Different styles of cockpitWhat makes a good cockpit for one crew is not the same as another. Centre cockpitFor standing headroom in the aft cabin, a centre cockpit boat is an option, and provides more comfort in pitching seas, but the height above the water increases the sideways pendulum motion. Multihull cockpitFor ultimate cockpit space, cruisers – particularly those headed for the tropics – are increasingly opting for catamarans. Cruiser-racer cockpits have not changed much over the years, but Phil Dollin has seen big developments in cruising boats. D-bolts, or dead-eyes for harness attachments are mandatory in new boat cockpits, but may be lacking on older boats.