largest yacht you can operate yourself

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Largest Boat You Can Operate Yourself: Discovering the Size Limitations for Solo Boat Operators

Do you dream of cruising the open waters in a vessel that’s big enough to accommodate your family and friends but small enough to operate on your own? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the largest boat you can operate yourself and give you some tips on how to make the most of your boating adventure.

Generally, a boat up to 40-50 feet long can be operated solo. However, this depends on the operator’s skill, experience, and the boat’s setup, including automation and technology. Some experienced sailors may handle larger vessels, but safety and manageability become increasing concerns.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a novice, we’ll help you find the perfect vessel to suit your needs and make your next boating trip one to remember. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

The Basics: Understanding Boat Sizes and Types

Before venturing into solo boat operations, it’s crucial to understand the various types of boats and their sizes. Not all boats are created equal, and the size and type of the boat play significant roles in determining its operational complexity. Whether it’s a motorboat, sailboat, or yacht, each vessel class brings its unique challenges and perks.

Motorboats: Typically smaller in size and ranging between 10 to 40 feet, motorboats are usually easier to handle. However, larger motor yachts can extend up to 100 feet or more and may require more experience and skill.
Sailboats: Sailboats demand a certain skill level, as you’ll need to understand wind directions, rigging, and sailing techniques. They vary widely in size, from small dinghies to large cruising yachts.
Yachts: The term “yacht” often refers to a more luxurious boat, typically longer than 40 feet. Operating a yacht often involves managing advanced onboard systems and requires more comprehensive knowledge and experience.
Trawlers: Trawlers are typically used for long-distance, leisurely cruising. They range in size, but handling larger trawlers often demands more than one person unless they are set up specifically for solo operations.
Multihull Boats (Catamarans and Trimarans): These boats offer stability and space. They can range from small and manageable sizes to large, complex vessels requiring experience and knowledge.

Operating Factors: Boat Handling and Complexity

Navigating the vast expanse of water bodies is not merely about turning the steering wheel. It entails a detailed understanding of the boat’s systems, the ability to read weather patterns, and the skill to react swiftly to unexpected situations.

The size and type of the boat will influence the complexity of these tasks. Larger boats, for instance, often have intricate onboard systems and are more challenging to maneuver. They also require higher maintenance, which can become a demanding task for solo operators.

Hence, when contemplating operating a boat alone, assessing your ability to handle the boat’s complexity and not just its size is essential. The boat’s handling characteristics are also a crucial factor. Smaller boats can respond quickly to steering inputs, while larger ones require foresight and planning as they don’t change their course or speed as rapidly.

Maneuvering a large boat in a crowded marina or tight waterways requires a certain skill and experience, as does dealing with the higher inertia and the impact of wind and currents. Some boats, especially modern ones, might have systems to assist with docking and maneuvering. However, relying solely on these systems without understanding boat handling principles can lead to problems.

Your level of comfort with the boat’s handling and complexity should be a primary determinant of the largest boat you can operate alone.

Mastering the Elements: Weather and Sea Conditions

Boating on open water is a theater of nature’s might, where weather and surface conditions play pivotal roles in your solo boating experience. Mastering these elements involves understanding and predicting weather patterns, deciphering the sea’s behavior, and maneuvering your boat under various conditions. A larger boat might offer more stability in rough seas but could also pose greater challenges in terms of handling and maneuverability.

Understanding Weather Patterns: A sound knowledge of meteorology helps predict weather conditions, understand wind directions, and identify warning signs of a storm. Weather can drastically affect your boat’s handling, and it is vital for solo operators to know how to adapt.
Sea Conditions: These can vary greatly from calm, flat water to rough, turbulent waves. Larger boats may handle heavy seas better than smaller ones, but they also require more skill and strength to control.
Seasonal Changes: Seasons can dramatically affect sea and weather conditions. Understanding how different times of the year can change the boating environment is crucial, especially for long-term solo voyages.
Tides and Currents: Understanding tides and currents is essential for navigating safely and efficiently. These can impact the speed and course of your boat, especially in coastal areas.
Night Time Operations: Operating a boat solo at night or in foggy conditions demands extra caution. Visibility is reduced, and navigation can become challenging, especially in unfamiliar waters.

Leveraging Technology: Automation and Modern Boat Features

As we sail into the future, technological advancements redefine the limitations and possibilities for solo boat operators. With developments in automation and an array of modern boat features, handling a larger vessel alone is becoming more feasible.

These innovations enhance safety and efficiency and provide a platform that extends the operator’s capabilities, enabling them to navigate larger boats and face challenging sea conditions with greater confidence.

Automation systems have revolutionized the boating experience. From autopilots that maintain a set course to advanced systems capable of making minor adjustments based on wind and sea conditions, automation reduces the manual effort required, making longer journeys more manageable for solo operators.

Coupled with digital navigation aids such as GPS and radar, which provide valuable information regarding location, obstacles, and weather conditions, boating has become safer and more precise. However, while technology greatly aids in managing a large vessel, it’s crucial to remember that it complements, not replaces, the essential skills of seamanship.

Balancing technological reliance and traditional navigational skills ensures an optimal solo boating experience.

Experience and Training: How Skill Influences Boat Size

When determining the largest boat you can operate solo, your skill level and experience are among the most significant considerations. Mastering the art of boating is not an overnight process; it’s a progressive journey that involves learning the fundamentals, developing operational skills, and gaining real-world experience.

Each additional foot of boat length generally means increased handling, navigation, and maintenance complexity. From docking maneuvers in crowded marinas to making critical decisions under challenging sea conditions, the level of experience required escalates with the size of the boat.

Training programs and certifications offer structured learning paths, but nothing replaces the wisdom gained from hours spent on the water, facing diverse situations. As such, your capacity to handle a large boat solo is as much a testament to your skills and experience as it indicates the boat’s physical dimensions.

Safety Considerations: Ensuring a Secure Voyage

The allure of operating a large boat solo should never overshadow the paramount importance of safety. A secure voyage is well-prepared and respects the fundamental safety guidelines. Larger boats are generally more stable and safer in rough water but also present unique challenges that demand heightened awareness and precautions.

Preparation is the cornerstone of safety. This includes ensuring your boat is well-maintained and equipped with safety gear like life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a first-aid kit. For larger boats, you may also need to consider additional equipment like life rafts and EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons).

Communication is vital, especially when you’re the only person aboard. Modern communication devices, including VHF radios and satellite phones, can help maintain contact with the outside world and call for help if needed.

Understanding and respecting weather and sea conditions is critical. Larger boats can handle heavier seas, but adverse weather poses significant risks. Regularly checking weather forecasts and understanding how to interpret them is crucial.

Even with all the preparations, unexpected situations can arise. The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively is often the key to navigating these challenges. Proper training and real-world experience greatly enhance your ability to handle emergencies and make safe decisions.

Lastly, a fundamental aspect of solo boating safety is self-care. Operating a large boat alone can be physically and mentally demanding, and neglecting your well-being can lead to fatigue, impairing your ability to operate the boat safely.

Bryan is a Las Vegas resident who loves spending his free time out on the water. Boating on Lake Mohave or Lake Havasu is his favorite way to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. More about Bryan.

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Azimut 78 yacht tour: Inside the mother of all owner-operated boats

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The Azimut 78 sits at a crossroads in the market, you can run it by yourself, but many owners choose to employ a crew. Nick shows us around…

Walking around the Azimut 78 it’s easy to forget you’re still on a sub-24m boat, particularly in the three-cabin crew quarters, which is located in the bow – usually a hallmark of much bigger yachts.

This video, filmed at the most recent Cannes Yachting Festival , showcases the Azimut 78’s curvaceous Art Deco-inspired interior, as designed by Achille Salvagni.

It’s the little details that really raise the bar on this yacht, from the teak-lined guest showers to the indirect lighting behind the bedhead in the master cabin .

Article continues below…

Cranchi-78-luxury-flybridge-yacht-tour-video-dusseldorf-boat-show-credit-hugo-andreae

Cranchi 78 yacht tour: Inside the Italian yard’s great glass flagship

Princess Y78 yacht tour: The biggest boat you can run without crew

Out on deck there are plenty of sociable spaces to soak up the sun, from the foredeck to flybridge .

However, Nick saves the best to last, with a look inside the Azimut 78’s engine room, which houses a triple IPS 1350 pod-drive set-up for a top speed of 33 knots.

Enjoy the tour…

Azimut 78 specification

LOA: 23.64m (77’6”) Beam: 5.75m (18’ 10”) Draft: 1.77m (5’ 10’’) Displacement (loaded): 58 tonnes (127,867lb) Engines: Triple 1,000hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350 Top speed: 33 knots Cruising speed: 27 knots Fuel capacity: 5,000l Water capacity: 1,100l Price: €3,150,000

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What is the largest yacht one can operate solo?

When it comes to operating a yacht, it is important to understand your capabilities and limitations as a captain. Solo yacht operation can be challenging, especially when it comes to larger vessels. So,?

The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on several factors, including the yacht’s size, the operator’s experience, and the yacht’s onboard systems. In general, yachts up to 80 feet in length can be operated solo, provided the captain is experienced and comfortable with the yacht’s handling and navigation.

One of the most significant factors that will influence solo yacht operation is the vessel’s onboard systems. Modern yachts come equipped with advanced navigation and autopilot systems that can facilitate solo operation. However, these systems can be complex and require considerable skill to operate effectively. Furthermore, yachts with advanced systems tend to be larger and more expensive, limiting their accessibility to most people.

Another thing to consider is the layout and design of the yacht. Yachts designed for solo operation tend to have features that make them more manageable, such as simplified rigging, hydraulic winches, and advanced anchoring systems. These features make it easier for an individual to handle the yacht comfortably and ensure safe and efficient sailing.

In addition to onboard systems and yacht design, a critical factor in solo yacht operation is the captain’s experience and skill level. To operate a large yacht solo, a captain must have significant experience and confidence in their abilities. They must also possess advanced navigation and seamanship skills, including sailing techniques, engine maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The largest yacht one can operate solo is largely determined by the individual’s experience, yacht design, and onboard systems. While it is possible to operate yachts up to 80 feet solo, it is advisable to take additional crew members onboard for yachts that are larger than this. Always consult with the manufacturer’s guidelines and regulations to ensure safe and efficient yacht operation.

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No Crew Required

By Chris Caswell
Updated: June 18, 2009

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A growing number of yachts are being operated “short-handed,” the nautical term for a voyage with fewer than the usual number of crew members. In the yachting world, it was not long ago that owning a 70-footer meant having a dedicated captain and at least one crew member.

Today, however, there are a growing number of yachts in the 60- to 80-foot range being handled by husband-and-wife teams. And this isn’t just weekend marina-hopping, either, but voyages that stretch the lengths of continents and span oceans.

John and Linda Langan who, in 16 months, have ranged from Alaska to Mexico and are currently in the Caribbean aboard their Nordhavn 47, are now accustomed to short-handed cruising. “At first it was daunting, now it’s no big thing,” they happily report.

A multitude of factors have not only made this possible, but desirable. Modern technology has provided warping winches that can turn a 100-pound woman into Arnold Schwarzenegger when it comes to handling dock lines, while bow and stern thrusters make docking easier. There are more young couples acquiring larger yachts these days, yet not really wanting paid crew. And at the other end, there are “empty-nesters,” who want to be able to take out family or friends occasionally, yet still remain independent.

Regardless of the reasons, boatbuilders are seizing on this new market, creating fleets of yachts aimed at short-handed cruisers. We talked to a number of owner-operators, as well as boatbuilders, to gather some of the hard-won tips and techniques that make short-handed cruising possible. Here’s a look at what we learned.

Pick the Right Yacht

The design features needed for short-handed cruising are a matter of common sense. One of the keys to simplified boat-handling, according to one skipper, is the ability to “be everywhere at once.”

This means you need wide side decks that allow you to move easily from bow to stern, with bulwarks or rails high enough to make movement underway safe. It requires having doors on each side of a pilothouse so the skipper can step out to lend a hand quickly. Look for flying bridge stairs that are conveniently located and safe in all conditions. Inside, a pilot berth or convertible settee might be a good idea, so a second person is close at hand during night passages.

Outfit the Yacht

Once you’ve chosen the yacht, you need to outfit it with short-handing in mind, which generally falls into two categories: Extra power and simplicity.

Docking is always the biggest concern for a husband-and-wife team, but several modern conveniences turn this into a “no worries” area. First, bow and stern thrusters allow the skipper to place the yacht precisely against a dock. Second, warping winches on the stern allow one person to easily move a 40-ton yacht. Third, remote helm controls put the skipper where he can see everything, as well as lend a hand as needed. And last (but certainly not least!), the dawn of Zeus or IPS drive power allows joystick control that can pivot the yacht in any direction and even hold station effortlessly.

For Barry and Alice Allred, the bow and stern thrusters aboard their Outer Reef 65, Risky Business, are a godsend. “Choosing hydraulic progressive Trac thrusters was our wisest investment,” says Barry. “I can place the boat against the dock and then hold it there indefinitely while I help with the docklines.” Progressive thrusters can be left in the thrusting position and, being hydraulic, can be used continuously because they don’t have overheating issues.

Warping winches were named as one of the most popular options by boatbuilders, and several owners noted that using them meant they could easily muscle in a spring line-even against wind and current. They also allow the positioning of the yacht to be done from on board, rather than relying on dock helpers. Lydia Biggie, who has cruised the length of the Eastern Seaboard with her husband, John, aboard their Outer Reef 73, SeeYa, always passes the eye of the dockline ashore, so she can control the length from on board.

