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Old 30-07-2010, 09:00   #1
tsl
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Looking for a Boat with Few Companionway Steps

I understand the implications of little or no bridge deck. It's now clear to me if I intend to go sailing I will be taking our Brown Lab along. She's in great shape now but will have trouble with steep steps in a few years.
I'll consider a pilot house it that does the trick. Please offer suggestions.

Sorry if this has been ask previously. I'm a newby and found nothing by searching the threads.
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Old 30-07-2010, 19:40   #2
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You need to search the multihulls threads. Zero is the best number of steps for your faithful companion. Only acceptable use for the word "cat" I've ever found.
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Old 31-07-2010, 05:36   #3
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Try the Amels. They have gradual steps as seen in the lower left hand corner of this photo...
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Old 31-07-2010, 05:58   #4
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Thank you both for the help. I've considered two hulls looking at the Gemini and the Seawind 1000. I'll take your suggestion and will move to that thread after I exhaust my mono search. My order of preference is monohull, cat, and even a stinkpot. After all is getting out there.. right?

The Amels look very interesting. I'm looking searching now for models under 40 '.
Jordanship, I hope you have a minute to tell me more about Amels as I an not at all familiar with them.
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Old 31-07-2010, 06:06   #5
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Later models of the CS36 Merlin (89 and up) have a very easy companionway with just a few gradual steps. You should specify the approximate size you're looking for. There are lots of smaller boats that are easily accessible to dogs.
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Old 31-07-2010, 06:11   #6
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For Amels under 40-feet, look at the Sharki 39 and Kirk 35. Chantiers Amel is a French yard that builds serious offshore sailboats. They have many unique features like the companionway steps. Examples include:

On deck:
* Engine access through the cockpit sole
* Solid stainless steel lifelines
* Hard dodgers
* Companionway mounted steering wheels
* Faux teak decking

Down below:
* Frilly french upholstery
* U-shaped aft berths
* Watertight bulkheads
* Dark mahogany, high gloss veneer

You have to research them and decide whether the culture fits your needs. Amels have cult status, and people either love them or don't.
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Old 31-07-2010, 06:28   #7
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I'm comfortable with my wife and I sailing/docking boats under 40'
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Old 31-07-2010, 14:25   #8
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This message is from Ann, not Jim.

Your dog will need dinghy access for shore trips, dock-to-ship access, too. I suggest engineering a fold up ramp with non-skid, this might be stoved vertically against a bulkhead or in a hanging locker, or underneath the foot of a bunk, open. She will learn to use such a device rather easily. [I once taught a dog to climb a ladder.]

Good luck with it.

Ann Cate, s/v Insatiable II, lying Queensland, Australia
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Old 31-07-2010, 14:37   #9
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A wheelhouse drastically reduces the number of companion way steps, by putting the wheelhouse floor much closer to the level of the cockpit.
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Old 05-08-2010, 23:37   #10
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Islander Freeport (I think it is a 41ft). I am not totally sure but I believe it is just two or three steps
Allmand 35 pilothouse. nice entrance for a dog.
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