Could one person operate a 100-foot-plus motor yacht in a pinch?

Question

Or would it be physically impossible?

Answer 1

One person could not safely operate a vessel of this size.  You would not be practicing prudent navigation if you did so.  

Remember, safe boating is no accident!

Answer 2

Mooring/docking is usually the problem with a boat so large, navigating it isn't the problem. 50-60' Ketch is usually as big as u want to single, same problems, plus sail handling and it needs to be set up with  roller furling from the cockpit winches (power's better). I have a friend that regularly singles a 50' Sloop that has no motor.

Answer 3

In open water there would be no problem. Docking would be a big problem unless it were very calm with little wind. Bow thruster would help to dock then the skipper would have to leave the helm to tie up.

Answer 4

No !! Jump!!!!

Answer 5

Yes, one person operates yachts that big all the time. What exactly you mean by "pinch" though I'm not sure.

Answer 6

yes you could if you really had to but i wouldn't if i had a choice

Answer 7

If it was in good running order, absolutely.

If they were in a pinch, they would have no choice.

Answer 8

Depends if you had auto pilot installed or not, this way you put it on auto pilot while you are putting up or taking down the sails. Same goes for your dinners, just put her on auto pilot.

Answer 9

It depends on what you mean by "operate." If you mean just steer down the ICW or in the sea or a Great Lake on a clear day, yes. However, if the yacht is tied up, and only one person available to get underway, no.

Who would fix lunch?

Regards,

Dan

Answer 10

Anythings possible!

Leaving the dock you would slack your stern line, let off springs and bow, then while at the helm with stern line doubled on the cleat, release and go (depending of course on type of docking which I'm guessing with 100 foot will be broadside..)

docking, it would be a benefit to have someone to catch a line  and bow thrusters would be nice. With an offshore breeze they would be essential unless you just wanted to go bow to and had an incredibly amazing ability to calculate momentum ( I once tried to fend an 80 Maxi... doesn't work)

I once had to skipper an 80 canal type boat without bow thrusters in an emergency, admittedly there was a very close call leaving the dock ( it was extremely windy) and mooring her was tricky but possible. Then again, thats just 80 foot.

Either way if you can afford a 100 foot motor yacht I have a feeling you'll chip for someone to crew/helm!

Answer 11

like others have said, yes you can, however if you were docking it or leaving then no, but to just drive and navigate then yes

Answer 12

Who would fix lunch?!?! h**l! Who would lay out the midnight buffet, stage the caviar platter and serve the mimosas?