I have had a notion to install a cockpit cooler on Grasshopper and thought I'd find out if anyone else has done it and/or elicit opinions.
There seems to be a fair amount of wasted/not-easily-accessible space under the cockpit, especially aft of the galley sink. One of my earlier projects was to install a Tempress access hatch in the cockpit sole beneath the tiller to access the area behind the aft bunk, and that addition has been a great asset. Every time we move an additional cooler from the vee-berth to use the head, I think I could use that experience to make a cooler for the cockpit.
My plan would be to install another Tempress hatch, probably 23" x 13", on the port cockpit seat, forward of the locker, and install a 12" deep hatch liner as well. The liner would extend into the cabin and occupy space we really don't use right now. I'd use rigid foam insulation on the sides & bottom, then devise some way to enclose it from beneath to dress it up. I'm not eager to make a custom fiberglass enclosure, though that's a viable option. I'd probably go for a cheap storage bin of the appropriate color & rivet it from beneath. Again, it's mainly about dressing it up.
I'd either apply another piece of rigid foam to the inside of the hatch itself to insulate from above, though I may just use a loose piece of rigid foam with finger holes in it to float on top of the contents.
I have some concerns that it might be a little uncomfortable to sit on, but a cushion on top would probably make it fine, save for any princesses that might sit there.
(Another project, in due course, is custom fitted cushions!)
I wouldn't put a drain in it; just use the bilge pump, as needed.
This addition would remove a cooler from the cabin and make grabbing a cool drink while at the helm possible without asking someone from down below.
Thoughts/experiences? Thanks, in advance, for your input. If I go forward with it, I'll be sure to post it in the projects section.
There seems to be a fair amount of wasted/not-easily-accessible space under the cockpit, especially aft of the galley sink. One of my earlier projects was to install a Tempress access hatch in the cockpit sole beneath the tiller to access the area behind the aft bunk, and that addition has been a great asset. Every time we move an additional cooler from the vee-berth to use the head, I think I could use that experience to make a cooler for the cockpit.
My plan would be to install another Tempress hatch, probably 23" x 13", on the port cockpit seat, forward of the locker, and install a 12" deep hatch liner as well. The liner would extend into the cabin and occupy space we really don't use right now. I'd use rigid foam insulation on the sides & bottom, then devise some way to enclose it from beneath to dress it up. I'm not eager to make a custom fiberglass enclosure, though that's a viable option. I'd probably go for a cheap storage bin of the appropriate color & rivet it from beneath. Again, it's mainly about dressing it up.
I'd either apply another piece of rigid foam to the inside of the hatch itself to insulate from above, though I may just use a loose piece of rigid foam with finger holes in it to float on top of the contents.
I have some concerns that it might be a little uncomfortable to sit on, but a cushion on top would probably make it fine, save for any princesses that might sit there.
(Another project, in due course, is custom fitted cushions!)I wouldn't put a drain in it; just use the bilge pump, as needed.
This addition would remove a cooler from the cabin and make grabbing a cool drink while at the helm possible without asking someone from down below.
Thoughts/experiences? Thanks, in advance, for your input. If I go forward with it, I'll be sure to post it in the projects section.