The ability of the skipper to operate the engines and thrusters from locations other than the helm was also mentioned as very important by short-handed crews. Options include wing controls hidden in a bulwark outside the pilothouse or on the afterdeck, as well as corded control boxes that can be plugged in at various locations around the yacht. Aboard Risky Business, for example, plug locations include the bow (for anchoring), the stern, and both sides of the bridge.

Ample and properly sized fenders were mentioned as valuable to short-handers, because they protect the yacht until all the lines are secured. Several skippers mentioned that they have premarked fender lines, so they can be secured at a set height before being hung over the side. This is particularly important with large or heavy fenders being handled by a small person.

Another valuable piece of deck gear that short-handers mentioned is “a really long boathook” which can be used for placing looped docklines over pilings or cleats when there are no helpers ashore.

Prep the Crew

If there was one tip given by absolutely every short-handed couple, it was to talk everything through beforehand. “Plan ahead, and take your time,” says Lydia Biggie. “John and I will discuss the order of lines to be given to the dock help, because sometimes it varies.” Aboard Risky Business, Barry Allred also tells his wife which lines to set first, and she passes these directions to the dock helpers.

Both John Biggie and Barry Allred go a step further in their preparations: “I talk to the dockmaster by VHF beforehand,” says Allred, “to find out the exact slip location, the wind or current at that spot, and what’s around my slip. That way there are no surprises.” Lydia Biggie adds, “We find out at least half an hour beforehand what side of the dock we’ll be on, and if they are floating or stationary. That way I can estimate the height and position of the fenders.”

Just as important as crew preparation are crew communications. John Langan is succinct: “We use duplex two-way hands-free communications, and this is a marriagesaver!” Barry Allred also has several pairs of voice-activated Eartec headsets, adding a third unit so his daughter “could hear what was going on” when she was aboard. “These work fine, even in a breeze,” says Allred, noting that they allow two people to work without being in sight of each other.

Lowering and raising an anchor brings a host of new challenges but, again, modern technology and ingenuity simplify the task for short-handers. Barry Allred has anchor controls on his remote controller and, once plugged in at the bow, can direct the whole process as he watches.

Aboard SeeYa, the Biggies use hand signals to communicate from the bow to the pilothouse. “I look at him and signal and call ‘taking the pin out.’ This is the safety pin that prevents the anchor and chain from going down. Now John knows my hands are clear, and it’s okay to lower the anchor. We have one of those neat ‘chain counters’ so he can raise and lower the anchor from the wheel and know how many feet are out.”

The way the Langans aboard the Nordhavn 47 see it, “You can’t be too rich or too thin or have too many anchors. I use 400 feet of 7/16-inch chain and a 105-pound CQR. We set the CQR on the roller nearing the anchorage so that when we let the windlass out, it goes down by itself and my wife counts the 50-foot paint stripes to the required scope.” John adds, “All this I do from the pilothouse, since the windlass can be operated from there, the flybridge, or the bow.”

For raising the anchor, Lydia Biggie has painted three marks on the chain, but hers are near the anchor. “When I see these marks come out of the water, I take over raising the anchor. I can now do this slowly, make sure the anchor is free of sand, oriented properly and, finally, seated properly. Besides, by the time I take over the anchor, John needs to pay attention to steering the boat.”

When it comes to signaling, the Biggies keep it simple. “I point to where the anchor chain is, port or starboard, so John can use the bow thruster to line up the boat with the chain. I use a circular motion with my arm to indicate ‘keep the anchor coming up,’ and I put my hand up in a ‘stop’ motion to end pulling the anchor in.”

The biggest concern for most short-handers is a man overboard because, with just two people aboard, you only have half a crew to handle a serious crisis.

Most short-handers carry comfortable lifejackets in addition to the U.S. Coast Guard-required PFDs-either in the form of automatic inflatable life vests that don’t constrict movements, or as float coats to wear when weathering colder climates. But many short-handers also admitted that they don’t wear them often enough. “Unless the conditions are really bad,” said one, “we don’t put them on. I know we should, but we’re lazy.”

High bulwarks, double or even triple lifelines, and plenty of rails can create a false sense of security and we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend that everyone on deck wear a life vest at all times.

Even in the best case scenario, when the MOB is wearing a flotation device, the situation is very dangerous because only one person is left to maneuver the yacht, spot the person in the water, and retrieve the crew. There are a multitude of devices designed to help locate and retrieve a crew member, large or small, from the water, and each has its pros and cons. Some require installations on the yacht, and all should be tested in practice situations with a full crew aboard in calm water. A dark night with your spouse in the water is no time to start reading the instructions.

The most popular MOB device for powerboats is the Lifesling, which comes in several variations but is basically a horseshoe- shaped collar that is thrown to the victim or towed behind the yacht so it can be reached without swimming for it.

It provides buoyancy as well as a secure attachment to the yacht and, when combined with lifting tackle on board, allows a smaller person to hoist a heavy and watersoaked victim on board.

Several short-handers that were interviewed have a basic rule: No one ever goes on deck without being watched. And one added that, when voyaging, they always bring the yacht to a complete stop before a crew member goes on deck.

Barry Allred uses a video camera that covers all the action on the afterdeck. “With that, one of us can be in the pilothouse and still keep an eye on the other if we’re rigging lines or fenders.”

Short-handed cruising a largish yacht may seem intimidating or even scary at first but, with a well-chosen yacht and the right equipment and practice, it can be a grand adventure.

“I wasn’t sure the two of us could do it,” says Barry Allred. “I was wrongit’s great!”

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What is behind the surge in new 60ft plus yacht designs and can you sail one safely without pro crew?

Toby Hodges
January 13, 2017

New yacht design has taken a giant leap in average length. Toby Hodges reports on the boom in big boats

Looking along the row of new yachts berthed stern-to at Cannes Boat Show in September, it seems impossible that just a few years ago a yard might hold up its 55-footer as the flagship of its fleet. In 2016, it’s the new yachts between 55ft and 80ft from the production yards that really stand out. So what has changed? Why the sudden surge in new large yachts and is it really possible to sail them without professional crew?

The 60ft plus market represents only around 120 yachts worldwide per year, but according to Oyster CEO David Tydeman, there is a need for variety. “Where Beneteau likes the fact that we series-build €5m boats, we like the fact that Beneteau does €1m series builds,” he says. “It brings people into the industry.”

Customers range from those wanting short-term sailing holidays and second home use, to those exercising long held dreams to sail offshore in the utmost comfort. It’s a wide range of people being targeted by a wide range of brands and from the list of boats yet to be launched, it’s evident that the majority of builders have bet against this size segment being a passing fad.

Who is building new yachts over 60ft?

The volume production yards have been growing their flagship models, mostly launched in the last year or two, to fulfil demand in the 55-65ft sector. This is perhaps indicative of an increasing number of impulsive buyers on today’s new yacht market; those who don’t want to wait for a couple of years for their yacht are going to be more attracted to the volume-built boats.

Models over 65ft are typically still the domain of luxury bluewater cruising brands, such as Oyster and Contest; prestige brands, such as CNB and Euphoria; or performance semi-custom designs from the likes of Swan, Solaris, Mylius and Advanced Yachts. Highlights include X-Yachts’s 65ft X6 (see X6 on test ), the Grand Soleil 58 Performance; Mylius’ striking new 76; the Turkish Euphoria 68 (see Euphoria 68 on test ) and the luxurious new Contest 67CS ( see video review here ), not to mention the new Oysters 675 and 745.

Contest 67CS: The owner of this first 67CS started sailing in Norway in September 2009, aged 40. Since then he has owned two yachts, completed an ARC crossing and sailed with his wife in the Caribbean five times a year. “We were looking for a bigger yacht for longer stays but which we can still sail with the two of us.” They plan to sail the boat themselves, but add that for “maintenance and preparations it is smart to have professionals who know our Contest 67CS.”

At the 60ft plus size range, yards have to be flexible to be competitive. Prospective buyers expect their yachts to be semi-customised; rather than simply ticking options boxes, they want the yard to listen to their individual choices, styles and needs.

Volume producers will offer a lengthy list of layouts, fabrics and finishes, while the high-end builders will typically offer major hull variations, including different transom designs, rig options, and appendage types, with interior layouts only really constrained by watertight bulkheads. Those braving the first of a new model line may get extra privileges in this respect.

Mylius 76: In many ways, Mylius’s yachts are a total contrast to the large, luxury cruising yachts of northern European yards. The all-carbon builds are super-minimalist throughout; modern turbo-charged Italian head-turners for smoking across the Med in style and enjoying the odd regatta. Pictured right is the flush-deck version. The deck saloon model (far right interiors) is novel and niche – a fascinating combination of space, speed and style.

High volume production

Of the volume yards, Hanse arguably led the way with its 630e back in 2006, 70 of which were built. Equally impressive is that the German yard then went on to sell 175 of its 575 in the last four years. This year Hanse launched the 675, its largest volume production yacht to date.

Hanse consistently wows with its loft-style interiors – more like a luxury apartment in fact on this, its largest model yet, the new 675.

Groupe Beneteau brands all now have yachts in the 60ft plus size range. The Bordeaux 60 caused a stir when it launched in 2008 – hull number 46 is in build – bringing trappings of superyacht glamour to the production market. The follow-up CNB 76 made a striking debut at Cannes in 2013. This contemporary Briand design uses an innovative construction method to reduce build time and cost. Seventeen of the €2m 76s have now sold, leading CNB to commission designs for a new smaller sister, the 66 (see page 33). To give some indication as to the demand at this size, CNB has already sold eight of the smaller yachts despite only releasing initial designs in September, and has also just announced it will take on 100 more workers to meet demand.

CNB 76: The 76 is a powerful yet elegant yacht with a well-camouflaged deck saloon, proper crew accommodation and a practical tender garage. A modular build scheme allows CNB to construct the entire interior of the 76 outside of the hull, dramatically reducing build time (to six months) and cost. The win-win result is superyacht styling and engineering, yet with a serial production price starting at €2m.

Unlike CNB, which is originally a builder of large custom yachts, the other volume production yards and Groupe Beneteau brands are upsizing. Superyacht designers Philippe Briand and Andrew Winch collaborated to produce one of the most successful of these – the Jeanneau 64 launched in 2014. It marries the worlds of big boat design, luxury and comfort with production boat pricing – its base price was kept below €1m – offering 10ft more yacht than an equivalent-priced semi-custom model.

Sister brand Beneteau has now followed suit with its Oceanis Yachts 62 this year. This is the first of a new luxury range from 53-73ft for which Beneteau went to a motorboat designer to find new styling solutions. The result is a bold look and a host of new comfort solutions throughout. Also, the goal with the pricing was even more ambitious than Jeanneau – its €650,000 base price shows how competitive pricing has become, even at this size level.

Oceanis Yachts 62: Beneteau is arguably the most innovative production yacht brand. Here it’s taken ideas and styling from its motorboat side to create this first of an entirely new line. The 62 brings a commendable feeling of luxury both on deck and below, plus has a proper tender launching solution for a Williams Jet Rib. The crunch part? Its base price starts at just €650,000.

Dufour will have a new 63ft flagship as of January, which, like the Oceanis Yachts, is the first of a new premium-end ‘Exclusive’ range.

All of which leaves Bavaria as the last big volume yard without a 60-footer. This is mainly down to its in-line production method, which has, to date, limited the maximum length of yacht it can build. However this summer Bavaria changed the set-up of one of its production lines to address this limitation, so we can presume that it’s only a question of time before the largest sailing Bavaria model yet is announced.

The practicalities

Large yachts are getting ever easier to handle. Push-button electrics and hydraulics that allow loads to be managed reliably have created new possibilities for managing sizable yachts short-handed. Thrusters – both bow and stern – are the norm at this size and can alleviate concerns with mooring, while advances in deck-gear technology have made sail-handling much easier.

As in the car industry, space has become king. Added length in yachts can bring increased comfort, elegance and speed, but there are downsides. With extra volume and weight comes a linear increase in the size and cost of each bit of deck gear and rigging needed to bear the extra loads.

Sailing a push-button power-assisted yacht might be a one-person affair, but managing and maintaining it is a different prospect altogether. Large yachts increase the crew’s dependence on powered systems and machinery, from gensets, watermakers, air con and thrusters to the hydraulics needed to operate winches, sail systems, garage doors etc. Keeping such a yacht shipshape is likely to involve a great deal of time afloat servicing machinery, or regular shore periods and pit stops. The less mechanically minded owners will probably need to employ a skipper or paid hand for this purpose.

Solaris: Once a custom yacht builder, Solaris has become a serial manufacturer of premium performance cruisers. Its range now spans from 37-72ft, with an Acebal-designed 55 and 68 in the pipeline.

Need for crew?

Up until 2011, when Hallberg-Rassy brought out its HR64, a yacht that was designed specifically for two people to sail and manage, I would have said that 57ft was the transition point from owner-operated yacht to crewed yacht. But yachts have continued to grow since then.

Skip Novak, who runs two expedition yachts – one 54ft and the other 74ft – says: “We can do things with [the 54ft] Pelagic that we wouldn’t dare do with Pelagic Australis . Pelagic is ‘man-handleable’, while the big boat at 74ft and 55 tonnes displacement is not. The systems on the smaller boat are by nature simpler, and the cruises usually are more trouble-free technically.”

Most new yachts over the 55ft mark have the option for a crew cabin of some sort. The big question is, are you happy sharing your yacht with paid hands? For temporary quarters, during a short charter for example, the forepeak-style box that is self-contained away from the rest of the accommodation may be all that is required in terms of accommodation. But for any owners seeking a longer-term crew – and wishing to retain reliable crew for any period of time – a more comfortable arrangement within the interior, like the use of a Pullman cabin, is necessary.

