Open cockpit ocean ranger 45 for blue water

[Cruiseycatter]

hello all, love the threads I read at cruiser's forum, can be very informative or at worst amusing.
Have been looking at a Prout Ocean Ranger 45, it is open cabined with just a half windscreen and plastics for protection upstairs.
My wife and I are looking at doing some cruising up to the pacific islands and back to Australia/New Zealand,
this boat appeals for three reasons : -the 360 view from the cockpit and the easy open working space this provides
-the simplicity of the layout and systems installed on the boat
-the price is good for the size of the boat
bear also in mind that I will change the steering system to incorporate a helm station and also install two secound hand yanmars to get rid of the two outboards in use presently, any comments on any of the above more than welcome

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy and welcome aboard the forum!

I have not seen one of those cats. If you have photos I would like to see the open design. You can post photos in this thread.

[Cruiseycatter]

hello steady hand, is an interesting design alright, what my question is really driving at is are there people out there who regularly blue water in open cockpit boats like maine cats ? If not why not? Boat is called Boanerges and is listed on Yachtworld will try to add some photos, once I work out how!

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Cruiseycatter

hello steady hand, is an interesting design alright, what my question is really driving at is are there people out there who regularly blue water in open cockpit boats like maine cats ? If not why not? Boat is called Boanerges and is listed on Yachtworld will try to add some photos, once I work out how!

I assume you already know about the Wharram line of cats. Some have open galley design and are intended for cruising. If you have jot seen them, Look at the Pahi 52 photos on this page.

Pahi 52 | James Wharram Designs

[Cruiseycatter]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

I assume you already know about the Wharram line of cats. Some have open galley design and are intended for cruising. If you have jot seen them, Look at the Pahi 52 photos on this page.

Pahi 52 | James Wharram Designs

yeah have checked out a few Wharram's, their is one of interest down our way at present that is made of alloy owned and altered by a marine engineer, and I know there are some pretty passionate followers of Wharrams at CF. As yet I do not quite understand why, but plenty of them around, and in very well kept up states, so their must be a reason for that. The Wharram on that site was lovely and the back ramp for dingy and swimming was a great feature so thank you for providing that link, going to research them so more for sure.

[Timethief]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

I have not seen one of those cats. If you have photos I would like to see the open design. You can post photos in this thread.

Interesting looking boat! The link for the yachtworld ad I think is:

1979 Prout Ocean Ranger 45 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

And here are most of the pictures of the boat (I think)! More pictures in the yachtworld ad.

[jaybird1111]

There are not only the Wharram line of open BRIDGEDECK (ahem) cats, but also some of the Shuttleworths and I think there are others.

Wouldn't touch a "modified" Wharram with a ten foot pole, unless I knew that the Wharram shop knew about and approved the mods. Not only are you taking a chance on whatever the 'marine architect' didn't know about Wharram's design philosophy, the insurance survey might not look too kindly on it, and neither will the resale market.

[Cruiseycatter]

Interesting what he has done to the Wharram, and whether it was an original wharram I am unsure, have never heard of another made of alloy before. Has that modified look to it as well, as in the mods are not in keeping with the original, and the insurance survey angle is one I had not thought of. Personally I like to go with originals anyway, you either buy into the philosophy of a thing or get something else, horses for courses. The open deck Shuttleworth has some good points and then some completely missed out ones as well, no safety lines anywhere? Back of boat is pretty but not very practical either, but maybe that is the point, would be interesting to hear from anyone who has open sea open deck cat experience.

[jaybird1111]

Originally Posted by Cruiseycatter

no safety lines anywhere?

I expect that, similar to my boat, there are strong points or eyestraps, whatever, mounted about the boat to which you rig a jackline, and then you wear tethers hooked to the jacklines

[Cruiseycatter]

Originally Posted by jaybird1111

I expect that, similar to my boat, there are strong points or eyestraps, whatever, mounted about the boat to which you rig a jackline, and then you wear tethers hooked to the jacklines

diiferent strokes for different folks and that would definitely work, I suppose I have had too many years a farmer to not feel the need for good fencing ! What put me off the Shuttleworth was more the rounding at the back by the steps down each hull, which would make it a bit impractical but there may be a reason for it a do not get yet, maybe better for racing . . .