Hi Jacob,
I live on an S2-35
center cockpit. To answer your questions:
The Cons as I see them are:
1. Difficulty in boarding
I don't see a center any more or less dificult than an aft
2. No swim platform typically
The cockpit config has no bearing on a swim platform, I have one on my boat.
3. Increased spray from bow
I rarely get any spray, and if I do, conditions are such that I would get spray in an aft
4. Cockpit Drainage maybe
Possibly, but many aft cockpits have drainage issues.
5. Centerline Double not great at sea
True, but this is also not necesarily a product of the cockpit config. You could also have sea berths.
Pros:
1. Large Aft Stateroom w/centerline double
Yes!
2. Fantail area for
deck storage (dinghy)
Also great for parties
3. Greater storage area internally ???
Depends on the boat
4. Owners Head
Depends on the boat.
Now, for the real cons:
Difficult to provide any
engine ventelation should you so desire.
Running heat and/or AC ducting can be a challenge
On my boat, access to the aft
cabin is via the head or the
galley. Not really a problem unless you have a lot of people on board.
As to performance, the cockpit config really has no bearing - the boat can be a pig with an aft, or fast as hell with a center - it's the underwater part that is more important.