Cockpit Size and Sea Handling

[Mocca01]

Hi All,

New to the forum as I am looking at buying a 1984 Trojan F-32 and import it to Australia, Western Australia to be specific. Most of our time is spent out on the back deck enjoying a drink and sleeping overnight with some extended stays at nearby islands, by nearby I mean 12Nm across open ocean, some days it is flat and others you might get a 2.5m swell with 25 Knot winds and that's in summer.So my question if anyone can help what is the dimension of the back deck (rear cockpit) as will spend most days out there and what is the vessels handling capability in that type of sea. The most common boat over here are the Bertram 35 however they carry the price tag and I didn't want to go that big.

Cheers
Mick

[BobCT]

Let's see what others say but I think you would be better off with an International series rather than a F series for that type of boating. They are good rough weather hulls which might make a difference. A lot can happen in 12 miles.

Bob

[Reel Easy]

First welcome to the site. I wouldn't go out in 2.5M (8ft plus) waves in a F-32 or International or bertram 35. The F-32 does ok in rough water once you get used to it and operate it properly. The International series do have a better hull design. And there is a reason the Bertrams are priced that way (they are better built boats)

[Mocca01]

Thanks for the input Reel and Bob,

I will look at the International series tonight and perhaps that might be my option. Yes like you said the Berties have a price tag for a reason. Maybe the next boat but this time I am going from a Sea Ray 225 Weekender to the 32 so should see a dramatic difference in handling capability. The swells aren't short an shallow they are long and slow with plenty of water underneath.Its when the wind picks up and you you have the short sharp chop on top. Most days it is great but the weather can turn quickly.

Regards
Mick

[ScurvyDog]

A quick easy answer about the F32 cockpit is it measures 6ft length by 8ft wide on my 1978 F32.

[lawyerdave71]

[quote="I wouldn't go out in 2.5M (8ft plus) waves)[/quote]

Thanks for translation. Holy crap 8 footers!!!! In those seas, I would consider an extended aft railing like what the fishing guys do.

What I found shocking . . . THEY GOT SEA RAYS IN AUSTRALIA??? Man, them things are like cockroaches - they are everywhere.

Since you know Sea Rays - the 39 Sea Ray from 80s 90s express or flybridge is one to consider as she is beast like.

I agree with Bertram analysis. Some of these boats can be had cheaply in the US especially 1975 - early 80's Bertrams. In the Great Lakes some 33 - 35 Bertrams go from teens to mid 20k. But I digress.

How much does it costs to import a boat to Australia?? That cant be cheap!!!

[lawyerdave71]

I wouldn't go out in 2.5M (8ft plus) waves in a F-32 or International or bertram 35.

If I had a Bertram 35, I'd take that baby out in 8 footers!!!!!!! Just like riding a roller coaster!!!!

[P-Dogg]

The key here is the wave period. OP said swells, which are not like short period 8' waves.

[captainmaniac]

Like others have said, it's not about the height of the waves. It is the combination of height with distance between waves, and how steep they are. 2.5m swells 50-100m apart are a piece of cake. 2.5m waves 20m apart are much less fun - especially if they are breaking waves!