The current Oyster range spans the crossover between owner-operated yachts and crewed yachts, which helps to illustrate where the actual dividing line between the two might lie. For example, none of the 20 Oyster 625 owners uses a skipper full-time, although three of the 20 use skippers for when the boat is in charter mode. The new 675, which has been developed as a larger version of the 625, is also designed to be a yacht that can be owner-run. The new 745 on the other hand, which also launched this September, is designed to be run with two professional crew.

I sailed with Tim and Sybilla Beebe six years ago on a passage test of an Oyster 575 from Palma to Spain. They have since run an Oyster 68, a 72 and Tim is currently skippering Eddie Jordan’s Oyster 885, Lush. We discussed at what size level an owner should be thinking about employing a full-time crew.

“Firstly it’s dependent on experience,” says Beebe. “Can the owner sail the boat safely and do they want the responsibility? I agree that after 60ft, the time spent on upkeep starts to outweigh the enjoyment of it… unless you are living on it full-time.

“There are companies that will look after a 60ft boat and have it ready for owners when they arrive,” Beebe continued. “The amount of time needs to flexible. You can allot time for cleaning – inside and out – but maintenance must be flexible. There are always surprises.”

So where might a potential new owner be caught out? “The basic maintenance to keep the boat running is not too bad on a 60-footer but it’s the little bits that might get overlooked, which can quickly add up. You have to stay on top of everything. Winch maintenance, for example, might surprise the average new owner: to properly service all the winches takes a good deal of time – and is a once-a-season job.”

What advice would Beebe give owners of 60-70-footers looking to employ and keep a good crew? “Maintaining good relations is key. You all have to get on in a small space. From my experience, forward planning is nice to have, plus adequate time with guests off the boat for maintenance. Of course the occasional day off doesn’t go amiss either.”

Case study: Oyster 745 for bluewater cruising with family and friends

Henrik Nyman has sailed all his life on a variety of different sized boats, including owning and chartering various yachts and is now upgrading from an Oyster 625 to a 745 for bluewater cruising with friends and family. Why move to a yacht that needs crew? “Size alone is not a factor. For me, quality, engineering and function were my drivers… I thought 60ft was the maximum I could handle without crew, but in fact I feel that the 745 should be no trouble mainly due to very well thought-out functions and engineering. Handling is one part, but also you want crew for comfort, to go to the supermarket, some meals, formalities etc… I can sail basically alone but I want a good deckhand, mainly for safety purposes and for maintenance as well. “My biggest concern is that the equipment installed does not meet the same quality as the yacht itself. My experience from the 625 is that the majority if not all warranty issues are caused by third party installations.”

Case study: Discovery 67 – trading up for extra space

Simon Phillips is a highly experienced cruising and racing sailor, who has gradually scaled up in size from a Sonata, a Sadler 29, a Hanse 47e and a Discovery 55. He bought his 67ft Sapphire 2 of London this June and his main reason for trading up was to gain space. “ Sapphire is 40 per cent larger inside which makes a big difference if you’re planning to spend 18 to 24 months on board. My wife and I are actively planning for the World ARC.” Phillips hasn’t used a professional crew before, but has employed delivery companies to do short deliveries due to time pressures. He normally sails with friends and contacts. “Sapphire is much more technical than the Discovery 55. Her size requires more planning and thought on where you can go etc. While it is possible to sail the yacht single-handed you really need one crew on the helm and three on lines to come alongside in any sort of windy and tidal conditions.”

Showcase boats: Recent and upcoming launches in the 60ft plus category

Vismara 62: Vismara is a custom carbon yacht builder that has now introduced some semi-custom series. The V62 is based on the success of the Mark Mills designed racer-cruiser SuperNikka . A mould was taken from her hull and adapted to make it more cruiser friendly.

Hallberg-Rassy 64: “Push button controls are the only way you could handle a boat of this size without a big crew and our owners absolutely don’t want that,” said Magnus Rassy at the time of our HR64 test. “A huge amount of care has gone into making a boat that will be easy to sail long-distance, to maintain and to continue to use when things stop working.”

Dufour 63 Exclusive: Due to launch at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in 2017, Dufour’s new flagship is a response to those from Beneteau, Jeanneau and Hanse and is the first of its new Exclusive range. The 63 is a yacht that maximises exterior comfort with a 5m long cockpit and exterior galley option alongside a tender garage.

CNB 66: The Bordeaux 60 and CNB 76 have both been true success stories. This 66 is very much the smaller sister to the 76 and looks set to replace the 60. “With the 66 the idea was to be able to sail without crew,” says CNB’s Thomas Gailly. “So we wanted it to be very simple, with no lift keel option or retracting anchor arm – easy to maintain and use.”

Baltic 67: Over the past few years, Baltic Yachts has launched some of the finest new carbon superyachts, but its recent announcement of a new serially produced model marks a return to the more moderate-sized fast cruisers it was known for in the past.

Advanced Yachts 62: Advanced Yachts uses some of the leading design firms to represent Italian luxury performance at its best, with models from 44-100ft. And this new A62 looks simply sensational.

Amel 64: This is one of the first 60+ footers truly designed for a couple only for bluewater cruising.

Find out more here – or in the videos below.

Below is the video of our two day liveaboard test aboard the smaller sister Amel 55, a model which launched at a similar time to the 64 and shares her updated design features.

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HOW BIG OF A YACHT WITHOUT CREW

The “crew” issue is a topic that interests many owners when designing their yacht. One wonders if a yacht without a crew is possible. However, to understand if this request is feasible, it is important to clarify these aspects with the Shipyard:

What will be one of your yachts? How long is everything going to use it?

Is the owner able to maneuver the yacht in complete autonomy?

How big is your boat? Will I be able to manage it autonomously safely?

For clarification, it is essential to consider that the crew can be divided between technical staff (captain, mechanical engineer, etc.) and service staff (steward, chef, hostess, etc.) – usually employed in larger yachts.

What will be the use of your yacht? How long are you going to use it per year?

At the time of design, it is already clear to its owner what the use of his boat will be.

There are those owners who love to steer their boat, others who only seek the pleasure of cruising. There are those who prefer to have the boat all to themselves, and those who prefer to have a crew at their service. There are also those who love to use the boat all year round and those who can use it only a few months a year.

The intended use of your boat also conditions the choices related to the crew.

A boat that will be used as a Charter Yacht will have to provide not only the technical personnel required by law but also the service personnel.

If instead, its use is personal, it will be possible to reserve less space for the crew members, as the guests will carry out the duties on board.

PLEASE NOTE: The rules on the number and type of personnel on board are dictated and imposed by the Navigation Class and the flag, as well as by the size of the boat. It will, therefore, be important to evaluate all these aspects well with the construction site during the design phase.

In order to navigate and maneuver the boat, you need a boat license and all the certifications suitable for cruising. It is also necessary to have a minimum of technical notions to be put into practice in case of a failure while in the middle of the sea. There are true sea enthusiasts who have all the knowledge necessary to steer their yacht in complete safety, but also those who see time on board as vacation and who prefer to have someone do things for them.

The bigger the yacht, the more the presence on board of technical figures with specific skills will be necessary. In addition, a large yacht also requires greater care also in terms of maintenance.

Shipyard Solutions

Division of flows as an optimal solution.

The study of guest-crew flows, if done carefully, guarantees extreme discretion. A clever division of the spaces ensures that the work areas do not interfere with the spaces dedicated to guests.

When technology can help

During the design phase, the Shipyard can meet with ad hoc solutions.

Each station has been equipped with all the controls and displays necessary to have full control of the boat.

These solutions come in handy while sailing, but a Navetta 26 needs a fixed presence on board even when it is moored in the Port. A remote monitoring system has been installed on board to manage current onboard, space heating/cooling, etc.

Do you want to receive more information on how to manage your boat?

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10 facts about Lürssen's 180m superyacht Azzam

10 facts about the superyacht Azzam

1. Azzam was never conceived as the world’s largest superyacht

The design was to be high speed and accommodate a certain interior plan and number of guests, but it was originally envisaged as 145 metres overall. As the need to optimise the structure, and create space for complex engine systems, fuel and tenders developed, together with an elegant exterior sporting a long, sweeping bow and swept back stern, the design grew by another 35 metres to become a recordbreaker.

2. It took more than 4,000 people to build

Rightly thought of as a gigayacht, Azzam took four years to build at German shipyard Lürssen and is said to have cost more than US$500m. Some 4,000 people were involved in the build over four years, clocking up six million man-hours before her launch in April 2013. The builders calculated that had the yacht been built by one person, work would have had to start in 1737BC.

3. Azzam is one of the world’s fastest superyachts

The brief for Azzam was for a vessel that could travel as fast as possible to the owner’s private island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and she can cover the journey in a matter of hours at her top speed of 33 knots.

4. Azzam is as fast as a Navy frigate and uses similar technology

Top speed is produced by two gas turbine engines and 2 x MTU diesel engines driving two Wartsila axial flow Modular waterjets and two boosters. Altogether they produce 97,000hp and consume 13 tonnes of fuel per hour at top speed.

5. There is a long range mode as well as a ‘sprint mode’

Azzam also has two conventional diesel engines for longer distance voyaging and extended range. Two 9,000kW MTU engines produce a speed of 18 knots over long distances – she could comfortably cross the Atlantic without refuelling.

6. You can practice golf on board

Guests can stay fit by using the onboard gym, pool or practising their swing in a special ‘golf training room’.

7. Over 100 people can live aboard

Azzam accommodates up to 36 guests in supreme comfort, and to look after them there is a crew of between 70 and 80 people.

8. There is a huge open plan main saloon

The large open plan main saloon measures 29 metres long by 18 metres, with no pillars to obstruct the views inside, and it is flanked by full height windows for an expansive view outside. “It was quite a challenge to make this space with no pillars,” observes Mario Pedol, adding that the beams on the ceiling had to be 1 metre in width. Making sure the huge windows were fully stormproof meant the glass had to be specially engineered in Italy and it is over 7cm thick.

9. The interior boasts a wealth of mother of pearl

The furniture on board features intricate marquetry in mother of pearl – such a wealth that it equates to a year’s worth of worldwide production

10. The chandelier doesn’t rattle

A huge amount of work was put into ensuring that the noise and vibration levels of Azzam were very low, even at full speed. Designers and engineers had to ensure the chandelier in the main salon didn’t tinkle underway. “It was difficult to know in advance how this would behave, but it was tested in every possible way with sophisticated software and set up challenging targets and it was not a problem,” says Mario Pedol.

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The Largest Sailboat You Should Get For Your Solo Adventure

I still remember the day like it was yesterday when I asked myself: “How big of a sailboat can one person handle?” I had absolutely no idea and didn’t even know how to sail back then. Many years later, I’ve got the experience and knowledge to answer this question for you in detail.

A beginner should stay below 40 feet until they get some experience. With moderate experience, one person can comfortably handle a 45-foot sailboat. To exceed 45 feet, you want to have a high level of experience and a boat with systems to assist you in handling your sails and equipment.

As with everything else related to sailing, the ability to handle a sailboat depends significantly on your sailing experience, physical fitness, and how the boat you want to sail is set up.

Determining the size of sailboat you can handle depending on experience and sailing systems

There is a massive variety of sailboats; many are well suited for single or short-handed sailing, while others require a crew to be sailed safely. One thing to also keep in mind is that even when sailing as a couple, you’ll be in situations where only one of you will be available to handle the sailboat.

Especially if you plan on doing extended sailing with frequent overnight passages. There may be situations where your better (or worse) half is sick or unable to help in a tense situation, and you’re on your own to handle the boat. So please do yourself a favor and be realistic with yourself and your capabilities before choosing the size of your boat.

Can you reef a massive sail by yourself in a sudden 50-knot storm in the middle of the night? Only you know the answer to that after you’ve tried it. Since we’re all different in our level of fitness and capability, I’ll keep the average person as a reference throughout this article, and you’ll have to consider where you stand in relation to this before making a choice.

Right, with the pep-talk done, let’s move on!

After chatting with several oldtimers with half a lifetime of bluewater sailing, we all came to the same conclusion. The table below shows approximately how big of a sailboat one person with good physical fitness can handle depending on configuration and experience level:

No System Assistance	Medium System Assistance	Moderate System Assistance	Full System Assistance
<35 ft	40 ft	45 ft	<50 ft
<40 ft	45 ft	50 ft	55 ft +
<45 ft	50 ft	55 ft	60 ft +
None	: Windlass, Self-Steering	Windlass, Autopilot, Bow Thruster, Electrical Winches	Windlass, Autopilot, Bow & Stern Thruster, Electrical Winches, Electrical Furling, Steering Assistance

Critical elements to consider for handling a large sailboat alone

This article refers to sizes above 45 feet when discussing large sailboats. Once we get past 45 feet, we reach a point where the sail area is close to or bigger than 500 ft 2 or 45 m 2 on a modern sloop. It takes serious physical strength to handle sails of this size manually. Ketch-rigged sailboats spread the total sail area over an additional mizzen sail to allow easier sail handling of the individual sails.

Handling big sails is just one task that gets increasingly difficult on bigger boats. Your lines and equipment are more substantial in size and heavier as well. Leading all the lines back to the cockpit makes for an easier short-handed setup and keeps you in the safety of the cockpit in most situations.

Another thing worth mentioning is the price tag for buying and maintaining a large boat. The cost increases exponentially with size, so I recommend purchasing the smallest boat you are comfortable being on and the biggest you feel comfortable sailing and operating within a price range you can afford.

Most people looking to sail solo will end up with a sailboat in the 35-45-foot size range, especially if they plan to spend extended time onboard. You may be looking at smaller vessels too, but remember that you’ll sacrifice more space and speed the smaller the boat you choose.

