Can I Live In A Boat That I Won't Be Able To Stand Up In

[CharlzO]

The biggest downfall I've found with mine (a 26 foot boat with 4'11" headroom in the cabin, and I'm 6' tall), is that whenever you find yourself in inclement weather, even just rainy days, it gets very claustrophobic and stuffy very quick. Even with vents, or rigging a boom tent (if its not windy as hell), it gives you air but the overall feeling can be bothersome to some people. I don't even live on mine, but I've had a day where it rained all day which kept me inside most of it, and it doesn't take long were you really do wish you had more space for you head. It's not even just the standing up and hitting your head, but it just feels more cramped when there's less overhead room, even sitting down all day.

I would definitely look at the advice of those above, and see what you can find to limit that sort of possibility. Because while it certainly IS possible, it'll just add more comfort, the more space you can find yourself.

[Brob2]

Grampian 26's have about 6' of headroom and carry it well forward, and still have a long cockpit. Here's one in Virginnie for $1200. Seems like a steal if the hull and deck are sound. If the motor runs, that would just be gravy! They're big boats (for that era) in 26 feet.

1970 Grampian sailboat for sale in Virginia

[Don C L]

When I was your age I had a Columbia 24 and lived on it off and on, and loved it. It sailed very well, had about 5-11 headroom, very well-built and these days you can find them quite cheap, if you can find them. Don't be put off by their age. Great little pocket cruiser. The stretch version, the Columbia 26 MK1, is just like it but has an enclosed head and a hanging locker. They also have a covered well for an outboard option which worked very well for me. I had an outboard that I could tilt up inside the lazarette.
http://www.columbia-yachts.com/rebecca1s.jpg
COLUMBIA 24 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
COLUMBIA 26 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

The Columbia 26 MK II is not a bad choice also, lots of room:
COLUMBIA 26 MK II sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[msrcal36]

Two modest boats that have circumnavigated:
Cal 25 "Direction":A Cal 25 World Cruiser
also see: Seal's Spars & Rigging: Cal 25 Used Boat Evaluation
and
(two times) Triton 28 "Atom" :Atom Voyages - Home

[boatster]

You might consider a boat with a pop-top for head room (at least in port or at anchor). Catalina made a version. Another option would be installing a dodger over the companionway hatch.

[Utahsailor]

I would rule out a San Juan 24- I had one in the 70s and it is a fine inshore race boat but a very light displacement cockleshell to live on.

[YachtBroker]

Some ideas:
Albin Vega 27 (owned one, great boat about 5-7 headroom).
If you could spend a little more but not much more. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 in the outboard version can be found for under 20K. Same PS Dana 24 if you could afford it. Both with 5-6 to 5-7 (maybe a little more I'm pretty short).
Also Contessa 26. Tania Aebi circumnavigated in one and it has maybe 5-5 to 5-6 headroom.

Older Cal, Ericson, Catalina, Pearson and others brands in the 25-28' range that will offer quite a bit more room and some with a seperate head. I loved my Oday 28 and I had less than $15K in it.

Lots of mid 20' boats out there with some decent headroom. Spend just a little more and you can get a little larger boat that you won't have to move out of right away.

[tbodine88]

I have a west wight potter 19, shorter in all dimensions than your requirements, but I have heard of people your age who have lived on one.

I think I could live on her, but I agree with previous posters that comforts are preferred as you age. Generally when internal head room is low, you find yourself outside more or lying down inside, except to cook. I'll sit and read inside when its cold and or wet.

[OS2Dude]

Short answer: NO.

I had an O'Day 23 with about 4'6" headroom. (I'm 5'10") Fine during the warmer months, as the hatches opened and I could stand in most of the boat. I spent the night when it was cold (32 degrees) and had to keep the hatches closed. It was the most horrific night I had ever spent. (Give thought to how you will heat/cool the boat as well. Most are not insulated well, if at all.)

You may be able to spend some time in it hunched over all the time, but you WILL regret it sooner than later.

[captlloyd]

The question should be not can you, but would you. For day-sailing, sure, no standing headroom. To live in, yes it can be done, but really a bad idea. Just try putting your clothes on setting down for a few days and see if you like it.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Lizzy Belle

Maybe for some women, just like some men like a bit of luxury.
But as far as I can tell, they're a minority.

I blame it on her, but the day I got Married was a real life changing event for me, suddenly I was responsible, and accountable for another persons life and well being. Suddenly all those stupid things I did, had repercussions, scared the Hell out of me, but I wouldn't trade it for anything either.

But enough of that, he's not talking about a boat he will finance and carry payments on forever, he talking about enjoying his youth, all I say is don't buy something that you have to spend too much of your youth on fixing up is all.
One day you will wake up and be too old for all this, you will have to be responsible, so enjoy it while you can.

If you buy it right and don't put too much in it, you may even make a few bucks when its time to trade up.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I

If you buy it right and don't put too much in it, you may even make a few bucks when its time to trade up.

Make money on selling a boat your joking right. I have never made any actual profit on a boat sale . But you can't put a price on all the fun you have

[The Garbone]

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1977...s#.Vvl7LUX3bCQ


Bilge keel. You can run her up on the beach and clean the bottom.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Tayana42]

In the San Diego area the go to boat for the very very limited budget live aboard sailors seems to be the old Cal 25. Not standing headroom but the raised deck does increase the livable space below.


S/V B'Shert

[scgilligan]

Didn't notice if you put a price range in your question/post. If not, look at the Classified section of this site..JCOlman has a C&C 30 on there for sale in NC..New Bern area I think. Great looking boat so not much work would be needed, and seems like he said he'd take 15 for it. If I had money I'd definitely be looking at it.