When Little Scarlet and other Sadler 32’s like her were built in the 1980s they were advertised as having accommodation for six… I’m not sure how big those individuals were supposed to be or how much kit they needed with them but Nigel and I seem to make a good job of filling up the boat with just us and our ‘stuff’!
The cabin is arranged around a central, fold out table with long seats either side, when required these double up as bunks, one a double. Up in the bow there is a triangular cabin, referred to as the ‘fore peak’ into which another two are supposed to be able to sleep. The final bunk, known as the pilot berth is on the starboard (right) side of the boat and tucked under the structure of the cockpit, rather like a long pigeon hole. With just Nigel and I onboard we use one of the main cabin bunks and the pilot berth.
The other main features of the cabin are the gas stove on the port side and a chart table with associated navigation equipment, radio etc to starboard. Between the cabin and the forepeak is a small heads (toilet) and wet locker for stowage of foul weather clothing etc.
When sailing and in good weather we tend to be out in the open in and around the cockpit but the cabin can be a cosy alternative, particularly if we flash up the Russian diesel fed heater, recently christened Ivan The Heater!