There are many good reasons why you want to go bigger as well, and you should know that you definitely can. Just consider what can be challenging on a larger boat versus a smaller one and understand what you get yourself into.

Finding the right size range is all about the balance between what your capabilities can handle, the size of your cruising budget, and your preference for comfort and amenities onboard.

Let us have a look at some of the tasks we need to be able to handle on a sailboat alone, which might be more demanding on a larger boat.

By the way, I wrote an article about the ideal size for a liveaboard sailboat that is more relevant for those who won’t be sailing solo,

Operational tasks at sea

Hoist, lower, furl, and reef sails in various conditions
Trimming the sails
Steering the boat
Navigating in various conditions

Managing the sails can be solved in a couple of ways. If you choose a ketch, you’ll have less sail area to handle at a time at the expense of an additional mizzen sail. Many modern sloop-rigged sailboats above 45 feet have electrical winches, making hoisting, furling, and trimming sails easier. Electrical winches are usually reliable and can still be operated manually in case of failure.

Even below this size range, most modern boats have an autopilot, making it dramatically easier to handle the boat alone. A good autopilot is said to be the most valued crew member onboard, and I agree. My autopilot even has a name; Raymond is a trusted companion who hasn’t disappointed me. ( Yet, knock on wood )

The problem when relying on electric systems is that we might be in big trouble if they fail, which is an essential factor to consider and make a backup plan for. When you have years of sailing experience, you know how to handle situations well and what you can do to make things simpler for yourself.

Think about this: Can you manually reef your massive sails if the wind suddenly increases to 50 knots?

And yes, that does happen offshore.

Operational tasks going to port or mooring

Dropping and lifting the anchor
Maneuver the boat in and out of a marina or port
Tie the boat to the dock or pontoon

On a 45-55 foot sailboat, you will typically have an anchor that weighs 30-45 kg or 65-100 lbs. That anchor is attached to a 10-12mm chain. If you anchored at a 10m water depth, you probably have at least 50 meters of chain out.

The weight of 12mm chain is about 3.4 kg or 7.5 lbs per meter. This means you have 170kg or 375 lbs of chain in the water plus the weight of your anchor. Pulling that weight up from the seabed is a challenging workout that makes you want to rely on your windlass. But windlasses can fail, and I speak from experience.

I have pulled my 25 kg Rocna together with 75kg of chain off the seabed a few times, and I sweat at the thought of handling anything larger. On a smaller boat, the ground tackle weighs a lot less and is more manageable for one person.

Docking a large sailboat

Maneuvering any size sailboat into port is nerve-wracking for most people their first few times. I remember being scared to death my first few times docking by myself, and I didn’t have a bow thruster to assist. You won’t be able to push or single-handedly move a sailboat above 45 foot by yourself if there is a little bit of wind.

Modern vessels of this size usually have a bow thruster, making it significantly easier to maneuver the vessel into tight areas and marinas. My friend, who has been sailing his entire life, lives aboard and sails his close to 55 foot sailboat. His boat has a bow and stern thruster, making it easier to maneuver than my 40 foot boat!

Now, most boats don’t have that luxury, and a lot of practice will be necessary for getting confident in and out of a marina. NauticEd has a course on maneuvering by engine and docking that you may want to look at here .

Conclusion: Is it realistic to sail a large sailboat by yourself?

With a decent level of experience and a well-equipped sailboat adequately set up for single-handed operation, it is absolutely possible to handle a large sailboat alone. I know several sailors who sail large vessels by themselves.

As long as you have some sailing experience and good physical fitness, are aware of your limitations, and have a decent plan in case of equipment failure, you will, in most everyday situations, be able to handle a 50 foot sailboat and possibly larger alone. If you plan on buying a large sailboat, remember to consider the factors we have looked at in this article and be realistic about your budget.

There are just as many people upgrading to a bigger boat as downgrading to a smaller one. What size sailboat is right for you comes down to your needs, experience level, and budget. Take your time to make the right decision if you want to buy a boat, and be realistic about your capabilities and experience before you take on the task of sailing a large sailboat by yourself.

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Skipper, Electrician and ROV Pilot

Robin is the founder and owner of Sailing Ellidah and has been living on his sailboat since 2019. He is currently on a journey to sail around the world and is passionate about writing his story and helpful content to inspire others who share his interest in sailing.

I am writing a novel in which knowledge of sailing and sailboats would be helpful. Would you be available to answer an occasional technical question via email? The setting is primarily the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Pontchartrain, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but will include time in the Bahamas and Caymans. The time is 1964-65.

Hoping to hear from you, and thanks.

Send me an email and I’ll do my best to assist you!

General Features of Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing

Here are the general features to look for when choosing the best sailboat for solo sailing.

The Availability of Automation Systems

The forces that you sometimes have to deal with when out sailing can be extreme, to say the least. It doesn't matter whether you're sailing solo or with a crew, it's always very important not to underestimate the power of the wind and tide. While you can do a lot on your own, having some automation systems in place is an important feature if you're planning to sail single-handedly. In other words, a good sailboat for solo sailing should have various automation systems to make your work a lot simpler.

So if you're planning to go solo sailing, it would be great to consider a boat with the following systems:

‍ Autopilot for steering
Lines running aft (running to the cockpit)
Roller furling
Electric windlass
Hydraulic bow/stern thrusters with remote

Stability and Ease of Use

Again, the best sailboats for solo sailing are generally not known for their speeds. This is because they typically have wide beams and short waterlines, which are vital in providing stability thereby limiting their speeds. In short, the best sailboats for solo sailing usually sacrifice speed and additional performance for ease of use and stability.

Boat Features

When it comes to the structure of the boat itself, it's important to go for a boat that is close to the water, relatively small when compared to the wave height, and has lighter ballast, especially when compared to the displacement ratio. The idea here is that these features can combine to increase the boat's performance when you're sailing solo.

Additionally, a good solo sailing boat should be designed with a flat profiled aft bottom section. This is to ensure that the boat can come up on a plane when the wind conditions are breezy or marginal.

When it comes to the best sails for solo sailing, you can go for the unique sail design that combines both a Bermuda sail and a gaff sail. This can be essential in giving you a more sail area on a shorter mast than is possible when using either a gaff sail or a Bermuda sail. More importantly, the combination of a gaff sail and a Bermuda sail not only gives you a greater sail area on a shorter and easy to control mast but can also reduce the heeling force that's common in boats with taller and narrower sails.

Still on sails, it makes a lot of sense to choose easily operated sail controls. You certainly want a sail that one person can tuck a reef in quickly and be able to easily adjust the sheets. You should, therefore, prioritize the reefing and sail handling systems.

In terms of rigs, the gaff rig is arguably the best when solo sailing. Although the Bermuda rig is the most common, especially in modern sailboats, you can lose some windward abilities because of its lower aspects. As such, you can choose to use the gaff rig thanks to its ease of use and superior downwind performance.

10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing

There are numerous sailboats out there that can be easily and properly handled by a skilled and experienced sailor. To make it a lot easier for you, the following boats are great choices when solo sailing. Whether you're just looking to experience how it feels to solo sail or short-handed, they all offer easy, comfortable, and safe sailing.

Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

From the outset, it's easy to see that the Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 is designed with offshore short-handed sailing in mind. In addition to being a purist's sailing boat, this boat is a small and light boat that can be easily handled. Even better, it has the stability and strength to handle long passages and that's exactly why it was initially designed with the Trans-Atlantic race in mind.

With this boat, you can easily attain double figures in terms of speed even if you're sailing downwind. In essence, the Sunfast 3200 is designed with some of the latest technology to afford you the best strength-to-weight ratios. It has all the necessary features to allow you to easily adapt it to perform perfectly either as a cruising or racing sailboat. Some of its greatest features include the two double cabins, the chart table, a galley, and a head compartment.

This boat is particularly impressive when sailing off the wind and it's designed to ensure that it's functional and reliable even when solo sailing. This is perhaps because it's designed and set up for racing, so it can be great for you especially if you're looking for a coastal cruiser that can be easily handled.

Using the sloop Marconi can be the best way to go given that this vessel has a keel-stepped mast. Its maximum beam begins at 60% aft of the stem before extending to the transom, which can result in the sled hull being driven by a mainsail-heavy rig. This can then fly the masthead asymmetrical off a short sprit.

Given that the Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 is a very modern boat that's equipped with some of the latest boating technology; it comes with a base price of about $160,000. This is a vessel that's built by one of the world's premier builders and offers an intriguing blend of technology, reliability, functionality, practicality, and performance.

Having been the European Yacht of the Year for 2008, the Sunfast 3200 may just be the godsend boat for your solo sailing dreams.

If you're looking for a slippery cruiser-racer that's always ready to sail single-handedly, you might perhaps want to take a serious look at the Hanse 371. Introduced in 2003, the Hanse 371 is a mid-sized boat that was designed in a true blend of old and new boating technology. Thanks to its furling and self- tacking jib, the Hanse 371 becomes an instant single-handed sailing vessel that takes much of the strain out of your solo sailing adventures. That's not all; this boat is more popular as a result of its autopilot system. Press a few buttons and you'll be ready to go.

Although it's a little bigger and not one of the smallest boats out there, it can be a great option if you're planning to sail solo but on a vessel that offers a tremendous amount of space. Whether you love a boat with a shallow or deep center of gravity, the Hanse 371 has a commendable large galley and a spacious cabin layout.

Everything about rigging this boat is designed to be easy. Again, the jib on a roller furler is self-tacking. In essence, everything is standard and easy to use, which makes this boat a dream when sailing single-handed.

Already a classic that's known for its stylish interior, timeless look, and ultimate performance, the Hanse 371 is a coveted vessel that may cost you around $60,000.

Hunter Channel 31

Launched in 2001, the Hunter Channel 31 is structured with a hull and keel design that makes it easy to sail single-handed. This is a British-made vessel that has steadily moved from the racing scene to become a well-respected cruiser, especially among the solo sailing community. Thanks to its faultless handling and impressive turn of speed, the Hunter Channel 31 provides near uncomplicated sailing without losing its impeccable handling features.

Its well-balanced hull shape can either be structured with a low or deep center of gravity. It also has an efficient twin keel to give it more stability, which is perfect for solo sailing. This is, without a doubt, one of the main reasons why Hunter Channel 31 has proved popular among solo sailors trying to sail across narrow channels.

The Hunter Channel 31 is also designed with a great standard deck layout, as well as a non-compulsory self-tacking jib that comes with a single line mainsail reefing. That's not all; the tiller steering is also efficient if you're sailing single-handed as you can steer it with your legs while trimming sails.

It should, therefore, not come as a surprise that owners of the Hunter Channel 31 keep them for a long time, so finding them on the market will be a long shot. But if you're lucky enough to find one, you'll be getting a great vessel that will never let you down if you want to sail solo.

Like many Hunter designs, the Hunter 31 can be fractionally rigged given that it has a relatively large mainsail to give it a more sail area in light winds and a small headsail with a lower sheet load. In other words, you can efficiently and easily reef from the cockpit.

At about $35,000, the Hunter Channel 31 is quite affordable and is a great bargain in its category.

The J/109 is unquestionably one of the best single-handed or double-handed sailboats that money can buy. Whether you're looking for a coastal cruiser or a long-distance single-handed vessel, the J/109 will rarely disappoint. That's essentially why its single-handed offshore capabilities remain popular with sailors looking to make North Atlantic crossings.

Even though it is widely categorized as a planing sailboat, this vessel is too heavy for simple planing. Instead, this is a superb boat that offers an all-round performance. It doesn't matter whether you're solo sailing or sailing with a crew, its performance is always top-notch.

Thanks to its asymmetric spinnaker, you can easily jib it from the cockpit, especially in light wind. But when the wind is on the north of 20 knots, you can pole out the jib to give you a quick downwind speed. No matter which type of rig you choose to use, the J/109 offers a fair degree of control.

In terms of price, the J/109 is one of the relatively expensive sailboats out there, though this is compensated with the high standard equipment and outstanding quality of construction. For about $58,000, you can get a great boat that offers excellent solo sailing adventures.

West Wight Potter 19

Designed for safety and easy handling, the West Wight Potter 19 is a great sailboat for solo sailing. Although its name might not be one of the catchiest in the sailing scene, it's been around for over three decades and is steadily becoming a popular pocket cruiser. The original design draws inspiration from the U.K. but is currently built by the International Marine in California.

Over the years, this boat has seen several improvements even though its original look and features still attract a large and dedicated group of followers. This is not only a tough little boat but its hard-chine hull offers incredible stability. This makes it a very easy and ultimately forgiving sailboat. Whether you're looking to sail from California to Hawaii or across the Atlantic, the Potter 19 is outstanding for solo sailing.

This is a Bermuda-rigged sloop. Its sail plan is huge enough to propel the sailboat in various conditions. This makes it a perfect single-handed boat as you can easily set it up or take it down with no special equipment.

This is a remarkably affordable boat. At around $5,000 you can get a superb solo sailing sailboat. But if you want a new Potter 19 with additional features, you could pay about $25,000.

Beneteau 31

As a small cruiser keelboat, this French-designed boat is primarily built of fiberglass and is perfect if you want a vessel that's great for solo sailing while still offering maximum space for comfort. Its galley is equipped with superb stowage and counter space and even a sit-down navigation station with a small table.

Maneuvering this boat under power is quite easy and is well worth it for any solo sailor who is in the market for a coastal cruiser.

It has a fractional sloop rig, which makes in-mast furling a great option. This makes it easy to handle but also powerful in light winds. If you're sailing the boat off the wind, bow pulpit and an optional asymmetric cruising chute can keep things lively.

