I chose a 65 ft semi trad, reverse layout – mainly because it gave me a separate dinette room to work from – which isolates work from leisure. Since buying the boat I’ve had a pram hood fitted at the stern and a cratch/cover at the bow – which again, increases the living/storage area. Re. pets – I inherited the two family cats and, by the way, they CAN swim (both been in about 5 times) – the main problem is that, after a dunking, they tend to walk the length of the boat and end up on or under the duvet! Another issue is the ‘live’ gifts they bring me…

I think you are right to look at layout rather than just feet and inches and the best way to do that is get into some boats and see how they feel. We went for a 60ft but it does have large front and rear decks so its probably closer to a 55ft if it was a trad style. We don’t have a cratch cover or or pram cover but the option is there if needed. One little part of ours I love is the little office at the back, great for getting away from the OH

colleenholly said

I too am new. Still looking into everything before jumping in. I am trying to determine a good length of boat for me. I plan to live aboard with my dog and two cats (have a few ideas for keeping the cats dry and happy but will worry about that later). I don’t want to live in a wardrobe but don’t want a palace to clean. I’ve been looking at a number of boats for sale….Whilton Marina puts a lay out photo with the pics of boats for sale…..I have not yet seen a layout I like. How would one calculate the layout to help determine the size of boat needed? Thanks for the input!