I would welcome advice on modifying a center cockpit for off-shore sailing. The attached photo shows the problem. The cockpit is about 5.5 ft square at the seats. The deck is about midway up the seat backs. The cockpit drains are 1.5 inch and discharge to through hulls directly below the drains. Drainage is too slow to deal with a boarding wave. The main cabin is partially secured by a bridge deck at a height about half way to the coaming level and then with conventional drop boards. The rear cabin door is a "bifold" door at cockpit floor level. I would appreciate advice on the following: 1) Providing for more rapid draining (add 3" horizontal drains through the bottom of the seat lockers c/w check valve or flap valve, directly out of the side of the hull?) 2) A design for a more secure fwd companion way top hatch and hatch boards that is either permanent or "for storm only". 3) A design for a secure rear door to the rear cabin to resist both a filled cockpit and wind driven spray. The current arrangement is a security fiction.
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Two offshore discussions in a row
Paul I recommend reading the answers to the post about the Catalina 30 in today's posts. There seem to be issues there that are appropriate for you. Given the O'Day 37 is a great boat, I would hesitate using it offshore for the same reasons discussed in the C30 thread. Also, the modifications required to your boat would give me the initial reply of "consider a different boat if you have to do so much to this one." Of course, some folks could make those mods, but again, look at the C30 thread -- it's not only cockpit draining and companionway openings, it's the rest of the boat, too. Good luck, looks like the things you mention actually could be accomplished. Stu
Paul I recommend reading the answers to the post about the Catalina 30 in today's posts. There seem to be issues there that are appropriate for you. Given the O'Day 37 is a great boat, I would hesitate using it offshore for the same reasons discussed in the C30 thread. Also, the modifications required to your boat would give me the initial reply of "consider a different boat if you have to do so much to this one." Of course, some folks could make those mods, but again, look at the C30 thread -- it's not only cockpit draining and companionway openings, it's the rest of the boat, too. Good luck, looks like the things you mention actually could be accomplished. Stu
I have lots of offshore experience
I don't think you have a problem with your drains. My Cheoy Lee Clipper had two one inch drains for a simular size cockpit and the times we where pooped it drained almost instantly. The front hatch should not be a problem. You might add a side latch to keep the hatch closed. I did not have drop boards but doors that opened out. I would want my drop boards with a locking pin so they could not fall out. My doors where pined both opened and shut and without the pins they would have been gone several times. Your rear hatch is the real problem. You have no bridge deck. I would modify it to use drop boards and keep the bottom drop board in at all times with a locking pin. It should come up to the level of the bridge deck forward I would not think a center cockpit would get pooped very often but always good to plan ahead.
I don't think you have a problem with your drains. My Cheoy Lee Clipper had two one inch drains for a simular size cockpit and the times we where pooped it drained almost instantly. The front hatch should not be a problem. You might add a side latch to keep the hatch closed. I did not have drop boards but doors that opened out. I would want my drop boards with a locking pin so they could not fall out. My doors where pined both opened and shut and without the pins they would have been gone several times. Your rear hatch is the real problem. You have no bridge deck. I would modify it to use drop boards and keep the bottom drop board in at all times with a locking pin. It should come up to the level of the bridge deck forward I would not think a center cockpit would get pooped very often but always good to plan ahead.
Stu, clarification please
Stu, Thanks for you notes about the Catalina 30, but being a luddite when it comes to forums (fori?) I could not find the article. Can you help me out here. By the way, my intended "offshore" use is circumnavigations of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlottes, where I will be exposed to unprotected Pacific weather for relatively short periods.
Stu, Thanks for you notes about the Catalina 30, but being a luddite when it comes to forums (fori?) I could not find the article. Can you help me out here. By the way, my intended "offshore" use is circumnavigations of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlottes, where I will be exposed to unprotected Pacific weather for relatively short periods.
The link is
http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?&fno=24&uid=73200280089&sku=2006109093548.49 You're most likely in the General Interest forum to be able to start a post (topic). In any of the screens, go to the top and just click on "24 Hour Activity" and you'll see it right below your post. Sounds like a great trip. There was also the other day about circumnavigating Vancouver Island that you ought to read. Try this: http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?fno=21&uid=73200280089&sku=2006108093928.40 Good luck, Stu
http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?&fno=24&uid=73200280089&sku=2006109093548.49 You're most likely in the General Interest forum to be able to start a post (topic). In any of the screens, go to the top and just click on "24 Hour Activity" and you'll see it right below your post. Sounds like a great trip. There was also the other day about circumnavigating Vancouver Island that you ought to read. Try this: http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?fno=21&uid=73200280089&sku=2006108093928.40 Good luck, Stu
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