The new 31 can cost around $115,000, which is quite expensive but certainly worth it if you want to cruise the world in this French masterpiece.

Catalina 315

This is a nifty pocket cruiser that raises the quality bar for solo sailors with extreme comfort and performance. With just a 9.45 meter hull, the Catalina 315 has more internal room than most classics and remains superb for solo sailing.

Although it's a much bigger boat, it has little but significant features that make all the difference. For instance, the split backstays are great for balance and functionality. This is one of the main reasons why it won the Cruising World's 2013 Boat of the Year Best Inshore Cruiser award.

With a masthead sloop, rigging the Catalina 315 is a lot easier as it is equipped with both an in-mast roller furling mainsail and a roller furling genoa.

Even though the Catalina 315 will exceed your expectations when sailing solo, it's a high-end sailboat that will cost you north of $175,000. But if that seems expensive, you can look for a used model, which will cost you slightly lower.

A boat that has become a staple in the Olympics Games, the Laser may be simple and small but a real-go to boat if you want a vessel that will rarely let you down for your solo sailing escapades. As one of the world's most popular single-handed sailboats, its main feature is its sheer simplicity. This might not be the best boat for you if you love those fussy, big boats. But if you're looking for an amazing boat with a two-part free-standing mast and a sleeved sail, the Laser should be on top of your list.

The fact that it has a lightweight hull and is easy to rig makes it one of the most popular racing sailboats in the world with over 200,000 boats in over 140 countries. This is undoubtedly a perfect boat that's specifically designed for solo sailing.

This boat can be rigged using various rigs, so you should go with whatever works for you. We, however, prefer cat rigging the boat since it has no headsail and only has one mainsail. This is a boat that is designed for speed, particularly in high winds. It's also easy to set up, which makes it a marvelous option for solo sailing.

For around $7,000, this is probably one of the most affordable solo sailing sailboats you could ever get your hands on. You should, however, keep in mind that its price may widely vary depending on their availability in your area.

A real classically-styled sailboat, the Rhodes 19 is an ideal family daysailer that can be perfect for you if you're a spirited solo sailor. Whether you're planning to sail in heavy weather or fast, the Rhodes 19 is designed with a forgiving hull and is an accomplished heavy-weather performer. For over 5 decades, and with more than 3,500 boats built, this sailboat has proven time and time again that it has the characters for both beginners and experienced sailors.

With a low center of gravity, this boat remains a classic beauty that's very fast, easy to trailer, and will get many compliments whenever you're solo sailing. No wonder it is still actively raced throughout the United States.

A simple sprit rig can work greatly on this boat but you can also consider Bermuda-Rigged sloop, which is efficient in propelling the boat in various wind conditions.

Its price may vary depending on your location but something around $20,000 will get you a sailboat that's still in tip-top condition.

If like most Americans, you have a soft spot for finely engineered German automobiles, the Dehler 29 can be a great option for your solo sailing escapades. Even though the Dehler 29 hasn't attracted a huge following in the American shores, it remains an excellently-structured German sailboat, especially for sailors looking for a stable, agile, adaptable, and comfortable sailboat.

Whether you enjoy a smooth and solo cruise on a breezy afternoon or is energized by speed, the Dehler 29 is one of the most adaptable sailboats. This is certainly why it has received numerous accolades in the boating scene including the 1998 Cruising World Magazine Boat of the Year, as well as Sailing World Boat of the Year award.

Given that it's a single-handed sailboat, you can tiller steer it and cat rig it with ease to give you easy maneuverability, confidence, and absolute versatility.

With powerful dynamics and maximum safety, the Dehler 29 is one of the best German-produced sailboats that will set you back around $55,000.

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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largest boat I can sail alone

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Hi all, I'm new to sailing, so new in fact, I don't have a sailboat and actually have never been on a sailboat. I will not be deterred however and within the next year, I will be living aboard. My plan is to purchase the largest boat that I will be able to sail alone once I've spent a year or so learning to sail. I will want as much space as I can afford and will be seeking a boat in the 35 to 41' range. In research on this site, I came across a thread that mentioned a 41' Hardin Seawolf, researched it a bit, and fell in love. It looks like it would require a crew to sail though. Is that the case? Thanks in advance for your patient ear and advice.

In the past the big issue would be handling sails buy your self with modern furling systems that is no longer a problem If your single handing then you really want a boat built around a self tacking JIB becasue again it makes it easy for a solo sail

You can sail a very large boat by yourself, 50' 60', not out of the question. It's the docking, anchoring and picking up mooring balls that get real tricky alone. Lots & lots of people sail very large boats double handed so no need for a 'crew'. The second person aboard makes a huge difference. If you have no boat handling experience, you will have a VERY difficult time with a 41', especially alone.

Thanks... Thanks all.

I agree with xort, Sailing is not the issue, its all the other stuff.

Sailsoon, if we are talking about a Hardin ketch Thats a lot of boat to single hand. They weigh 30,000 pounds. Thats a good thing for a comfortable motion when at sea, However docking alone is a whole other issue. Tacking that monster ought to be a treat also. The ketch rig just adds more things to tend to (I know Cam will disagree). This would not be my first pick for a boat if I was going it alone. In fact, I would be looking for something 32 to 35 foot range and fractional rigged sloop.

you all rock! I think I may have found my tribe in the sailing community.

tis a great place

No...actually I don't disagree. For single handing I would be looking in the 35-38' range myself and looking at a simple sloop or cutter rig with everything rigged to the cockpit for furling and reefing. (And a reliable auto-pilot!). Soon2...the choice of a boat will depend on your resources and your future intentions. So far we know you want a lot of room and that you will be singlehanding and like a salty looking vessel. Need to know more.

As I read your post it really sounds like you are looking for two boats; one to learn to sail on and one to live on and long term cruise. Boats that are big enough to live on, especially if described as 'the biggest boat that I can single-hand', are usually too big to learn on if you intend to learn to sail well. Ideally, if you really intend to learn to sail well, (and not everybody cares whether they actually learn to be good sailors but that's another topic) then I suggest that you would be well served buying a small (23 to 30 foot max with 26-28 feet being more ideal), tiller steered, used but in good shape, responsive, fin keel-spade rudder, largish production run, ideally fractionally rigged, sloop. You can own a boat like that for a couple years, sail the living daylights out of her and sell her for pretty much what you have in her. You will be years and many dollars ahead of the game in terms of learning boat handling skills and what it takes to own and maintain a boat. The deductible for the repair costs for single accident with a boat big enough to live on could well exceed the entire cost of owning and learning on a smaller boat. When it comes to the biggest single-handers that you can can handle, the traditional rule of thumbs were based on displacement and not length. Before the advent of modern deck hardware, and lower drag hull forms and rigs (easier to handle) the rule of thumb used to be a range 2 1/2 to 5-6 tons (long tons) per person. That would suggest that anything over about 11,000 lbs would start to press the convenient limit (roughly a 38 footer max). With modern gear and efficient rigs that number can be extended so that it is possible to handle a much bigger boat, but as boats get bigger they become dependant on higher levels of skill, lots of luck, and much better equipment than a new sailor is likely to have. Lastly, the Hardin's were a miserable boat to sail. To me they are a characture rather than good sailing boat. So while they may shiver your timbers, I suggest that spend as much time as you can, sailing as many boats as you can, of as many types as you can, and I suspect when you are done doing that you won't have to ask us what kind of boat you should buy and will know why the Hardin is probably not a great choice for whatever you want to do with a boat. I do not mean this as a put down in any way. We all had to start somewhere. I think that I completely understand where you are coming from. When I bought my first 'live aboard' in 1973 it was a totally inappropriate choice that simply captured my imagination. Respectfully, Jeff

NEVER single hand, no one to bring you drinks

I like the way you think! Okay, I don't usually open up so quickly, but I'm among friends, right? My other half just a couple of weeks ago decided that 22 years was Lomg enough with her other half and now, though I'll miss her landlubber ways, am ready to move on to the water I've missed so much for these past 2 decades. I'm not trying to escape. I'm just ready to run off win my second bride--the sea. So, all of my new helpful friends, I"m thankful for advice received and of that yet to come. When not working, I plan on being a devoted student to the sail and sea. I want to sleep at night to the heart beat of sea. Then, after learning to sail along the shorelines and hrogh the bays of the Gulf of Mexico, I want to sail without boundary. I need a lot of space because I have avery cool dog, a lot of camera gear and just in case a like-minded beautiful woman wants to join me some day. I think that covers all it requiremts. Thanks again for the help.

soon2sail said: I need a lot of space because I have avery cool dog, a lot of camera gear and just in case a like-minded beautiful woman wants to join me some day. I think that covers all it requiremts. Thanks again for the help. Click to expand...

zanshin on here was sailing a Jeanneau 43 by himself, not has a 49 deck salon model, he has had out a few times over the last 2-3 weeks IIRC. He might have had a bow thruster on the 43, don;t quote me tho. Not sure the whole specs of the 49 off the top of my head. But a quote on the Jeanneau-owners site, he mentioned that the extra 6' was more than he thought it would be manuvering. I'm sure he will do fine figureing out tho. For me, a mid 30' boat is plenty for what I do. For others, something bigger is nicer. I would also stick to a sloop style, or a ketch/yawl that is self tending for the most part. hanse has a few newer models that have self tending jibs, as does Tarten, which may rufle some feathers on mentioning this brand, but the 3400 or the 3700CCR setup have self tending jibs. Either should work for your needs, the 3700 is probably the better of the two, and if you go back to a 98-04 models would be best. The 3400 is new wit int he last 3 yrs or so, again go used. marty

Bummer...but I guess every cloud has a silver lining. So...if you want to cross oceans and only buy ONE boat...then you should be looking at bluewater boats in the 35-38' range. Check the sticky of bluewater boats here in posts #6 & 8 for some ideas then check yachtworld.com for some pictures and prices to help you begin to narrow things down. http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buyin...fshore-cruising-boat-list-january-2008-a.html The upcoming Miami sailboat show might be a good place to get started if you're looking to kick things into high gear. Lots of new boats and sailing seminars as close proximity to all the brokerage boats in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale. Strictly Sail We're here when you need us.

Thanks again and sorry for the stupid typos. The rum & cokes are starting to wear off and I'm off that damn iphone. Cheers

Alain Colas sailed a 70m (210+ feet) 4 masted sailboat alone back years ago. Became "Phocea" later on. The sailor (and money for the necessary systems) is a greater limiting factor than the boat in my opinion. Since you don't know how to sail, may I politely suggest buying a live aboard in a reasonable range (28-32 feet) for cheap-ish AND a go out everyday dinghy type. Sunfish, laser (tricky for beginner). Learn wind/handling on the small boat. In any case, no big fan of single handling sailing offshore passages as there is no way to properly comply with Colregs Rule 5. Eric

Sage advice! I can't wait to get started.

Even though my boat is only 27' I'd never single hand it. I just hop on a Sunfish, Daysailor or Hobie when "I want to be alone!!"

i single hand my nimble 30 express but i have in boom furling on the fully battened main & roller furling on the headsail ( genny or self tending jib ) i don't try to use the asymmetrical spinnakers when i am alone . an autopilot is essential to hold the bow into the wind when raising the main.

I single hand my Gemini 105Mc catamaran all the time. I'd never single handed either of my previous boats even after years of owning them and even though they were smaller. The summer I bought the Gemini I got bored and one day took it out solo for a 'down wind jib only run', wound up sailing circles around the bay until the Rum ran out. Everything about singlehanding is (in no certain order) planning, practice, and boat setup and equipment. Of course you do need to know your boat and how to sail her. Mine is flat, stable and well balanced. I practiced by taking her out with crew and having them observe only while I did everything as if alone. No need to have someone serve the drinks, the refridge is on the same level as, and only 4 steps from the helm.

How would the Gemini 105mc be for a live aboard?

Probably quite good, for two-to-three people, given the size of the boat, weight carrying capacity, and such.

You'd have to ask the dozens of folks that do live aboard, or the handful or so that are circumnavigating right now. www.slapdash.com is a good example, or my personal favorite SV Footprint Me and mine, we can't wait to find out.

14 months ago I would have said 36 feet is about the limit single handed, but now 47 is manageable if you plan and take you time. What I think is forgotten is while every thing is going well it is easy, but physically a bigger boat can be tough. Could you pull down a torn 135% cruising head sail, fold it and get it inside on your own. I probably should post a link but cut and past is easier, here is a little story of my first single handing of my new to me Ericson 39B: Solo sail on the bay, started All wrong nice ending -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well today is, Sunday the 17 Feb 2008, BF piked it, said he was feeling a little under the weather. Not me I was going for a sailing, solo. Put everything away down below, a quick trip to the bins to get rid of the empties and rubbish. Double check everything and headed out of the Marina. Head into the wind with the engine just over idle giving 3 knots (no auto pilot), lock the wheel and sprint to the mast grab main halyard and winch away, nothing. ... Realise the main halyard is still connected to the topping lift. Rush back to the wheel, unlock and correct course, try to release halyard shackle, but it is still under tension. Correct course lock wheel. Rush to the mast release halyard run to wheel correct course, lock wheel, remove halyard and take to mast attach to main. Rush back to the wheel correct course lock wheel, stagger to mast and pull up main. Main stops at the second spreaders won’t go up, will come down. Stumble to wheel correct course and study situation, whilst sucking in large quantities of air. Realise main halyard is on the wrong side of the lazy jack line. Lock wheel run to mast drop the main, redo halyard hoist main.... main only gets to the first spreaders (feel heart attack building). Pull on halyard harder. Engine revs, drop main as the third reefing line is around the engine controls. run to wheel correct course, untangle reef line move it out of the way lock wheel stumble to mast start to raise main reef line now hooked on stanchion gate, lower main shake boom while shouting a bad word or two, line come free sail goes up, stagger to cockpit, wait for the heart attack. After calming down and now doing 2.5 knots with just the main up, and a nice main it is, I get passed by a bout with about 10 people on it. Got to go faster ,so now I have my breath back and the throbbing between my ears has stopped it’s time to let out the Genoa, release the furler sheet and pull on the Genoa sheet, perfect, no winch handle, it is still on the mast. Luff up into the wind, pull the sheet in tight then bring her back off the wind and all is good with the world. Who needs a winch handle? I did go up and get it latter. And that was the bad part; the rest of the day was a great solo day with lots of tacking and just playing around. In fact, I think I will do it all again tomorrow as I had the biggest smile on my face once things got sorted.

