Not all boats have cockpits but most sailboats have, or should have this feature. Most of us prefer the security, real or perceived, offered by a well-designed, self-draining cockpit. They work particularly well when combined with protective coamings and comfortable seating.
The dimensions of this arrangement are most important and can influence the safety and comfort of the boat in many ways. It’s desirable, but not always possible, to have the cockpit seats measure 6 feet 6 inches (2 m) in length to allow a person to lie full-length. The width of the cockpit is best arranged so a person can rest one or both feet on the seat opposite; this usually results in a well that is 2 feet 3 inches (686 mm) wide. The depth is best at 1 foot 6 inches (457 mm). Seats should be between 1 foot 3 inches (381 mm) and 1 foot 6 inches (457 mm) wide. For comfort behind your knees, the inboard edge—the intersection of cockpit side and the forward edge of seat—of the cockpit seat should be rounded, radiused, or bevelled.
The height of the seat back (usually part of the coaming) will vary depending on the design; however, about 2 feet (610 mm) seems to work out well for most people; the back should lean backward about 5 degrees to be comfortable when sitting in a level cockpit. All cockpits should be self-draining, with two separate outlets of generous size, a minimum of 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter. The cockpit drains should be fitted with sea cocks that can be closed when required. Finally, you should have a reasonable view forward when you’re seated in the cockpit. This is easier said than achieved, especially if there is a pilothouse ahead of your cockpit. The choice between center cockpit and aft cockpit is usually governed by your choice of interior layout. This choice has become blurred with the advent of staterooms fitted beneath and around an aft cockpit.
Metal cockpits can be framed up using L-angle or flat bar, depending on the size of the vessel. Boats under, say, 30 feet (9.14 m) can use flat bar, and larger boats can use L-angle placed flange-down. Provided the transverse framing is spaced the same as the hull’s, a minimum of fore-and-aft reinforcing should be required. Most boats today have cockpit cushions, so these need to be considered when laying out the area. Self-draining arrangements for the well are obvious, but don’t forget to drain the seats. Wet seats and continuously wet cushions make for very uncomfortable sitting, so consider how you can best drain these areas. A teak grating in the well adds a nice finishing touch to any cockpit.
