Floorplan overhaul thoughts?

[xavierspl]

Hi All,

Spring is coming and we'll be starting our 2nd season of a massive re-fit/restore of our 85 H31. We completely gutted every bit of the interior and drive train and are planning on building all new everything basically. What I'd like to get some thoughts on, are redesigning the layout completely. Has anyone tackled a project like this? Specifically, I look at the Floorplans of the newer generation 31s-33s which moved the head aft. I'm not scared of the work, more the considerations around structural integrity/weight distribution, etc. The bathroom as was is incredibly small and I don't care for the proximity to the Vberth or the blackwater under the Vberth. (I was thinking of new tank aft, and installing a bladder under the vertical for increased freshwater capacity. Everything is a blank slate right now so it's not really extra work per se.
Attached is a newer design and aside from a slight difference is beam, would fit and seems a much better use of space for coastal cruising/weekends, etc.. Engine is out and already have a new 3gm upgrade going in since popular opinion is the 2gm was underpowered.. constructive thoughts appreciated, please save any about points of diminishing returns, I wouldn't have a boat if I cared about it lol.. far from my first rodeo on big boat work, but it is my first sailboat so for me, this is largely about learning all I don't know until we go bigger and FT liveaboard

 

[dmax]

As long as you leave the bulkheads in place and don't cut up the grid/liner, you should be able to reconfigure the floor plan and move the head aft without causing any structural/integrity issues. As far as weight, most of the weight associated with a head is in the tankage, so with that in mind you could use the water tank(s) and waste tank placement to offset the weight you moved aft with the new head. It's also good to know if your boat's design has a list (many do) and try to offset that as you move things around. My boat design generally lists to port, I have balanced it out by modifications to the galley and nav station (replaced the oven with a cabinet and stove-top, moved the batteries to the nav station). I think this is a great project, I love to see old boats rejuvinated - keep us posted with pictures.

 

[xavierspl]

Here's some pics of last year's work.. currently soda blasting the bottom and getting started on the replacement engine rebuild.

 

[dmax]

Outstanding - that boat was a mess, she's going to be a beauty!

 

[xavierspl]

Outstanding - that boat was a mess, she's going to be a beauty!

Thx! She's coming along nicely, we're looking forward to the more fun stuff this year

 

[Tally Ho]

Hi All,

Spring is coming and we'll be starting our 2nd season of a massive re-fit/restore of our 85 H31. We completely gutted every bit of the interior and drive train and are planning on building all new everything basically. What I'd like to get some thoughts on, are redesigning the layout completely. Has anyone tackled a project like this? Specifically, I look at the Floorplans of the newer generation 31s-33s which moved the head aft. I'm not scared of the work, more the considerations around structural integrity/weight distribution, etc. The bathroom as was is incredibly small and I don't care for the proximity to the Vberth or the blackwater under the Vberth. (I was thinking of new tank aft, and installing a bladder under the vertical for increased freshwater capacity. Everything is a blank slate right now so it's not really extra work per se.
Attached is a newer design and aside from a slight difference is beam, would fit and seems a much better use of space for coastal cruising/weekends, etc.. Engine is out and already have a new 3gm upgrade going in since popular opinion is the 2gm was underpowered.. constructive thoughts appreciated, please save any about points of diminishing returns, I wouldn't have a boat if I cared about it lol.. far from my first rodeo on big boat work, but it is my first sailboat so for me, this is largely about learning all I don't know until we go bigger and FT liveaboard

Looks like a cool project.

I have a 32’ O’Day 322. 1988. It has a very nice floor plan for a 32 footer I think, with 2 berths (that have doors), decent galley and a head with room to shower.

A few things I notice (in part because they are an issue on my O’Day 322):

In the head, my toilet is more center-line, and my sink/counter is on the outside hull. This works pretty good as the hull curves up under the counter. Not sure my toilet would mount well there.

On the V berth, it looks like the door comes right up to the bed. On my Oday, it is a bi-fold door, and I cannot open the door if the bed were up to the door. Your door appears to open out, but could be claustrophobic…maybe unavoidable on a 31-footer.

What was in the big white box on the STB side by the companionway? An icebox? Are you planning to remove that?

A floor plan from the original may be helpful to compare to, but it looks very well thought out.




Greg

 

[DArcy]

This looks like a fun project, you are off to a great start. I really like the new main hatch.
The nicest layout in a 30 foot boat I have been aboard is the Mirage 30. It might be fun to search through Sailboatdata.com for 30 to 32 foot boats, pick out some that look good to you then search google images for those boats.
Do you have CAD software? You can certainly make layouts without but it will be easier to get the dimensions right with CAD, even better if you can get a 3D model of your boat.

