Crew Quarters; claustrophobia?

FISHTIGUA · 07-09-2008, 06:28 PM

On the M/Y Leander my crew cabin was better than my current apartment and had a better sound system!

On a 110' Bennetti my bunk had a steel bracing bar running up through the center of it. As a lanky streak of 18 year old this grew to be a problem (No, no, the legs)

The worst was S/Y Harbinger, built in 1909. Crew bunks were way forward right under the forehatch so every time you hit a greenie over the foredeck the hatch lifted just enough to dump 10 quarts of icecold straight to your shorts.

Wakey-wakey.

Dave

yachtbrokerguy · 07-10-2008, 11:05 AM

Crew quarters have been improving over the last ten years, at least on yachts big enough to need crew. I have run into situations where a captain came to look at an older yacht for an owner to buy, and after seeing the crew quarters, said they would pass. There are, contrary to popular opinion, many owners who are concerned about the crews comfort. Finding a really good crew is just as hard as finding the right yacht. The longer an owner has owned yachts, the more likely he has learned this valuable lesson.

American yachts in general have had better crew quarters over the years, European yachts less so, and some built in South America were horrendous, but most have improved lately. The exceptions are the boats that really are not big enough for crew to begin with, usually under 60 feet.

NYCAP123 · 07-10-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yachtbrokerguy

Crew quarters have been improving over the last ten years, at least on yachts big enough to need crew. I have run into situations where a captain came to look at an older yacht for an owner to buy, and after seeing the crew quarters, said they would pass. There are, contrary to popular opinion, many owners who are concerned about the crews comfort. Finding a really good crew is just as hard as finding the right yacht. The longer an owner has owned yachts, the more likely he has learned this valuable lesson.

American yachts in general have had better crew quarters over the years, European yachts less so, and some built in South America were horrendous, but most have improved lately. The exceptions are the boats that really are not big enough for crew to begin with, usually under 60 feet.

You are so spot on, but I think I'd raise that last number to 70 feet. If a boat's owner is capable and hires his friend's son for the weekend to help with lines these sort of quarters will do as it's an adventure for the kid. If however he has to hire professional help (especially a captain) then he has to make proper accomodations.

EnigmaNZ · 06-09-2009, 12:09 PM

I find this mind boggling. The hatch was covered as well, hell. If I had such a boat that was really too small for a crew but needed a Captain due to my age or whatever, then I'd use the minor guest cabin for his accommodation. That hole reminds me of those Japanese sleep chambers they have at some airports. Maybe ok for a 18yo deckhand used to one person tenting who sees life as a bit of adventure.

Captcruz · 06-09-2009, 12:39 PM

My last boat was a 130' westport and the crew quarters were horrible for that size boat" that's why I'm not there now, Captain's cabin was smack in the middle of crew lounge and was desiged for a couple. the cabins forward were tinny , including the heads and showers. the only decent cabin was the engineers aft of the engine room.

Jc

NYCAP123 · 06-09-2009, 06:43 PM

The question an owner really should ask himself is "Would I want a person who would be willing to live like this, who has that little respect for himself to be responsible for my and my family's safety and the care of my multi-million dollar asset." It's like giving a few million dollars to the guy who drives the ice cream truck and asking him to invest it for you.

mwagner1 · 10-10-2009, 03:15 PM

You know, way back in 2003 when my yacht "research" started, I visited a well known yacht builder on the Gulf Coast. I got to walk aboard a new 150' footer that was getting ready for the FLBS. I walked into the crew quarters and had an attack of serious claustrophobia (though those crew quarters were palatial compared to your images). I think I had an epiphany that day on the 150'....I will/would NEVER force or ask my future crew to sleep in ANY quarters I could/would not sleep in!! I remember a nasty discussion with a well know interior designer later that same day who told me "that I was wasting my time worrying about the crew quarters" and "that most owners do not care either"....needless to say, that designer was sick and so is any owner who expects their crew to sleep in such "quarters"...

Cheers,

NYCAP123 · 10-10-2009, 05:13 PM

Where do I sign on for your crew?

