Leeboards (berths)

[Roger Long]

I'm going to add leeboards to my two main saloon berths since I'll be spending some time offshore this summer.

My plan is to have a 6' - 2" x 14" rectangle of canvas or other suitable material made up with a good hem on one side and grommets in the corners and middle of the other side. The hemmed side will be screwed to the edge of the berth every 4 - 6 inches with finishing washers under the screw heads. The corner grommets will shackle to eye fittings on the joinerwork and the middle grommet will attach to a line or strap leading up to the handrail that runs along the cabin side.

When not in use, the leeboards will be folded back flat under the berth and the fold will cover the screw heads, protecting the cushions from chafe.

Any experience based comments on this plan or suggestions for suitable material appreciated. It would be nice to have something that would let some air through but it can't have much stretch.

 

[sailaway78]

Lee Berth

Roger,
Seems like some type of webbing should work and allow plenty of air circulation. Some of those made for pickup bed coverings maybe. I have no experience with a lee cloth at all. Normally I am single handed, and sleep in the cockpit when I sleep. Other times, I use the floor. Floor works good for me, just put the settee cushions down and your in business. No where to fall.

 

[sailaway78]

Lee Berth

Roger,
Seems like some type of webbing should work and allow plenty of air circulation. Some of those made for pickup bed coverings maybe. I have no experience with a lee cloth at all. Normally I am single handed, and sleep in the cockpit when I sleep. Other times, I use the V berth. If offshore, and need more sleeping room, just use the floor. Floor works good for me, just put the settee cushions down and your in business. No where to fall.

 

[Grizz]

Recently completed...

...same project, using trampoline mesh purchased from Sail Rite; white, breathable, sturdy, easily sewn, weather resistant, inexpensive. Pretty much covered the 'material' criteria for me.

Attached in a similar manner as you describe, fore/aft and only additional component were pockets sewn on center line @ top edge, inboard and outboard on both lee cloths (approx. 5" h x 12" w) for a place to stash miscellaneous gear.

I'd attached a photo, if I could only find the flash drive that I set aside so I wouldlnt lose it...

 

[Roger Long]

trampoline mesh

Brilliant!

 

[Tim R.]

A couple of observations Roger. Mine are setup a very similar way with the following differences.

- I would keep them less than the length of the berth. You do not want to have to take them down to get in and out of. I think mine are about 3.5ft. and leave an opening at the head and feet.

- I have a length of SS 1x1/8" plate that holds the cloth in place with screws every 6 inches. The plate is attached(on the inboard side of the cloth) in such a way that the cloth lies flat when stowed and is at a right angle when in use. I think this contributes to the holding power of the plate. The hem of the cloth is outside the plate which also increases the strength of the attachment.

We have used mine for a few overnights and they work well, are easy(not too) to get in and out of and stow the same as you describe.

 

[Roger Long]

- I would keep them less than the length of the berth. You do not want to have to take them down to get in and out of. I think mine are about 3.5ft. and leave an opening at the head and feet.

I have a bulkhead or partial bulkhead at both head and foot of each berth so having a solid attachment at each corner is tempting. I was thinking of a snap into an eye strap so you would clip the cloth up after getting into the bunk. The middle rope would only be used for extra security in rougher conditions. Besides, my pillow won't fall out on the floor

I don't have a suitable anchor point at the foot ends anyway unless I go all the way to the bulkhead.

 

[Ross]

They really need to extend only from shoulders to a little past your hips. There is also a "pet proof insect screening" made from polyester mesh fabric quite similar to the mesh fabric used for outdoor furniture cushions.

 

[sailingdog]

The material used for trampoline netting on catamarans or trimarans is also a good choice.

 

[Todd Smith]

Roger,

Lee cloths that I have used and liked went pretty much the whole length of the bunk. I just got in/out by climbing over them. They were made of stout canvas that was pleasant to lay directly on if the weather was warm. Don't skimp on the height, one boat had lee cloths that were marginal to use on the high side. Extra height also acts as privacy screen for the off-watch.

If you use track like this to attach the cloth to the bunk, they are easy to remove for cleaning. http://www.sailrite.com/Awning-Track-Aluminum-48

Todd

 

[Prime Time]

Lee Cloth

We used dacron sail cloth. Did not go full length so your shoulders have more room. Eye straps thru bolted for attachment to bulkheads with adjustable line. Cloth screwed to the bunk bottom with grommets in the cloth.

 

[Roger Long]

I talked to Mainsail's friend

http://www.mobilecanvas.com/photo_index.html

and he sounded so up to speed on the whole issue that I told him to go ahead and make up as set. He recommended against the trampoline mesh because it doesn't hold together well under stitching and is going to use a different mesh. Details will be on my web site eventually, I'm sure.

 

[jibes138]

nylon webbing

I'd make my own using nylon webbing like you use for jack lines. Incredibly strong, wicked easy to cut and sew, large mesh will provide breathing, inexpensive if you do it yourself, and you can just fold it under the cushion when not in use.