If you haven't seen it yet, there is a massive thread on an incredible Hunter 40 Legend rebuild over here Repairing Hunter 40 damage from Hurricane Matthew

 

[jviss]

Looks like a cool project.

I have a 32’ O’Day 322. 1988. It has a very nice floor plan for a 32 footer I think, with 2 berths (that have doors), decent galley and a head with room to shower.

A few things I notice (in part because they are an issue on my O’Day 322):

In the head, my toilet is more center-line, and my sink/counter is on the outside hull. This works pretty good as the hull curves up under the counter. Not sure my toilet would mount well there.

On the V berth, it looks like the door comes right up to the bed. On my Oday, it is a bi-fold door, and I cannot open the door if the bed were up to the door. Your door appears to open out, but could be claustrophobic…maybe unavoidable on a 31-footer.

What was in the big white box on the STB side by the companionway? An icebox? Are you planning to remove that?

A floor plan from the original may be helpful to compare to, but it looks very well thought out.

View attachment 203527


Greg

That's remarkable, your layout looks nearly identical to my Tartan 3800!

 

[xavierspl]

Looks like a cool project.

I have a 32’ O’Day 322. 1988. It has a very nice floor plan for a 32 footer I think, with 2 berths (that have doors), decent galley and a head with room to shower.

A few things I notice (in part because they are an issue on my O’Day 322):

In the head, my toilet is more center-line, and my sink/counter is on the outside hull. This works pretty good as the hull curves up under the counter. Not sure my toilet would mount well there.

On the V berth, it looks like the door comes right up to the bed. On my Oday, it is a bi-fold door, and I cannot open the door if the bed were up to the door. Your door appears to open out, but could be claustrophobic…maybe unavoidable on a 31-footer.

What was in the big white box on the STB side by the companionway? An icebox? Are you planning to remove that?

A floor plan from the original may be helpful to compare to, but it looks very well thought out.

View attachment 203527


Greg

Thanks! Good point on the toilet. On the starboard side aft that is the icebox. I would like to cut this out no matter what and this would potentially be 1 option for the head. The door you're asking about is actually used to close in either the head, or the Vberth - clever design.

 

[Tally Ho]

That's remarkable, your layout looks nearly identical to my Tartan 3800!

Probably a bit smaller

But a functional layout for me in a small footprint.

But I am jealous over your 3800!

Greg

 

[xavierspl]

This looks like a fun project, you are off to a great start. I really like the new main hatch.
The nicest layout in a 30 foot boat I have been aboard is the Mirage 30. It might be fun to search through Sailboatdata.com for 30 to 32 foot boats, pick out some that look good to you then search google images for those boats.
Do you have CAD software? You can certainly make layouts without but it will be easier to get the dimensions right with CAD, even better if you can get a 3D model of your boat.

If you haven't seen it yet, there is a massive thread on an incredible Hunter 40 Legend rebuild over here Repairing Hunter 40 damage from Hurricane Matthew

Thanks, yes it is very similar and thanks for the tip, I've been looking through interior pics and layouts form later models for inspiration but the newer ones have a good deal more beam so older ones are a better reference for sure. No CAD software but the thought has come to mind.. the free time learning to use it is the main concern there lol

 

[jviss]

Probably a bit smaller

But a functional layout for me in a small footprint.

But I am jealous over your 3800!

Greg

Your boat is great, Greg!

 

[jssailem]

This is an exciting project.

We each have a particular focus that influences or desires for a boat layout.

Should it be a condo on the water or a sailing sport boat.

As you lean on the design the full condo is great at the dock, but may not sail well. The spartan light weigh racing shell sails fast but can be uncomfortable when asking a fellow sailor over to share sailing stories and wine.

A wide open space can be dangerous in a troubled sea. Provide places to lean on, hand holds to grab and places comfortable to sit while the boat is healing over and water is rushing along the rail.

It all is a compromise driven by how you want to enjoy the boat.

 

[xavierspl]

This is an exciting project.

We each have a particular focus that influences or desires for a boat layout.

Should it be a condo on the water or a sailing sport boat.

As you lean on the design the full condo is great at the dock, but may not sail well. The spartan light weigh racing shell sails fast but can be uncomfortable when asking a fellow sailor over to share sailing stories and wine.