While a Gemini 105 might be a reasonable live aboard or even a decent coastal cruiser, it would be near the bottom of the list of boats to learn to sail on. Back to the original post, single-handing requires a very unique skill set and a well set up boat. As has been noted, anecdotally there have been huge, purpose built boats that have been single-handed by skilled sailors. As you have probably noticed, there have been a lot of posts from folks who single-hand boats of a variety sizes and descriptions. The size boat that you personally can single-hand comfortably will be dependentg on your own skill levels, level of prudence and taste in boats. I myself routinely single-hand my 38 footer; sailing her in winds up to the mid-30 knot range, in and out of the slip by myself and routinely flying her sym. spinnakers. Its not all that hard once you have done it a while. But you are just starting out and should try to set reasonable expectations, do a dilligent 'apprenticeship' and then you will be able to answer these questions for yourself. Jeff

There is a substantial difference between the largest boat you can sail alone, and the largest boat you want to sail alone. How do you envision yourself sailing? For long passages out of sight of land, a single person can handle quite a large boat. Things usually happen slower, you're not worried about hittings things, like land. If you are mostly gunkholing, with daysails thru sometimes narrow or congested areas, something smaller and quicker and easier to tack and handle might be more appropriate. I'm pretty confident that you would have plenty of room for a dog and camera gear on a 35', and the ground tackle and sails on the smaller boat will be lighter and easier to handle. Some of the boats I see being frequently singlehanded in Maine are smaller schooners, with club footed jibs. Just push the tiller or turn the wheel to tack. I see these being sailed on and off anchor in some pretty small places, but by obviously experienced hands. Think about the way you are likely to actually use the boat. Will light air performance be important? Light air upwind? Do you want something that is fun and easy to take for a daysail, or are room, salty looks and load carrying going to take precedence? You sound like a pretty social person, do you have friends you want to take daysailing? Make sure the cockpit can hold them. Boats aimed for offshore, shorthanded cruising sometimes have pretty small cockpits, for a reason. Boats meant for coastal cruising will usually have a bigger cockpit, again, for a reason. Our usual crew is three: Me, the bride, our young son. For us, a smaller 42', fairly narrow with long overhangs, works perfectly. I don't want any larger or smaller. If I were sailing alone, I would definitely have a smaller boat, probably 30-36', for coastal cruising. If I were going to go long range soloing, I would probably keep the 42'. Good Luck!

I'm not fond of bigger boats I like a smaller one that can be handled without too much stress, although this goes up with experience.

One other point--A boat that you might be able to sail and handle alone in 15 knots of wind, might not be a boat that you can manage in 20-30 knots of wind. So you don't want to get anything bigger than what you can safely handle when it starts getting nasty, and saying that you never go out when it gets nasty is not a good answer.... since Mother Nature has a really nasty streak at times. Yes, there have been people that have single handed 60-70' boats, but these boats were generally heavily and expensively customized to make them possible to singlehand, and the sailors involved were not your average sailors in most cases. Dee Caffari, Ellen McArthur, etc., are not your typical sailors.

sailingdog said: Yes, there have been people that have single handed 60-70' boats, but these boats were generally heavily and expensively customized to make them possible to singlehand, and the sailors involved were not your average sailors in most cases. Dee Caffari, Ellen McArthur, etc., are not your typical sailors. Click to expand...

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What is the largest boat one can single hand?

Thread starter Lighthouse_35
Start date 14 Jan 2018
14 Jan 2018

Lighthouse_35

Well-known member

Depends on your insurance and how big mentally you are prepared to fund gel coat repairs L is not the factor

The ability to drive a boat singlehanded is only the tip of the iceberg. Nowadays with all the mod cons of bow and stern thrusters, pod drives, and even simple old fashioned twin shafts, big boats are very manoeuvrable...... but that’s only the beginning of it. What a half decent boat handler can manage in flat calm, windless conditions, with all gizmos working is not the same as when there’s a strong tide, a side wind, or something isn’t working properly like a bow thruster, or one engine. The problem is not what happens when things go wrong but because the boat is bigger the implications are more serious. Big boats weigh more and have considerably more momentum, the damage that follows is also larger and invariably more expensive. Even if you are the sort of boater who expects the odd scrape and ding, then do spare a thought for the individual on the other end of that “nudge” who may prefer his or her Boat to be like new at all times, And for whom even a blemish takes away some of his fun afloat ! A rule of thumb is, are there enough people on board to deal with the main issues, and if not then there should be.... Boat handling, making fast or releasing relevant lines, and being able to cope when something goes wrong - those are the things you need t9 think about, and for that you are the only one who can make the decision...... but a 60 ft Boat feels almost twice as big as a 50 ft boat, you can’t fend off by hand, nor pull a line tight by hand...... There are other factors to take into account too. It’s fun to clean and polish a 40 footer, buts it’s damn hard work on a 60 footer. Maintenance is greater, with more systems, and larger and more complex ones too. I have always had crew on anything over 55 foot..... not because I can’t drive it myself, but because I don’t want to do all the necessary chores. If the manufacturers include a crew cabin, then assume having crew is a good idea. If you have 3 strapping sons, or a big family of keen hands on boaters then you can manage fine without professional crew, but you will likely still need a hand for most regular boaty occurrences. Sorry I don’t have a more scientific reply. But if I had to guess, I would say that for any Boat from 12 tonnes (might be a better way to think about it rather than length) displacement up to about 30 tonnes displacement, then a competent driver and at least one extra capable pair of hands, Two pairs if they aren’t strong, or experienced ones. Anything over 30 tonnes, you need a good driver and a competent pair of hands at both ends....... Other essential crew roles include glass fillers, washer uppers, and a fantastic chef....... but I fear I may be digressing.

15 Jan 2018

So ok listening to your feedback, I realize that 60 foot will be too big. So if I move it down a notch to 55 feet, how much does that help out?

Lighthouse_35 said: So ok listening to your feedback, I realize that 60 foot will be too big. So if I move it down a notch to 55 feet, how much does that help out? Click to expand...

Active member

As others have said, I think you need to account for conditions and also for potential failures that may be rare, but could happen, such as a bow thruster packing up. I single handed my last boat which was a 28ft single screw outdrive, but only did so once I was a year into using it and had confidence. Now I have a larger Targa 40 and would not single hand it. Even if I had more experience I would not do it, because the boat is sizable, and having my wife or a friend there ensures we have a second pair of eyes on berthing and close quarters. Also, the tide can really catch you and I wouldnt fancy being alone if conditions decided to get the better of me.

Lighthouse_35 said: So been thinking of this, and I want general ideas on how large one can go in single handing. So would something like Princess yachts model 62 from the Flybridge collection be too large to effectively single hand? And what about if one has a helper like a spouse? Or is that too big? Any help is welcome! Click to expand...

john_morris_uk

petem said: How much boating experience do you have? Click to expand...

If you have a partner that will help you should be fine with a 50 footer. On my Targa 40 my wife does the bow lines I drive the boat and do the stern lines. However if it is very windy that changes and I keep the boat in position untill the boat is secured. I occasionally single hand for test drives and for that purpose I have a remote on the bow thruster to keep the bow in position while I sort out the stern lines.

john_morris_uk said: I suspect the answer might be in the question. PS IMHO you can single hand many sized craft, but you need to bold enough and brave enough to NOT do a manoeuvre and go and anchor or ask for help sometimes. People forget that there’s no law that says you have to park the boat back in its berth... Click to expand...

Boatbore said: The ability to drive a boat singlehanded is only the tip of the iceberg. Nowadays with all the mod cons of bow and stern thrusters, pod drives, and even simple old fashioned twin shafts, big boats are very manoeuvrable...... but that’s only the beginning of it. What a half decent boat handler can manage in flat calm, windless conditions, with all gizmos working is not the same as when there’s a strong tide, a side wind, or something isn’t working properly like a bow thruster, or one engine. The problem is not what happens when things go wrong but because the boat is bigger the implications are more serious. Big boats weigh more and have considerably more momentum, the damage that follows is also larger and invariably more expensive. Even if you are the sort of boater who expects the odd scrape and ding, then do spare a thought for the individual on the other end of that “nudge” who may prefer his or her Boat to be like new at all times, And for whom even a blemish takes away some of his fun afloat ! A rule of thumb is, are there enough people on board to deal with the main issues, and if not then there should be.... Boat handling, making fast or releasing relevant lines, and being able to cope when something goes wrong - those are the things you need t9 think about, and for that you are the only one who can make the decision...... but a 60 ft Boat feels almost twice as big as a 50 ft boat, you can’t fend off by hand, nor pull a line tight by hand...... There are other factors to take into account too. It’s fun to clean and polish a 40 footer, buts it’s damn hard work on a 60 footer. Maintenance is greater, with more systems, and larger and more complex ones too. I have always had crew on anything over 55 foot..... not because I can’t drive it myself, but because I don’t want to do all the necessary chores. If the manufacturers include a crew cabin, then assume having crew is a good idea. If you have 3 strapping sons, or a big family of keen hands on boaters then you can manage fine without professional crew, but you will likely still need a hand for most regular boaty occurrences. Sorry I don’t have a more scientific reply. But if I had to guess, I would say that for any Boat from 12 tonnes (might be a better way to think about it rather than length) displacement up to about 30 tonnes displacement, then a competent driver and at least one extra capable pair of hands, Two pairs if they aren’t strong, or experienced ones. Anything over 30 tonnes, you need a good driver and a competent pair of hands at both ends....... Other essential crew roles include glass fillers, washer uppers, and a fantastic chef....... but I fear I may be digressing. Click to expand...

longjohnsilver

I sometimes single hand our 48 footer, it's no big deal if you are well prepared with lines and fenders etc, but I much prefer to have someone with me to have another pair of eyes and hands, just makes it all more sociable and relaxed.

Irish Rover

This is a question that has been exercising my mind as well since I decided to change my boat. My last 2 boats have been around 8M single engine sports cruisers. The most recent was a Jeanneau Leader. I recently bought a motorised catamaran 10.3 x 4.45 metres which I will take proper delivery of in early April. I frequently take the boat out alone day cruising or fishing and occasionally do short 1 or 2 day trips alone. Up to now I've managed quite well mainly because my home marina and most of the ones I visit have assisted docking. I imagine I will get used to the new boat in time but in the meantime I'm a bit apprehensive.

Having gone from a 30ft SD to 44ft SD to 43ft IPS to another 43ft IPS to a 64ft shaft. The most difficult to control (if you discount my total in-experience in the 30ft) would of been the 44ft SD (gobbi 425sc) never really got to grips with it. By far the easiest of the 5 boats is my current 64ft (targa 64) shaft drive boat, a combination of big props with loads of bite and hydraulic bow/stern thrusters with remote, makes the boat a very predictable beast to berth. I've single handed all my boats, but tbh i try to avoid it where possible and think its always better to have a companion on-board, even if they don't have a specific role/purpose, just in case you fall ill or fall off !!

IMO, the bigger the boat, the easier it is to handle. I don't consider handling to be the issue. After all, what do the crew do whilst you are actually handling the boat? Docking is probably the place where help is needed. The problem comes if something goes wrong. On passage, again, everything is fine until something goes wrong. I single hand our Princess 67 but most of the time, there is a crew (or someone who can "be an extra pair of hands") Last year, rather than wait for SWMBO to come out to the marina in Spain, I single handed the boat across to Mallorca. Then flew SWMBO out to Palma - thus giving me an extra 3 or 4 days in the islands. In fact, I was "in company " with another boat for about 75% of the way and there were yachtie friends in Palmanova when I got there. It was very rewarding and I would do it again. As far as the boat was concerned, she didn't even know that I was the only one on board. It is all about planning. Getting away was easy - I just found an empty space of water to put all the fenders away. Under way, it was just the auto pilot and me "on watch" all the time (whereas with crew, we would share the watch). On arrival, manoeuvring the boat was just as usual - only instead of SWMBO lowering the anchor from the fore-deck, I used the flybridge remote switches. Again - preparation - released the anchor ready for launch before approaching the anchorage. It was a couple of days before SWMBO joined and I moved the boat to other anchorages on my own. Recovering the anchor is a little more difficult - we have a big Rocna and it really needs to be stowed on board carefully - during that time, I have to be on the fore-deck so I was watching the drift all the time. In fact, conditions were so good that there wasn't any problems. And thats the point, you always "factor in" the conditions. In the Med there are no tides so it is really only wind and other idiots to watch out for. If I need to go into a marina, I would contact the dockmasters for their help. If the conditions were bad, there is always the waiting pontoon/berth where you can pick up some helpful dockmasters. So, to recap. Actually handling isn't the problem. It is always what could happen if anything went wrong. So, that said, the size of the boat isn't the big factor.

