O'Day 27 -- I need suggestions

[Mike]

I have '77 Oday 27 and it has a huge storage locker under the cockpit which I can access by lifting the starboard seat. My hand does not even reach the bottom and the opening is too small to fit a cooler. I don't carry extra jibs (roller furling) & I just can't stand all this wasted space. I've sailed the boat 2 seasons, so I know I don't need it for storage. I'm thinging of making a large ice - chest. Any ideas?

 

[RichJ]

weight

Have you considered weight distribution?say you put 100lbs of ice in the starboard locker, what will you put in the port? I know it doest sound like much, but........I had a friend who, after a few renovations to his Hunter 25, basicallyended up changing not only the handling characteristics but the sea worthiness.But, in short, after carefull considerations, I like the idea.

 

[Don Evans]

The Bottomless Pit

I feel for your predicament Mike. I have the 25 and have always wondered myself how I could best organize the lazerette. The ice box sounds like a good idea, if you limit the weight as Rich has mentioned. Justin, in another post mentioned King Starboard as a building material. I second this choice as it is bomb proof. Add as much insulation as possible, as this is where most ice chests fail. You will have to think about drainage. If this is to be permanent, I would add a "high" throughull, dumping the water directly overboard. Don't divert it to the bilge, as it will "rot" from all the bits of food particles. Let us know how the project evolves and take and post some pix if you can. Good luck.Don

 

[Dan Tobin]

Engine access?

Mike,You don't mention access to your motor. On my 27, I actually climb into the starboard lazerette and wiggle my way around the water tank to access the starboard side of my Atomic 4. This is the only way I can get to the water pump and the raw water intake hose. If I blocked off the access route, it would be difficult, if not impossible for me to service the motor. The plumbing for the exhaust system blocks access from the quarter berth fold-down panel.I will likely use the lazerette as a locker for lines, fenders, foul weather gear, etc. I will need to devise a simple hanging system that will keep things neat (and out of the bottom of the pit), but will also still allow access to the engine.Good luck!Dan