A wide open space can be dangerous in a troubled sea. Provide places to lean on, hand holds to grab and places comfortable to sit while the boat is healing over and water is rushing along the rail.

It all is a compromise driven by how you want to enjoy the boat.

Thx, this type of input is appreciated, one of the big challenges I have is making decisions without a lot of personal sailing experience. We already replaced the teak grab rails on the deck with stainless ones we made (pictured) and are planning on doing the same thing wherever may be needed in the interior as well for satefy.
Our goal is a coastal cruiser that will offer a scaled down version of most (if not all) the luxuries typically only found in a larger liveaboard.

 

[jviss]

I apologize if this is repetitive, but I advise that you initially pay close attention to the structural aspects of the interior. One a boat that size there is at least one structural bulkhead, aligned with the mast and chainplates. There is often a second, aft of that, aligned with the companionway. These are critical to the structural integrity of the boat, it's hull shape, and so on. They must be the proper outline, and well bonded to the hull (tabbed and glassed). There may also be a beam at the bottom of the main bulkhead upon which the mast step rests. Since all of these are one or two pieces of thick marine plywood, plus the beam, they are not cheap! If you can salvage these all the better, or leave them in place and address any age, wear, or rot issues.

 

[xavierspl]

I apologize if this is repetitive, but I advise that you initially pay close attention to the structural aspects of the interior. One a boat that size there is at least one structural bulkhead, aligned with the mast and chainplates. There is often a second, aft of that, aligned with the companionway. These are critical to the structural integrity of the boat, it's hull shape, and so on. They must be the proper outline, and well bonded to the hull (tabbed and glassed). There may also be a beam at the bottom of the main bulkhead upon which the mast step rests. Since all of these are one or two pieces of thick marine plywood, plus the beam, they are not cheap! If you can salvage these all the better, or leave them in place and address any age, wear, or rot issues.

Agreed and have been taking that into consideration for sure. The aft wall of the current head is the bulkhead aligned with the mast. I'm replacing the wooden compression post setup with aluminum and planning on doubling up the bulkhead when replacing vs the single layer that was there originally. Similarly, looking to add extra wherever I go and make changes. The chainplate setup will be getting a complete overhaul as well, there were no issues found but you can see where more reinforcement could be made to the pan above where they are held down and access could've been provided for servicing and inspection etc.. Thanks for the tips!

 

[jviss]

Good! I recommend making a plan, a drawing of the structural aspect so you can solicit input on it. You might add notes as to the attachment details of these pieces, for example, how is the doubling pice attached, how are the bulkheads attached to the hull, etc.

I like the idea of making a new compression post of aluminum. Pay attention to the step!

 

[RoyS]

Several points: You can rent autocad software by the month if you need it. For cruising, consider large tankage and battery capacity. Consider carefully where you place the galley sink and the head vanity sink. If the galley sink is not near the boat centerline, it may fill (and spill) with seawater when heeled. The head vanity sink is usually on the outside edge of the hull but must be high enough to not fill with seawater. Do not miss this opportunity to provide yourself with good engine access. Your work looks great! You are lucky your wife is right there working with you. In early spring I look around the marina at all the people slaving away on their boats. Rarely see a wife or girlfriend then.

 

[DArcy]

There are several free CAD programs out there. I use OnShape because it is one of the most full featured of the free ones.

 

[xavierspl]

Several points: You can rent autocad software by the month if you need it. For cruising, consider large tankage and battery capacity. Consider carefully where you place the galley sink and the head vanity sink. If the galley sink is not near the boat centerline, it may fill (and spill) with seawater when heeled. The head vanity sink is usually on the outside edge of the hull but must be high enough to not fill with seawater. Do not miss this opportunity to provide yourself with good engine access. Your work looks great! You are lucky your wife is right there working with you. In early spring I look around the marina at all the people slaving away on their boats. Rarely see a wife or girlfriend then.

Good points and appreciated! On boats with a sink against the hull, I've been assuming a vented loop would be the way to go, as well as possibly closing seacocks while under way. Is that typical? If possible, I think best to have sinks towards centerline, but with such a small boat just trying to understand pros/cons for each possibility. No matter what we do - there will be full side access to both sides of the engine (fold down panel on shower wall for example). The Fiance shares all of the liveaboard dream and work with me luckily. She enjoys it as much as I do and is very handy and learning quickly!!!

I'll have to look for some CAD stuff to play around with.. We have endless hours of footage and have been editing for an eventual youtube channel also lol.. it's more work than the boat with software