Making Shelves in our forepeak

[LagunaRed]

We have a new Lagoon 52 catamaran. We decided not to have the forepeak in each hull turned into quarters so we have a HUGE storage space. I want to put some shelves or create a way to store and organize our "stuff". I'm looking for ideas on how to do it but also, how to attach the shelves to the boat itself (doesn't seem like screws into the hulls makes any sense :-) ). Any thoughts would be appreciated.


Fair Winds,

Laguna Red
S/v Summer Kai
Lagoon 52 Hull #93

Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[UNCIVILIZED]

I'm short on organizing ideas right now, but for a way to install the shelves, I'd just glue some wooden cleats to the hulls, so that they look much like stringers. Then you can attach the shelves to them however you please. You'll need to brace them in place while the adhesive dries, but that shouldn't present too much of a challenge I'd think.

[Franziska]

Hi.

Few thoughts.

How about something a long the way pipe but bunks were made in racing yachts?

Alternatively I'd glue some wooden attachment plates or strips with epoxy onto the hull inside (provided it's the inner skin and not a skimpy liner on the inside).
Make sure glueing surfaces are well sanded and large enough.
Than maybe use some netting material and see-through ripstop bags for the stuff to store.

Good luck. Keep it light.

Franziska

www.ladyrover.com

[a64pilot]

In all honesty with a boat that new and expensive, I'd hire a Marine Carpenter and listen to his ideas

[Stumble]

I normally just epoxy wooden cleats directly to the hull then screw the shelves to the cleats. If you use thick enough epoxy it will normally hold the cleats in place until it cures if the cleats aren't too heavy. If you go with large ones then duct tape will hold them in place while they cure.

[ontherocks83]

Watch Overboard with Kurt Russell. Copy that design and install. Easy Peezy

[silverbeard1]

thinking of the pounding force on the hulls & the weight of storage against just glue etc.
I'd say get the help of a shipwright to do the quality workmanship needed for your vessel.

[Franziska]

The shipwright will glue as well with epoxy..... ask me why, I have formal training in that trade ;-)

Maybe add few layers of glass if the stuff is heavy.
Alternatively Al or Carbon pipe construction.


www.ladyrover.com

[KadeyKrogen38]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what having an excessive amount of weight forward will do to safety in heavy weather and how it may effect handling characteristics

[Franziska]

Very valid point Kadey!

www.ladyrover.com

[tankersteve]

If you stick to keeping lighter weight, more 'buoyant' bulky items in there, you should be fine. Things like extra sails, fenders, anchor rode, guest life jackets, beach toys and accessories, empty fuel or water containers, etc., shouldn't affect trim and even if flooded, won't hurt your bow buoyancy.

Stay away from heavy, high density items like extra anchors and chain, engine parts, outboard engines, full fuel cans, extra rigging materials,and so on.

I'd look at installing a stringer fairly high to place hooks and hanging straps to help organize these items.

Share with us what you end up with.

Tankersteve

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by KadeyKrogen38

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what having an excessive amount of weight forward will do to safety in heavy weather and how it may effect handling characteristics

Mainly because adding storage isn't going to massively change the trim of the boat. I wouldn't store my collection of lead pellets in the bow, but if you are just storing household items I doubt it will be an issue on a +50' catamaran.

[HopCar]

I used 5200 to attach teak cleats that I screwed hooks to that hold boat hook and scrub brush poles. That was about twenty years ago and they are still there. I'm sure epoxy would have worked just as well. Not much load on them but they are very small cleats.

The more glue surface area, the more weight the cleat can support. The cleats will do a good job of supporting the back edge of the shelf but you'll need to figure a way to support the front edge as well.

[Three Sisters]

A visit to the local cabinet maker shops with your ideas may prove fruitful. If a consensus is established then a looky loo in the bow compartment will yield templates to start construction.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

In all honesty with a boat that new and expensive, I'd hire a Marine Carpenter and listen to his ideas

Good post.

Why destroy the value of such an expensive asset?