Irish Rover said: This is a question that has been exercising my mind as well since I decided to change my boat. My last 2 boats have been around 8M single engine sports cruisers. The most recent was a Jeanneau Leader. I recently bought a motorised catamaran 10.3 x 4.45 metres which I will take proper delivery of in early April. I frequently take the boat out alone day cruising or fishing and occasionally do short 1 or 2 day trips alone. Up to now I've managed quite well mainly because my home marina and most of the ones I visit have assisted docking. I imagine I will get used to the new boat in time but in the meantime I'm a bit apprehensive. Click to expand...

Hurricane is spot on. About 4 weeks ago I moved the Boat round the marina ( andraxt). I was on board for the week and my spot was pretty bouncy. There was me. 2 marinaros in the Boat , 2 on the dock. It was blowing a gale ( literally a real gale ) and with all those people it still went a bit wrong. Med mooring on a nice day with a boat either side no problem. Come in stick a line mid cleat to mid cleat with the Boat next door and slowly do the ropes Much simpler all round with someone else on board in general.

Hurricane IS spot on as usual. I have a 36 foot LOA sports cruiser. The length some say is still manageable. I'd say that is very much boat dependant. I could handle mine all day solo but have to have crew for docking. No way round it unless the conditions are perfectly calm as I simply cannot get from the helm to a cleat and back to the helm again should something go wrong or I miss my throw because where I am you typically get one chance only and then have redo the manoeuvre. Also who handles the fender when things go awry otherwise? It's my experience the fenders hung from the sides / freeboard are never quite suitable when you are about to hit someone else's boat. Rails, stern quarter corners, pulpits etc seem to gravitate there of their own free will. If you have dockside help, all is fine, but that's not solo handling. For me the criteria would be boat layout, remote control availability, home berth typical prevailing conditions that precede size

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Best Sailboats for One Person (With 9 Examples)

One of the most common challenges of sailing is finding the right boat to sail alone. Luckily, there are some good sailboats out there suited for one person. Let's take a look at them, and find out why they're especially good for single-handing.

In this article, I talk about single-handed sailing and look at the nine best sailboats for one person, ranging from small lake dinghies all the way to comfy cruisers capable of oceanic crossings.

Here are the best sailboats for solo sailing

Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

Beneteau oceanis 62, pacific seacraft flicka 20, tartan 3700, hunter channel 31, j boats 109.

Now let's look at them in detail so that you can choose the one best for you.

What to look for in a single-handed sailboat:

Easy-to-operate sails
Self-tacking jib
Self-reefing sails
Good autopilot

It's nice to have a team of friends, each with their own position within the crew, taking care of their specific thing. One behind the helm, one at the navigation, one trimming the mainsail, one taking care of the foresail, and an extra deckhand just to be sure. But if for whatever reason you want to sail on your own, you'll be the one to fill all those positions.

To make sure that it is physically possible and as easy as can be under the circumstances, start with a good boat choice. The idea is to pick a design that will be easy to operate with just one person available.

Now the good news is that since around 1990, many boat manufacturers have been focusing on ease of operation. That's just what the current market demand dictates. In other words, good single-handed sailboats aren't a rare find.

So what are the specific features to look for when sailing on your own? Let's clear a common misconception first - single-handed doesn't mean the boat has to be small.

Sure, small boats are easier to dock, and things tend to be within reach… but you will find large numbers of 70-footers that are designed as single-handed projects.

You can operate 100-footers on your own. Read all about it in our article What's the largest boat one person can operate?

Easily Operated Sails

A good start are sails that can be operated without much hassle. That doesn't necessarily mean being able to reach all the lines and winches from the helm. If you can, that's great, but if the boat has an autopilot, all you need is to be able to tweak the sails from the front of the cockpit.

Try to avoid setups where you'd have to walk to the mast to play with your sheets - not only it takes time but doing that in heavy winds, tall waves, on a boat that is healing, is a recipe for disaster that nobody is there to save you from.

When solo sailing, the ability to reef and tack quickly is important since those are oftentimes time-sensitive maneuvers. So self-tacking jibs would make your life way easier.

Individually Suitable Boat

The best test, though, is to take the boat out and try it out for yourself. A boat that handles easily in the hands of one person can be unmanageable in the hands of another.

A spinnaker pole might be a handful for the shorter folks, while a 6'2'' 200lbs bloke won't have issues with it.

But don't go around shopping with a 'must-have' checklist. Sometimes the boat is almost there, and all it needs is a little DIY technical push, like adding an extra jammer to the cockpit and running a reef line through it, or getting your hands on a windvane self-steering kit.

As somewhat touched upon before, manufacturers are trying to cater to the ease of use and since technology is going forward, what used to be a hi-tech racing equipment piece years ago, has now made its way into the affordable mainstream.

The canting keel is such an example, something you used to see on racing sailboats only, but now can be put on your average cruiser.

Autopilot Matters

An important part of solo sailing is a good autopilot, for obvious reasons. Luckily, nowadays, these are very reliable compared to what the standard used to be years ago in the cruiser world.

That being said, if you can get your hands on a boat with a proper below-the-deck autopilot with a gyrocompass, you will be much happier than with your average on-deck system, which does the job well, but when things get windier, it might become less reliable.

By the way, racing boats tend to be good solo sailing vessels—they are set up for efficiency. They feature more robust rigging and hulls that can withstand rough conditions and gusts better, and thus are more forgiving, without the necessity to tweak to detail.

I'm not saying that to necessarily have you look for racing boats for your short-handed trips, but rather so that you don't steer away from them on purpose, thinking they would be too much of a handful.

On deck, navigation is a big one too. Again, nothing to cry about if your boat of choice doesn't have one, as it can be easily solved with aftermarket solutions. Or an iPad with the proper app. But having to run below the deck to see where you are isn't the handiest of scenarios, especially in tricky situations.

If possible, consider investing in side thrusters. They can make maneuvering your boat infinitely easier, docking can turn from an unpleasant procedure to a relatively simple joystick play, and especially if you are on a bigger boat, you will appreciate this feature.

We haven't touched on the topic of interiors since it isn't as sensitive as a matter. But having plenty of handles to grab onto regardless of where you are is a good idea, since hitting your head and passing out is unpleasant with a crew, but potentially fatal without it.

To continue with the topic of safety, equipment and boat design aside, remember that you can't really afford mistakes you could make with friends on board. So make sure you have enough spots to clip your harness to, that the boat is sufficiently equipped with communication devices and that all the equipment works as it should.

So let's get specific. What are the nine boats that make great companions for solo sailors?

Let's start with the obvious one—a dinghy. It won't probably be your choice when crossing an ocean, but for practice or a fun day close to the shore, this is one hell of a boat. In comparison to its rivals in the same category, RS Aero is super light weighing 66 lbs. It is among the most technologically advanced sailing dinghies designed specifically for one person.

All of this comes for a price though - 10 000 to over 15 000 USD. You will be getting your money's worth for sure though. An enormous amount of hi-tech work went into this project, and you'd be buying a design that won more awards than could fit on its 13-foot body.

This is a big step up from a dinghy, while still keeping things very simple. It is a lightweight boat, originally designed for a transatlantic race. Thanks to that and its small size, it is easy to handle, the racing pedigree shows in the efficient layout, so everything is within reach. Despite its smaller size, it can reach speeds you would expect of much larger boats.

You can find small family cruisers of the same size, but don't let that fool you. This is very much a Spartan sailboat. Inside, you won't find much more than the bare necessities - two aft cabins, curtains instead of doors, simple seating, not much lining or wood, just a notch above barebones interiors. You get a toilet though, a chart table and a galley as well as much stowage. But you will be reminded of being on a racer, because unless you are shorter than 5'7'', you won't be able to stand up straight.

As mentioned, this boat was designed for a cross-ocean race, so it is a seaworthy bluewater mate that should be able to take you more or less wherever you want to.

Time to go big. As previously mentioned, solo sailing doesn't mean you have to stick to smaller sizes. Why? Because it is a trend now. Even though just some ten years ago, the situation was vastly different, these days, single-handed 60+ footers aren't anything rare.

So why this Beneteau? Well, for one, to meet the new kinds of market demand, it was designed for ease of use, meaning it can be successfully operated by a single person. I don't know what you'd do alone with all that space, but if you want to enjoy oceanic solitude while not giving up the luxuries of having space the size of a family apartment, you can.

And while there are more boats of this size suited for short-handed sailing, like the larger Jeanneaus, Hanses, or even Bavarias, the Oceanis 62 can be yours for around 600 000 EUR new, which is a figure unheard of in that size and quality range up until relatively recently.

This is not the first time I am mentioning this boat in an article, and no wonder, it has so much character! Like others in this list, this one has been designed for single-handed sailing - it had to be. You couldn't fit two people on it comfortably anyway.

So aside from its solo capabilities, why does it deserve to be on the list? Well, it's towable, which you could say about the RS Aero too, but you can actually live on a Flicka, and it is seaworthy. It is about as small as you can go while still being able to cross oceans.

There is no question about everything being within the hand's reach on this one. Ergonomics almost don't matter at this size. Given its towability, the fact that you can park it in your garden, and its short-handed potential makes for the perfect spontaneous getaway mobile.

Another boat you can live on. It is a seaworthy ocean crosser, and thanks to its setup and a self-tacking jib, it is a proper short-handed boat. It also has quite a wide beam, thanks to which you'll get additional stability, further supporting comfort when operating it solo. It is made by a brand that proved its worth over time, as since the 70s, it is still going strong. It's comfortable enough for long distances, with a spacious salon, shower, and space for a small family.

Used, you can get one starting around 150 000 USD, which is one of the reasons why it belongs on this list - if you are serious about solo sailing and want a proper boat without compromises that come with smaller sizes or sportiness, this one is within a reasonable reach. Among the affordable, high-quality, short-handed sailing cruisers, Tartan 3700 has its definite place.

This is the kind of boat I was talking about when I mentioned that formerly racing design aspects started to make it into the cruising world. Hunter started as a racer builder and then shifted to cruisers, while, of course, taking its know-how with them, which makes for boats that are easy to operate, also well-performing ones.

This specific model got on the list because of its low center of gravity, high ballast ratio, and stable hull, which means you won't have to trim the sails all the time to go fast. And less work is always welcome if you are the only person to do all of it.

Another reason it's gotta be here is it is very efficient layout, self-tacking jib, and single-line mainsail reefing system—a smart choice for solo sailors.

If you like what you saw in Hunter Channel 31, but fancy something a bit faster, with a higher quality build, this one's what you want. It has lost much of its sportiness as it is too heavy to be thought of as a proper performance boat today, but in the worst-case scenario, it is a quick cruiser capable of satisfying sprints.

It was designed for single-handed sailing as well as for full crewed racing, so if you want to push as much as you can out of it with a team of your mates, you can, while knowing you will be able to cruise at a good pace when they leave.

So unless you mind the slightly higher price tag, which comes with the high build and components quality, as well as the less generous interior fanciness usually seen in racers, you've found yourself a boat.

The best thing about solo sailing is also the most dangerous thing about it - you will be alone. So you want your boat to be your buddy - forgiving as much as can be, having your back. Amel 60 is such a boat. It has watertight bulkheads, so it is hardly sinkable, its cockpit has a solid roof and windows, so no matter the weather, you'll be protected while behind the helm, it has a stable hull, offering support even in tricky weather, it features electric winches, so you can operate the sails without even touching a line…

...and inside, you get more space and luxury than you could wish for, including a washing machine. All in all, if there is a boat that's got your back even if your skill level isn't the greatest, it is Amel 60. All it wants from you is to be ok with the 1.5 million USD price tag.

Have you seen the film "All Is Lost"? An incredible project without dialogue, where a solo sailor on a Cal 39 makes his way through an ocean. Now, what makes Cal 39 such a great boat for solo sailing? As it turns out, nothing in particular. It wasn't designed with this in mind. It isn't even a notably successful model - though that's mostly due to technical circumstances rather than a lack of quality.

And that's why it must be on this list. To represent all the boats that aren't single-handed projects by design, but make it possible, if you get to know the boat, spend some time with it, and, as mentioned at the very beginning of this article, tweak it so that it makes solo sailing easier.

By this, I want to encourage you to get into solo sailing, even if you lack a sailboat that is specifically made for a one-person crew. Quite a few single-handed passages have been done on boats that wouldn't make it to this list because technically, they don't fit the profile. But they were made to be, either with tweaks or with skills. Be honest to yourself regarding your skill level, the boat design, and if it passes the test, go for it.

Happy sailing!

You may also like, what’s the largest boat one person can operate.

So you're looking for something big, but want to go at it alone. Sailing single-handed (also known as short-handed) is perfectly doable, although not always ideal. …

Raising the Mainsail Single Handed: 5 Pro Tips

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Hexxen New Member

I want a boat but I don't want to hire a crew. What's the biggest/longest boat I can get?

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Hexxen said: ↑ I want a boat but I don't want to hire a crew. What's the biggest/longest boat I can get? Click to expand...

YachtForums Administrator

Try the Search button? https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/minimum-crew-required-for-a-predator-68.23240/#post-199619 https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/a-yacht-you-can-drive-yourself.7624/ https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/largest-yacht-for-experienced-owner-operator.17335/ https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/one-person-operation-of-50-100-ft-yacht.15093/

Pascal Senior Member

Do you really expect intelligent answers without telling us what your boating experience is? With no experience 40’ is probably going to be as much as you can handle, if you can even get insurance for a boat that size with no experience It also depends on the boat layout. Some boats are easier to handle than others. Flybridge only boats for instance can be more challenging when single handling because it s a long way down from the helm to your lines

rtrafford Senior Member

Pascal said: ↑ Do you really expect intelligent answers without telling us what your boating experience is? With no experience 40’ is probably going to be as much as you can handle, if you can even get insurance for a boat that size with no experience It also depends on the boat layout. Some boats are easier to handle than others. Flybridge only boats for instance can be more challenging when single handling because it s a long way down from the helm to your lines Click to expand...

rtrafford said: ↑ Well, not if they're still tied up and dragging in the water from the last port. A dockhand can grab them on your approach. What could go wrong with that? Click to expand...

ranger58sb Senior member

ranger42c said: ↑ It depends. Largely on your experience and skill. Some 35' boats are more difficult than some 60' boats. A serious answer needs more info about you, about where and how you might use a boat, whether you'' usually have "non-hired" crew (and their experience), etc. -Chris Click to expand...

