not a tiller
- regular marine head not a porta potty
- something sporty. Not $1M all carbon fiber, but something more speed oriented

Can anyone recommend anything that fits the bill?

[gmakhs]

If you want a big cockpit is better to go with tiller.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by gmakhs

If you want a big cockpit is better to go with tiller.

If you wish to SAIL with a crowd in the cockpit, then I disagree with this. The swept area of a tiller is much greater than the area occupied by wheel and pedestal. A folding or easily removed wheel helps during happy hours.

Jim

[Jim van Cleve]

P35

My 1968 Pearson 35 has all of that, and much more.
Look for a classic plastic.

[gmakhs]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

If you wish to SAIL with a crowd in the cockpit, then I disagree with this. The swept area of a tiller is much greater than the area occupied by wheel and pedestal. A folding or easily removed wheel helps during happy hours.

Jim

Probably never raced with a tiller on a.small boat , changing hands during the manauver.

As for a fast cruiser I recommend beneteau first 29 or bigger .

[tburns]

look at a scanmar33

[Suijin]

J/80. Huge cockpit, fast, fun to sail. Tiller though, but you’ll learn to love it. Probably only good for day sails.

If fact, if you want a sporty boat that can also cruise there are other J-boats to look at. And the Beneteau First series as well. The 36.7 has a HUGE wheel if that puts lead in your pencil.

I would not call Pearsons “sporty” but they sail extremely well for their age.

[DennisRyan]

You are describing a Catalina 36. Great roomy boat for a reasonable cost. Also, there is a strong resale market for Catalinas.

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by DennisRyan

You are describing a Catalina 36. Great roomy boat for a reasonable cost. Also, there is a strong resale market for Catalinas.

Not exactly a sporty boat lol

[Valmika]

I'm kinda partial but the Beneteau first series 36.7 but if that is not in the budget (about 50- 70K) another favorite of mine is the early 80's Catalina 38 Sparkman Stephans design (about 25-35 K) Can be set up with tiller or wheel I have raced on both. Big cockpit (long not wide) and has a coach house top traveler which I prefer

[Sailtrader]

Agree on the "Classic Plastic", more comfortable for cruising given the heavy displacement. I sail a C&C 35 MKII. The wheel cut the cockpit in half. Replaced it with a tiller, the cockpit is now great for cocktail hour. Faster in beer can races. Yes, when tacking there is some jockeying with a large crowd but the space is worth it. The other upgrade to look at are stern rail seats.

[Peregrine1983]

Pearson 365 (or related) has the largest cockpit I've ever seen in a 36' boat. Absolutely massive.

[jackheape]

Take a look at a Hunter 34 or 35. You can find some decent older boats at a very reasonable price. Hunters are pretty fast, particularly in light air. Lots of room below and decent headroom as well.

[notiesbob]

How big is a large cockpit? What price range? Good following north of the border for https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/Sai...r%252FRacer/Cs and with exchange rate a decent opportunity. Heard recently there is a 10% duty northbound, not sure about southbound

[SV Toucan]

I made that decision...Hunter Legend 35.5, sloop rig, all lines to cockpit, wheel steering, a/c, refrigeration, lots of light, marine head and shower, Yanmar 24 hp diesel, lots of storage, large beds, 4'6" keel, turns on a dime, etc...and it may be for sale.
Jim, SV Toucan