Center Cockpits or aft?

Let's look at the design considerations

Thoughts on center-cockpits…

  As I’m sure you are aware, there are differences in opinion about everything nautical!  My intention here isn’t to point out the virtues of one type of boat over another, or even to present any arguable information. I’m simply pointing out some of the facts that I have experienced or had others express to me about center-cockpits over the 35 years I’ve been in business.

  I would start by saying that at various times, I have represented manufacturers who have offered excellent center-cockpit models and so I have considerable experience living on them, servicing them, and talking to owner’s and charterers.

  One thing that I will report is that there is a trend in the industry in other directions, notably towards the Deck Saloon type of boat as is offered by Jeanneau, Wauquiez, and Oyster as well as by many custom builders. Why this change?

  Those of us in the industry have observed some disadvantages inherent in the Center-cockpit type, but overcome in the Deck Saloon Type. Chief among these are:

• A center-cockpit design puts the helmsman further forward where there is more spray. Of course his passengers are even further forward! A good dodger or fixed windshield is a must for any but the most calm weather, and in nice weather these devices tend to block the cooling summer breezes.
• The cockpit itself is smaller. Today’s cruisers spend much of their time in the cockpit and with today’s excellent Bimini’s (offering exceptional sun and rain protection) do this in almost any weather conditions. The center-cockpit offers minimum livability.
• In order to get the room under the cockpit to allow adequate living space in the typical, aft owner’s cabin, it must be raised considerably. This in turn, causes the coaming to either be too low for comfortable back support, or alternatively, if it is raised to a normal height, it makes it difficult to step over to reach the deck, and presents excessive windage. In addition, most aft cockpits which are able to utilize the full width of the boat, have room for a substantial table in the middle, often with a cooler built in. This, again, increases livability and offers a great hand and foot hold for bracing when moving about or while healing.
• One of the big advantages to aft cockpits is the ability to create a walk through to an aft swim platform. This back porch is essential to Charterers and those who enjoy cruising in Southern latitudes. It makes for easy dinghy access, and swimming off the stern. (Not to mention the safety of having a low, water level platform to retrieve a lost hat, or even a person who has fallen overboard!)
• If the coaming (backrest) is rounded at the corners(Most Beneteau models, etc.--an affectation to make the cockpit appear more inviting), it’s even less comfortable as there is no corner to snuggle into for reading or steering when you want to relax, lay back and occasionally kick at the wheel with your foot.
• This is an unexpected point, but one that bears checking out—because most center-cockpits appeal to entry level sailors the designers often use hull designs which offer large volume, extremely shoal draft, simplified rigs, etc. Winches are not optimally placed for convenient operation because they are so far inboard and the angles and heights are not ergonomic. All features that compromise sailing performance. Center-cockpits as a genre generally have the reputation of poorer performance—earned or not, and often this too affects resale.
• Move below. The aft bulkhead of the main cabin has now been moved forward to accommodate the forward placed cockpit and large aft owner’s cabin. This creates new compromises:
• The high cockpit accompanied by the reduced space in the main cabin causes most designers to design a very steep, vertical ladder to get down on. Everytime you go to use the head, make a sandwich or retrieve a cold drink—you’ll be thinking about this. In rough weather, it’s downright dangerous.
• Because the aft bulkhead is further forward the main saloon is smaller in volume and appears smaller and less livable. Generally, the galley must be moved aft, under the cockpit where there is less light and ventilation—an objection of many of the cooks we’ve talked to. Finally, the main cabin itself appears to  be further down in a hole, relative to the rather high cockpit.
• All and all, these factors are contrary to what the modern cruisers tell us they’re looking for. They want a light, bright and livable main cabin design with a galley that’s open where the cook isn’t isolated in some dark hole. They want easy access to a large, comfortable cockpit which in most reasonable weather scenarios they consider an extension of the total living environment.
• Often, engine access is compromised because side and aft access must be gained from dedicated living spaces. (Also, check that the further forward mounted engine doesn’t have such a long shaft that vibration is a problem—it may need, at the least, a larger diameter shaft.
• Finally, the magnificent owner’s stateroom aft. Yep, that’s what you paid for, and many of these designs do a great job of giving a large, walk-around bed. Now, you can have this huge aft cabin in an aft cabin design--the Deck Saloon.  (More on the deck saloon advantages, here.) But, The question is, are you willing to give up everything else for this? And also, perhaps, is this the best cabin for an owner? Personally, on most of the boats I cruise on, I prefer the forward cabin as my personal cabin. If nothing else, the natural  ventilation is always better forward and I, for one, prefer not to have to rely on A/C any more than necessary. (Take a look at the Jeanneau, below, to see what I’m talking about.

 

So, you pay your money and you take your choice. But when you’re comparing the basic configuration of a center-cockpit vs an aft or Deck Saloon model, at the least, see how the  boat you’re considering measures up with the above in mind.

  In the end, our experience tends to support that the more experienced sailors that have tried conventional cockpit designs, or Deck Saloon types, tend to prefer these over the center-cockpit.

  As this trend continues, we will probably see fewer center-cockpit designs offered, and they may suffer in the resale market as they lose popularity. For a slide show with more comparisons-especially in larger boats, click here.

Read more about how one gal found that the deck saloon was the perfect solution. Click here.

Table of differences...

Click on pictures to enlarge

	The aft cockpit configuration offers an easier to get in and out of cockpit with lower coamings. and convenient walk through to the swim platform.
	The aft cockpit coamings are outboard so the cockpit is wider. This allows for more space and a larger table. Watch out for the rounded corners in most center-cockpits--you can't wedge in for reading or steering.
	The modern aft cockpit, Deck Saloon offers a wonderful open, environment. When sailing, the solid table is at a comfortable distance for bracing in place.
	See the difference in mail living space? The conventional boat has a main saloon almost twice as long, and more comfortable, less steep stairs.
	Do you want your galley in the dark, remote area back alongside the engine, or out in the open accessible for social interaction with guests?
	Should your main saloon be large enough to incorporate living, dining and entertainment space, or be basically a dining saloon with remote galley?
	So, are you willing to sacrifice everything for an Island Bed that's aft with less ventilation?  Today's modern aft cockpit can have a large double forward with better ventilation, or a large double aft that has very nearly the same advantages as a center-cockpit and is even nicer in the Deck Saloon version.
The Aft cockpit offers more living outside and a more comfortable, drier environment. You also get a larger, lighter main saloon--especially with the Deck Saloon version like with the Jeanneau 39, 42, 45, 50 and 54DS.		The center cockpit offers an island berth aft.

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