You nailed it about dockside help. So many times we ve had near misses because the dockhand doesn’t follow instructions and tie a line on the wrong cleat or piling, or just hold the line hoping to pull the boat in... this is usually the case at marinas where the staff is not used to larger boats. With crew I usually decline help unless we know the place and staff. I ve offended a few snowflakes boaters when we tell tell them we don’t need help.

MBevins Senior Member

Pascal said: ↑ You nailed it about dockside help. So many times we ve had near misses because the dockhand doesn’t follow instructions and tie a line on the wrong cleat or piling, or just hold the line hoping to pull the boat in... this is usually the case at marinas where the staff is not used to larger boats. With crew I usually decline help unless we know the place and staff. I ve offended a few snowflakes boaters when we tell tell them we don’t need help. Click to expand...

MBevins said: ↑ Often times my worst nightmare is when people want to help me. We're now to the point that we only send an eye ashore and keep the bitter end on the boat, that way we can control the spring lines. (end of thread hijack) Click to expand...

Pascal said: ↑ We now throw the night ashore and instruct whoever is trying to help to pass it behind a specific piling or clear. This way we re in control and when ready to leave lines are doubled up and ready to release from the boat Click to expand...

MBevins said: ↑ We're now to the point that we only send an eye ashore and keep the bitter end on the boat, that way we can control the spring lines. (end of thread hijack) Click to expand...

Prospective Senior Member

Since OP is silent and I am curious on folks opinions, let me be more specific in his stead... Let's assume competent husband and wife crew. Not new to boating, they've moved up from expresses, sportfish, etc. They now are looking at a traditional motor yacht with walk around side decks. Typical cruising is Atlantic ICW and Bahamas. Maybe Carib. Combination of Anchor, Moore, and some dock time. I tend to think the limit practical limit is somewhere in the 65ft range. Seems like the bigger limiting factor is the couple's ability to take care of the boat in terms of systems, cleaning, maintenance. Not so much the issue of them being able to physically handle the boat as long as they are prepared and the boat is suitable.

I disagree. Our personal boat is a 53 Hatteras MY and the office is an 84 Lazzara skylounge. There is very little difference in workload between both. Sure the lines and fenders are a little bigger and there is more boat to rinse but otherwise they both have the same number of system except for a second genset on the bigger boat and a few more air handlers The old hatt has excellent access to system otherwise I would argue that bigger boats are easier to maintain and handle routine cruising maintenance because of better access. I ve run smaller boats before the 84 and routine stuff while cruising is a lot easier and faster to handle than for instance in the 70 Johnson I ran before. Things like strainer cleaning, genset oil change, watermaker filters access to waterpump and air con pumps... less time, fewer bruises, ... we often spend a few weeks at a time on the Bahamas and the two of us is fine running the 84. We do have a third crew on charters or with owners on board but that’s just because of the larger number of people on board. In case of a couple owner / operator you can easily use a boat washer when at a marina and even an interior day worker to deep clean There is no difference in physical abilities between a 53, 70 or 84. If you rely on muscle to secure the boat you re doing it wrong...

Pascal said: ↑ I disagree. Our personal boat is a 53 Hatteras MY and the office is an 84 Lazzara skylounge. There is very little difference in workload between both. Sure the lines and fenders are a little bigger and there is more boat to rinse but otherwise they both have the same number of system except for a second genset on the bigger boat and a few more air handlers The old hatt has excellent access to system otherwise I would argue that bigger boats are easier to maintain and handle routine cruising maintenance because of better access. I ve run smaller boats before the 84 and routine stuff while cruising is a lot easier and faster to handle than for instance in the 70 Johnson I ran before. Things like strainer cleaning, genset oil change, watermaker filters access to waterpump and air con pumps... less time, fewer bruises, ... we often spend a few weeks at a time on the Bahamas and the two of us is fine running the 84. We do have a third crew on charters or with owners on board but that’s just because of the larger number of people on board. In case of a couple owner / operator you can easily use a boat washer when at a marina and even an interior day worker to deep clean There is no difference in physical abilities between a 53, 70 or 84. If you rely on muscle to secure the boat you re doing it wrong... Click to expand...

Hiring sub contractors is common at every level starting with divers to clean the bottom, refrigeration specialists or a cleaning lady (are we supposed to say cleaning person now?) Not much different from a home owner bring a lawn service or hedge trimmer. On a boat it is cheaper than having a full time extra crew member

Hard to tell what OP meant by "crew." Could have been only about operating the boat, docking, etc. Or could have also included cleaning, maintenance, and service chores... We don't count our washers/detailers or the yard guys who powerwash/paint/wax as "crew" but we've gotten to the point where I just don't want to do some of that stuff myself anymore. OTOH, that's not really a length-influenced decision, either. For actual operations and docking and so forth, given an experienced (and reasonably mobile) couple, I could see the upper range being anywhere from 40-80'... depending on the boat configuration. That said, inside cleaning alone could easily become a much more significant burden as size increases... -Chris

Beau Senior Member

IMMO, without a lot more context, the OP's question is unanswerable. Maybe he's thinking about a sailboat for instance

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Princess Y78 yacht tour: The biggest boat you can run without crew
Draft: 5ft 8in (1.72m) Displacement: 54,085kg (119,237lbs) Fuel capacity: 6,000l (1,320 gal) Water capacity: 1,350l (297 gal) Engines: Twin 1800hp MAN V12. Top speed: 36 knots. Price: £2.95m (ex. VAT) The Princess Y78 is right on the cusp between owner-operated boats and superyachts. Nick takes us on a full yacht tour.
Largest Boat You Can Operate Yourself: Discovering the Size Limitations
In this article, we'll explore the largest boat you can operate yourself and give you some tips on how to make the most of your boating adventure. Generally, a boat up to 40-50 feet long can be operated solo. However, this depends on the operator's skill, experience, and the boat's setup, including automation and technology. ...
The $6.4m yacht that you can drive yourself
Meanwhile, the M75, at 75 feet or just over 23 metres long and 19 foot 8 inches (6 metres) wide, is the largest and most luxurious motor yacht the company has yet built.
How large can I go without a crew?
If you want to show up and go, hire a captain. If you do not mind putting in the time, you can run a large boat by yourself. You can hire dayworkers for wash downs and some of the dirty jobs. Once you get the experience if you buy a bigger boat you can drive the boat and hire a mate/engineer and stew to keep things ship shape. nas
What's the Largest Boat One Person Can Operate?
Without systems: under 28 ft or 8 m. With systems: under 46 ft or 14 m. Typically, experienced sailors stay under 35 ft. Anything over 50 ft or 15m is uncommon. If the manufacturer bothered to include a crew cabin, it's probably a good idea to have a crew. Length is not really the issue with short-handed cruising.
Azimut 78 yacht tour: Inside the mother of all owner-operated boats
Displacement (loaded): 58 tonnes (127,867lb) Engines: Triple 1,000hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350. Top speed: 33 knots. Cruising speed: 27 knots. Fuel capacity: 5,000l. Water capacity: 1,100l. Price: €3,150,000. The Azimut 78 sits at a crossroads in the market, you can run it by yourself, but many owners choose to employ a crew. Nick shows us around….
What is the largest yacht one can operate solo?
The largest yacht one can operate solo is largely determined by the individual's experience, yacht design, and onboard systems. While it is possible to operate yachts up to 80 feet solo, it is advisable to take additional crew members onboard for yachts that are larger than this. Always consult with the manufacturer's guidelines and ...
No Crew Required
No Crew Required. New innovations in design and equipment make large yachts easier to handle for small crews. By Chris Caswell. Updated: June 18, 2009. ytgjun09cy2525.jpg. Nordhavn 47 Nordhavn. A growing number of yachts are being operated "short-handed," the nautical term for a voyage with fewer than the usual number of crew members.
What is behind the surge in new 60ft plus yacht designs and can you
This year Hanse launched the 675, its largest volume production yacht to date. Hanse consistently wows with its loft-style interiors - more like a luxury apartment in fact on this, its largest ...
What is the largest sailboat one person can handle? : r/sailing
The rule of thumb for single handing is around 35-45 feet max, with the displacement of the boat actually probably being the better measure. Once you are over 9 tons (18,000 lbs) conservation of momentum means things get very tricky to control. You also have anchor size.
HOW BIG OF A YACHT WITHOUT CREW
When technology can help. During the design phase, the Shipyard can meet with ad hoc solutions. A similar request was received by the owner of a 26-meter trawler. This yacht boasts important dimensions, and in usual conditions, it is managed by a crew made up of 3 or 4 people on average. The request of this owner was to be able to manage the ...
10 facts about Lürssen's 180m superyacht Azzam
For six years from her launch in April 2013, the superyacht Azzam stood as the world's largest private yacht. At 180m overall, Azzam was eclipsed only in 2019 when the research and expedition vessel REV Ocean was unveiled - and then by only three metres. To Azzam' s owner - and exterior designer Nauta Design - size was never the ...
How Big Of A Sailboat Can One Person Handle?
A beginner should stay below 40 feet until they get some experience. With moderate experience, one person can comfortably handle a 45-foot sailboat. To exceed 45 feet, you want to have a high level of experience and a boat with systems to assist you in handling your sails and equipment. As with everything else related to sailing, the ability to ...
10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing (One Person)
Catalina 315. nwyachting. This is a nifty pocket cruiser that raises the quality bar for solo sailors with extreme comfort and performance. With just a 9.45 meter hull, the Catalina 315 has more internal room than most classics and remains superb for solo sailing.
largest boat I can sail alone
5600 posts · Joined 2006. #3 · Jan 14, 2009. You can sail a very large boat by yourself, 50' 60', not out of the question. It's the docking, anchoring and picking up mooring balls that get real tricky alone. Lots & lots of people sail very large boats double handed so no need for a 'crew'.
Can You Single Hand A 50 Ft Motor Yacht?
Taking a look at what it takes to safely handle a large motor yacht single handed.
What's the biggest ship a single person can operate?
I've often asked myself that same question. But there is no answer. You could be the only person on a 1000' automated container ship. Or you could have your hands full on a 20' sailboat. You're definitely not going to do any work with a Tugboat by yourself. I'm sort of a loaner. I like doing things by myself or with my girlfriend and nobody else.
What is the largest boat one can single hand?
Having gone from a 30ft SD to 44ft SD to 43ft IPS to another 43ft IPS to a 64ft shaft. The most difficult to control (if you discount my total in-experience in the 30ft) would of been the 44ft SD (gobbi 425sc) never really got to grips with it. By far the easiest of the 5 boats is my current 64ft (targa 64) shaft drive boat, a combination of ...
Best Sailboats for One Person (With 9 Examples)
In this article, I talk about single-handed sailing and look at the nine best sailboats for one person, ranging from small lake dinghies all the way to comfy cruisers capable of oceanic crossings. Here are the best sailboats for solo sailing. RS Aero. Jeanneau Sunfast 3200. Beneteau Oceanis 62.
Largest yacht for experienced owner/operator?
If you have the money to buy big, then have a couple of crews on the pay-roll, or as stand-by/temps when the boat is idle. Then use a smaller boat for solo and small family journeys and the bigger boat for flash and party. As for them joy-sticks and pods, etc: Good stuff if it works all the time and is guaranteed to do so.
How big of a yacht can 1 person operate : r/boating
I have a 40' fly bridge and can handle the boat in mild weather solo.....not having to rush down steps to tend a fender or line is doable. However having a 2nd set of hands is always appreciate. I would say that with low wind / current conditions, you could go 50-60'. Somebody is always in a dock to catch a line and lend a hand....
a yacht you can drive yourself?
Open boats may need to be considered differently, but I do not have any experience in such boats. Up to 62 feet you could survive with 1 crew, if you are a good boat handler yourself. My opinion (valid for Med boating), up to 80 feet you will need at least 2 and above that you may need 3 crew. KCook, Sep 19, 2007.
Biggest Boat without crew?
1,703. Location: Vero Beach. ranger42c said: It depends. Largely on your experience and skill. Some 35' boats are more difficult than some 60' boats. A serious answer needs more info about you, about where and how you might use a boat, whether you'' usually have "non-hired" crew (and their experience), etc. -Chris.

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The Basics: Understanding Boat Sizes and Types

Operating Factors: Boat Handling and Complexity

Mastering the Elements: Weather and Sea Conditions

Leveraging Technology: Automation and Modern Boat Features

Experience and Training: How Skill Influences Boat Size

Safety Considerations: Ensuring a Secure Voyage

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What is behind the surge in new 60ft plus yacht designs and can you sail one safely without pro crew?

Who is building new yachts over 60ft?

High volume production

The practicalities

Need for crew?

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10 facts about the superyacht Azzam

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More about this yacht

The Largest Sailboat You Should Get For Your Solo Adventure

Determining the size of sailboat you can handle depending on experience and sailing systems

Critical elements to consider for handling a large sailboat alone

Operational tasks at sea

Operational tasks going to port or mooring

Docking a large sailboat

Conclusion: Is it realistic to sail a large sailboat by yourself?

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