Cabin access

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  • 27th March 2011 at 8:33 am #11131

      Hello all, I am thinking about an HT for family cruising. We have three young children and would want easy/fast access to them at night. So I have some questions I hope you will help me with regarding the comparative benefits of access to the aft cabins versus loss of manoeuvrability and economy.

      Having read earlier posts I see that if you are looking at twin engines which I would prefer then there are no stoop throughs unless it is a late model 27 which is going to seriously restrict the chances of finding the right boat. Am I correct in this?

      On a twin engined boat is it possible to modify the partition between the aft cabins to allow access between them whilst retaining some privacy?

      Whilst I have many miles under my belt I have not skippered a multihull how does the centre engine manoeuvre compared say to a modern fin keeled monohull?

      Are there any sailing families with the benefit of experience have any advise on this?
      Thanks

      27th March 2011 at 10:56 am #11928

        Hi Talfryn
        And welcome to the association.
        As a single hander I'm not the best to comment on some of your questions, however —

        I'm sure that you have seen the general description of the HT26/27 under “Pat's Designs” page. Stoop-throughs are only available on the HT27 when using a single engine + hydraulic drives (twin props).

        As I understand it the partition in the aft cabins in not structural and could be removed – I've seen this done – however I would prefer to leave it in place and cut an opening in the partition leaving a “frame” in place that you could attach a curtain or w.h.y. for some privacy. It might be best to talk to Pip Patterson for his opinion on this.

        I have the single outboard mounted in the cockpit and the boat needs a cricket pitch to turn in! However with twin props you get phenomenal manoeuvrability being able to turn in it's own length, one prop going forward and one prop going in reverse, be it twin engines or a single engine + twin hydraulic drives.

        Hope this helps.
        Mike

        27th March 2011 at 4:31 pm #11930

          Thanks Mike thats helpful. I am thinking that a twin with a good quality cockpit cover so that covered access can be had between below deck areas, is probably going to be the simplest solution for my needs.

          27th March 2011 at 5:01 pm #11929

            You can remove the partition without problem. I have seen a HT with one of those plastic folding doors you can mount on a wall cupboard to separate the two cabins.Good separation and quick opening if needed.
            Another solution is to sell the kids, but………… 🙂

            30th March 2011 at 12:33 pm #11931

              Talfryn
              I agree with all that has been said already. The partition can come down, be moved off centre, or any combination you like. My advice if you remove the bulkhead is to keep it and make it remountable for the time when you want to sell (in how ever many years time). If you simply want to be able to see the children in the next door cabin during the night, why not put a small spy hole? As you say a full cockpit enclosure not only gives ability to move around in the dry, whatever the weather, it effectively gives you an extra room or cabin for those wet weekends in port. Whether you use that as a dining room or kids play room, it does give you more space to spread. In the winter it helps keep the heat in too.
              Twin engines is my preferred option with fantastic manoeuvrability, with single engine and twin hydraulic drives as a second. The outboard in the well does need more practise to turn and manoeuvre and it is expensive on fuel. Something to consider these days….

              If you need more then please ask. Good luck with your purchase and your acclimatization to cats.

              Cheers

              Chrissie

              18th April 2011 at 10:22 pm #11932

                Hi, I've taken out the central partition on Gee Bee HT IVa. I wish I had done it many years ago. Other than a new engine, probably the best thing ever done! The aft space is so much more usable as one cabin. I've cruised with kids – works fine. Also makes it easier to get things – can go down either hatch. The wood partition removed weighed a ton and was solid marine ply. Heavily glassed in top bottom and forward and aft too. I find it hard to see how you could remove the partition without leaving an edge – without a full angle grind and many more hours work. So much dust anyway – be warned. I left and inch across the top and half an inch against forward bulkhead. I left a 6inch lip on the transom bulhead – useful for attaching things. I also have a full canopy: absolutely essential in this country. The full canopy however costs an absolute fortune – which is why mine is such a wreck, being patched year on year. If you are going to get one made, consult with real users first! I've yet to see a solution of preventing leaks via the mast.

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