I recently left the employ of a fellow with your mindset (He got out of boating for his wife). I was always looking for ways that I could do more for him, save him money or otherwise make his life more enjoyable. Some would prefer crew that are just there to do a job. To those I say, make sure there is plenty of room and provisions in the lifeboat. Your welfare won't be his highest priority.

travler · 10-10-2009, 06:32 PM

i have allways been of the mind set that you get out of the crew what you put in too them thus far the boats have allways got there clean and were all together food was well stocked and the boat was top notch for my family and guest's just a thought

travler

NYCAP123 · 10-10-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travler

i have allways been of the mind set that you get out of the crew what you put in too them thus far the boats have allways got there clean and were all together food was well stocked and the boat was top notch for my family and guest's just a thought

travler

From over 20 years on the crew side of that I can tell you that you're right.

FISHTIGUA · 10-10-2009, 06:44 PM

Rocco Forte Snr, of the Forte chain of hotels, complained to my old boss that crew were not loyal. They kept leaving him.

I listened to this as I went back to my cabin, sat down on the sofa, put my feet up on the coffee table and turned the TV on, thinking; why oh why would 4 crewmen stashed in a 12 X 12 foot cabin with no aircon, toilet or shower, quit? The Med never gets that hot in summer, does it?

Of my last, and best owners I will defend always. One is dead but I will always trust and love his wife, another one is an old twit but I will look after him whatever.

The last one was a young South American guy, no clue about boating, but asked all the right questions. Why, how much, is it really necessary and can you get it a bit cheaper? All the questions you would ask yourself as an owner of any boat.

The nice thing was he owned 2 hotels and 4 nightclubs.....what was the question again?,.......Sorry, I keep getting pictures of boobies in my head.

Oh yes, looking after crew, is it worth it?

Dunno, maybe after the first 10 or 12 years it may become just habit forming. I still keep in touch with some of them, a christmas card here or there, or going the other direction, a weeks free skiing in the Alps.

Be good to each other, it will reap rewards either way.

Henning · 10-10-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K1W1

That will not neccessarily improve the size of the Crews Quarters.

Not necessarily, but probably. That was one of the things I remarked on with this Kingship Magellan. It has the largest crew quarters of any 110' boat I've ever seen, plus I have a queen sized cabin behind the wheelhouse. The three crew rooms are large two with full twin sized bunks and the engineers with full sized bunks, each with a large head and shower and there is a lounge that you can "swing a cat in". Now if you get on a 110' Broward, that's a whole 'nother story.

Henning · 10-10-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwagner1

You know, way back in 2003 when my yacht "research" started, I visited a well known yacht builder on the Gulf Coast. I got to walk aboard a new 150' footer that was getting ready for the FLBS. I walked into the crew quarters and had an attack of serious claustrophobia (though those crew quarters were palatial compared to your images). I think I had an epiphany that day on the 150'....I will/would NEVER force or ask my future crew to sleep in ANY quarters I could/would not sleep in!! I remember a nasty discussion with a well know interior designer later that same day who told me "that I was wasting my time worrying about the crew quarters" and "that most owners do not care either"....needless to say, that designer was sick and so is any owner who expects their crew to sleep in such "quarters"...

Cheers,

In my experience, to say most is not correct. Most do have concern for their crews comfort and well being because it reflects in the service they and their vessel get. My current owner is an exceptional sort in this. The crew quarters are fully fitted for entertainment and such, there are more amenities and toys there than the guest cabins, he pays well above scale, and is a truly nice guy.

brunick · 10-10-2009, 08:54 PM

as i've never been on a yacht larger than 80 feet, i've never seen a big or nice crew quat, but what i've seen on a sunseeker wasn't worth to be said that would be a crew quarter... if i would have a yacht 100+ feet, i'd care most about the crew, cause they've the knowledge to bring me from one point to the other - so giving them respect and comfort should be at least on 2. place, 1. might be my own cabin, but crew shoud alway be right behind you. if you're taking care of your crew, they'll take care of you and your guests..

Henning · 10-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brunick

as i've never been on a yacht larger than 80 feet, i've never seen a big or nice crew quat, but what i've seen on a sunseeker wasn't worth to be said that would be a crew quarter... if i would have a yacht 100+ feet, i'd care most about the crew, cause they've the knowledge to bring me from one point to the other - so giving them respect and comfort should be at least on 2. place, 1. might be my own cabin, but crew shoud alway be right behind you. if you're taking care of your crew, they'll take care of you and your guests..

That is the wiser perspective, and one which quite a few owners share. The best owners from a captain/crew perspective are the complete degenerates and older patriarchs who let the kids and grandkids use the boat.