30 - 40' cruiser for two people

[sean.mcgrath]

Hi all,

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I can't find it with the search function.

I would like examples of 30 - 40' boats with a cabin configuration really designed for two people. All the ones I look at have more than one sleeping berth. Just as an example, the Sun Odyssey 349 comes with two to three berths, and with the two berth option the layout is still maintained so that it looks like an afterthought.

I honestly don't expect that we would have others sleep on our boat, and if they did they could perfectly well sleep in the saloon area on the couches. If we had a couple over for dinner, I bet that we would prefer to eat in the cockpit.

It seems to me an ideal two person boat would have a companionway that is not centered (is this possible?) so that the aft berth was a bit wider. It would have storage in the v-berth, storage on the other side of the companionway, and any freed up space used for a larger head, shower space, and/or galley.

Can anyone point me to new or used configurations like this in the 30 - 40' range? With space at a premium and many people sailing as couples, I don't understand why all the configurations assume space for guests is such a priority.

Cheers,
Sean

[Adelie]

Probably mot going to find what you're looking for. Doesn't sell well so nobody does the work to lay a boat out that way or market it.

You want something like that have it custom built, but even then you are going to get pushback from your NavalArch because it will hinder resale value.

[sean.mcgrath]

Thanks, Adelie. I was afraid of that.

Seems like a missed market, as I'll bet many couples honestly don't need the extra berths. I guess the best approach is to use the extra berths for storage as best you can.

Cheers,
Sean

[svrodeorm]

Guess the less complicsted refit for you would be to tear the v-Berth out on a boat that otherwise pleases you and convert it to whatever you'd like! Probably storage. Not too difficult to do and the v-berth, though my favourite at anchor, is useless at sea except downwind in <8 knots on flat water.....not gonna happen very often.

[sailorboy1]

Check out the Hunter 356, an absolutely great couple cruiser layout for a 35' boat!

[ohdrinkboy]

some of the Gozzards have a "family room" in place of the v berth.

[Steadman Uhlich]

There are a few boats that are about that size (40 foot or less) that have more unusual layouts.

I suggest you look at the Kadey Krogen 38. Here is one I described:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2271642

and the Niagara 35.
NIAGARA 35 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[sean.mcgrath]

Thanks all, these are useful. Indeed, I think a sideways berth in the back (like the Hunter 356) and then converting the v-berth might be closest to what I'm after.

Cheers,
Sean

[witzgall]

Wauquiez Pretorien 35 has a very small aft cabin, perfect for storage of all of the stuff you end up needing while cruising.

Chris

Also, while at anchor, many aft berths can become stuffy and hot, due to lack of airflow. This is a boat-by-boat issue, some are fine, others not so much.

[dwedeking2]

I have a 1979 Morgan OI 415 (little more than 40'). It has the split level v berth. We're turning that into a work bench for the lower part of the V and storage on the top part of the V (a removable section of netting allows us to store things where the cushion would go without worry of falling off in rough seas). Working aft the area between the vberth and main salon is a hanging closet on one side and a head on the other. Then you have the main salon/galley/nav station area and a master cabin aft of the center cockpit.

Any guests (and they probably won't be many) will sleep on the settee and seating around the table in the main salon (still privacy from the aft cabin).

[sean.mcgrath]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

some of the Gozzards have a "family room" in place of the v berth.

That one is interesting. To quote one search result: "Unlike many boats that aim for a wider market and so sacrifice space for unnecessary berths or extra heads, the Gozzard’s imaginative layout is tailored for two people cruising and living aboard." Gozzard 41 Sailboat Review | Cruising World

It does look like what I was thinking about. Also looks pretty expensive, but life is full of trade-offs....

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by sean.mcgrath

Thanks, Adelie. I was afraid of that.

Seems like a missed market, as I'll bet many couples honestly don't need the extra berths. I guess the best approach is to use the extra berths for storage as best you can.

Cheers,
Sean

Gozzard yachts are designed specifically to suit a couple. Depending on your budget, these would ideally fit your need.

[Alex_V]

What's stopping you from just using a spare berth for storage?

[JJ77]

Ref Gozzard lay out;
Island packet had a model called Estero with a lay out like the Gozzard;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxJa04Zl_wU

Cheers,
JJ

[Classicsailboat]

Camano 30 ?