Hunter 33 Cockpit modifications

[dcollinge]

I have a 2009 Hunter 33, and after a couple of years of frustration, have decided that it's time to make some modifications to the cockpit layout. There are two specific issues that I want to address.

First, the placement of the C80 is directly in my line of sight if I want to sit down directly behind the wheel while at the helm (it is mounted high on the pedestal above the other instruments). This means I can either stand all the time, or sit to one side or another - both of which I do, but for long trips, I would prefer to be sitting directly behind the wheel. Alternatively, I could create a 12-inch-high cushion for the helm seat, which isn't ideal. I noticed that the new 2011 H33 has placed the C80 on its own mount (available from NavPod) sitting on the cockpit table behind the other instruments. This seems like a decent option, although it does take up a fair bit of space on the table. Has anyone made this modification, and if so, what are the pros and cons? Alternatively, NavPod sells a 24" wide pod that accommodates the C80 and 4 S60 instruments. I'm thinking this may be too wide...

Second, the cockpit table is more useful as a foot brace while underway than it is for dining in the cockpit. With both sides extended, it provides little space and no comfort for even two people to dine, due to the placement of the cup holders (which I will be taking out), as well as the central post that supports the table. In addition, while extended, the table prevents any movement in the cockpit (in fact, getting out from under the table is all but impossible without collapsing the sides). To fix this, I want to make a new table similar to that which exists on the new H33 - longer fore to aft with less side overhang. I also have a second option here - to eliminate the central post and create a table that folds down into the front of the instrument console. First question - does anyone have any templates for either of these modifications? Second question - I've only seen one H33 where the central post (table support) was taken out. While it seems to provide much greater freedom of movement in the cockpit, has anyone tried this and found any detriments (such as the lack of a foot brace while heeled)?

 

[Scott B]

Some good ideas, I've thought about them as well. Don't know how many dinners or glasses of wine we've dumped onto the cockpit floor, getting up to get one last thing down below.....

I took the navpod out last year, running a wire for the VHF DSC and was amazed at how much it opened up the viewing. The new 33 that was at the Toronto Boat Show had the same pedestal as ours. The second pic has the space for the upper bar, just not installed. The first one I think was just a prototype, although it has the upper bar.

Haven't done any of the changes, but have wondered about them. We would miss the cupholders tho, as they become a catch-all for all kinds of small stuff while we're out. I think we would miss the foot brace of the table legs.... use it all the time. I do like the idea of a narrower table. Typically it's only 2 of us that eat in the cockpit. If we have friends on board we usually eat down below where there's more room.

 

[paul1938]

H33 cockpit woes and possible solutions

I have a 2009 Hunter 33, and after a couple of years of frustration, have decided that it's time to make some modifications to the cockpit layout. There are two specific issues that I want to address.

First, the placement of the C80 is directly in my line of sight if I want to sit down directly behind the wheel while at the helm (it is mounted high on the pedestal above the other instruments). This means I can either stand all the time, or sit to one side or another - both of which I do, but for long trips, I would prefer to be sitting directly behind the wheel. Alternatively, I could create a 12-inch-high cushion for the helm seat, which isn't ideal. I noticed that the new 2011 H33 has placed the C80 on its own mount (available from NavPod) sitting on the cockpit table behind the other instruments. This seems like a decent option, although it does take up a fair bit of space on the table. Has anyone made this modification, and if so, what are the pros and cons? Alternatively, NavPod sells a 24" wide pod that accommodates the C80 and 4 S60 instruments. I'm thinking this may be too wide...

Second, the cockpit table is more useful as a foot brace while underway than it is for dining in the cockpit. With both sides extended, it provides little space and no comfort for even two people to dine, due to the placement of the cup holders (which I will be taking out), as well as the central post that supports the table. In addition, while extended, the table prevents any movement in the cockpit (in fact, getting out from under the table is all but impossible without collapsing the sides). To fix this, I want to make a new table similar to that which exists on the new H33 - longer fore to aft with less side overhang. I also have a second option here - to eliminate the central post and create a table that folds down into the front of the instrument console. First question - does anyone have any templates for either of these modifications? Second question - I've only seen one H33 where the central post (table support) was taken out. While it seems to provide much greater freedom of movement in the cockpit, has anyone tried this and found any detriments (such as the lack of a foot brace while heeled)?

I Have a 2005 H33 and agree with the placement[misplacement?] for the table. We have thought about removing the table and filling in the screw holes or replacing it with a bar that can be used as a foot brace. We would keep the cup holders.
I solved the sighting problems, I bought from Helm Seat a seat that mounts[removeable] to the back rails. It is solid and comfortable. I had seen it on a friend's Catalina and tried it out. My wife loves it as she can now see the pointy end of the boat.

 

[seadaddler]

Great View

I added a helm seat to my H-36 and really works great seeing over my c-80 and all over towards bow and can see everything on those long cruising trips or just day sailing.
Nick

 

[Steve Dion]

We use our walk thru on our Hunter Vision 36 on a regular basis. We did not want anything that would make it more difficult to r/r the helm seat. We opted for a helm booster. This raises the seat several inches allowing easy viewing over the pedestal instruments.

http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail.htm?group=1413&cat=1803

 

[dcollinge]

Excellent ideas - thank you! The inclusion of photos gives me a much clearer picture of what I will face. Scott B, do you have any that you can share of your mods to the C80 placement? Also how much work and expense was involved? The option of adding a helm seat or cushion seems like it might be the easier route at this point...

 

[Bill Roosa]

This looks like you are going to be moving the entire helm aft to provide room for a bigger better table. How are you going to handle the required re-rigging of the rudder controls? Also there will be a largish hole left after you move the binical aft. This may be pretty difficult to "patch up"
My first impression is
How do people live like this?

What I'm thinking would be a better long term solution is the get a bigger boat. It is amazing how much more cockpit (and most other fore aft measured things BTW) you get with the addition of 8' of boat length.
What I've found (been forced on me actually but I love her and her ideas where generally "for the common good") over the years is it starts with a simple table upgrade, then the galley needs "renegotiated" and where are we going to put the china when the guests come over, and if they need a place to sleep we need to "fix up" the salon table with nice(er) cushions and fitted sheets......... you get the point.
Save yourself dollinge, just go buy a bigger boat and you will not have issues for a couple of years.
The goodness in this is you would not even have these "problems" if the first mate didn't like to sail!!!!! Some poor SOBs will never get to really enjoy sailing with a First Rate First Mate so consider yourself blessed.

 

[LaColla]

The size and shape of the table is my least favorite item on this boat. I would love to see someone come up with a good design that replaces the stock table, and of course leaves the pedestal in place.

 

[Scott B]

Excellent ideas - thank you! The inclusion of photos gives me a much clearer picture of what I will face. Scott B, do you have any that you can share of your mods to the C80 placement? Also how much work and expense was involved? The option of adding a helm seat or cushion seems like it might be the easier route at this point...

I only removed the Navpod and handle to install wires down the pedestal support. I reinstalled everything once complete. Pics I was refering to were form the original post pictures from Hunter.

Only other option I might consider would be smaller table. We make sure we lock the support rod under the spring clip under the table anytime we use them now and don't try to stand up with the table in place. So far we've managed to finish most meals....