Greetings. Does your library of encyclopedic knowledge have any definitive source(s) for optimum, spatial ergonomics for the interiors of vessels? For instance, passageways 18″ – 22″ wide? Head & shower stall sizes…what’s adequate (for basic duties and toweling off) yet still economic in size? In a “U” shaped galley is 36″ between counters OK? Seating around a dinette…how much room should be allowed for each “sitter” and comfortable “elbow room”? I trust you get my drift as the list of examples could go on forever. I’ve seen your comments on headroom but very little on provisions for comfort, ease and safety whilst moving about and living on a vessel in a seaway. Hopefully you’ve covered this subject before, but if not, it might make a good topic for consideration.
I should add that I fully appreciate the functioning of a proper boat…not a floating condominium or “gin palace”!…And know the danger factor of being thrown about in overly generous living and/or poorly designed interior spaces. Further, I acknowledge that this topic is subject to personal preferences but believe there is, or should be a baseline to start with. Thank you for any information you can provide. Cheers, Richard
Hi Richard: There are no definitive answers! It all depends on many, many tradeoffs, including your own body size, resale considerations, where and how the boat is to be used, etc. There are some philosophical approaches you can work on – but after that, it is a question of looking at a lot of boats and trying to make sense of what is best for your situation. Our Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia has many drawings and photos of various interior designs on lots of different boats – with discussions of what works and why – but not hard and fast rules (or easy answers). Good luck – Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
