modifications

azguy · Jan 9, 2014

How about some pictures about how it is laid out now...

To me, hot water seems like to much of a luxury, but to each their own.

Functional ports seem great until one is left open and a wave enters the cabin, for create some airflow, personally, I'd add some solar vents on the cabin top..

Sunbird22358 · Jan 10, 2014

A few pics from an original 272 Sales Brochure: I may never have a 272.... but at least I can dream!

Stu Jackson · Jan 10, 2014

Ahhhh...the joys of those lovely plaid cushions. I loved 'em on our Catalina 25, although ours had the blue/brown finish - couldn't and still can't abide the brown only!!!

Pat · Jan 11, 2014

Our Le came with a blue flame stitch upholstery which we immediately replaced with a dark
blue with little white markings...then it became a dark green..early on we added a red leather crown molding that goes completely around the boat interior at the hull to deck joint...it was easy to make and completely changed the interior...I bought a sea teak
plate and silverware locker that is installed behind the origo 2-burner stove...the locker bottom is about 2 inches above the counter top height which makes a good storage area for small items. the teak cabinet has teak doors so nothing falls out when we are healed over. in front of the who area near the galley, we installed a teak pin rail that runs from the aft end of the stb'd settee, to the front of the sliding plexiglass doors behind the sink, etc. the pin rail serves to keep things stored under the cupboard and
paper towel holder from tipping over...we added a 12,000 btu Mermaid AC unit ...this was an ordeal on this boat because of the shallow draft/bilge...but it is wonderful in the kansas summer heat...have of course added 2 brass lamps which we use nearly every night..even w/ac on....there is more, but I'm probably boring you.....good luck, Patrick

Happy Dolphin · Jan 11, 2014

Pat, would you have Pics of your modifications and additions? I'm going to make some further changes to our 272 before spring.
We did apply a panel above the small port locker to concentrate the VHF, entertainment radio, plus the AC + DC switch breaker meter station.
Thanks, John

Pat · Jan 12, 2014

Happy Dolphin said:
Pat, would you have Pics of your modifications and additions? I'm going to make some further changes to our 272 before spring.
We did apply a panel above the small port locker to concentrate the VHF, entertainment radio, plus the AC + DC switch breaker meter station.
Thanks, John

I can go out this coming week and take some pictures......I agree that what ever you change should be because you want to make the changes...there are still things I would like to change, but I'm running out of time and know how.

I would really like to redo the teak and holly floor, but I hear that can be a
really tough job....and refinishing it is hard work...It is funny, but we've spent
two years out of the water due to the drought in the central us, and in those
two years our lifestyle has changed and it's going to be tough to ever spend
as much time on the boat as we once did.

Pat · Jan 12, 2014

Happy Dolphin, send me your email address and I will try and get some pictures to you.
I have no luck posting photos on this website...pcoulter2@cox.net

jibes138 · Jan 13, 2014

donelanc
I am surprised you don't already have a stove installed? Any boat this size always comes with a stove. If you don't have one I recommend the Origo two burner that you can get with gimbals. I have used a pressurized alcohol, an Origo, and a propane stove. I always tend towards the simplest solution and that is the Origo. No electric solenoid switch, no leaks to worry about, no need to carry a big heavy tank with proper venting. There is a cheaper version called a cookmate that looks like the same thing.
For vents before you change out the ports look into dorade vents instead. These are always working even when you aren't on board to open the "windows." I put a solar fan in one of them to get more flow on perfectly calm days and they help enormously. You can also put solar fans in your opening hatches or directly into the deck with minor effort. Whatever you can do to get air moving and exchanging inside the boat will reduce mold and mildew and keep the boat interior fresh.
Water heaters run off shore power or connect to your engine coolant system to heat while underway. Before going through all that work you might want to consider using a "sunshower" these work great and if there is no sun heat some water on the stove and fill the bag with it. Also see if Joe on the thread "25yearslater" can provide some hot water insight as he did a thorough refit on his boat a year ago.

Panta Rei · Jan 18, 2014

This is a nice thread. Good advise but I think I can help with some basics.
There is very little on an O'day (or similar brand) that is not required for structural purposes. Most serves two functions such as the berths. You can sleep on the settee but it is really there to stiffen the boat. Note the partition (bulkhead) is in line with the mast and chain plates. Without it the boat would fold up.
So.. In addition to the great advise so far. I suggest you get the ads and sales brochures from "I love(hart) O'days " website. Find what was offered as options and from this website some one (joe are you listening?) can tell you how they are installed.
As for extra cabinetry, look to other brands in the 27 to 28' range.

Enjoy your boat this summer. You will have some great ideas by fall.

Pat · Jan 18, 2014

If while on this website, you go to boat information at the top of the screen, then to owner modifications, yo will find pictures of modifications other 272 owners have made...both LE and Std. model modifications and one of the pictures shows a great storage area built behind the settee as well as one above the small storage area on the boat's port side.

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