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**James S** · 23-02-2009, 09:42

I just finished installing my companionway "washboard" and it seems to be working well so far (fingers crossed)

I have a deep sort of sump under my cockpit that allows me to have it slide down when stowed.

The problem I have with conventional wash boards is where to stow them where I can get at them quickly.

I would have gone for two doors opening out but my cockpit is so small they would have been in the way.

I needed to be able to unlock the bolts/pins on either side with one hand at the same time so I came up with a pretty simple mechanism that lets me sort of squeeze the top trim and it releases.

I was afraid the whole thing would be to heavy to raise with out some other assistance i.e. gas shock or counter weight or spring....but it turned out just fine...the kids my need to bulk up a bit :-)

Any how this is what I came up with.

Splash Gordon · 23-02-2009, 11:13

Stunning!

GeoPowers · 23-02-2009, 12:30

Wow, beautiful! Did you do the woodwork yourself?

Southern Star · 23-02-2009, 13:08

Very cool setup indeed! Well done.

Brad

David_Old_Jersey · 23-02-2009, 14:53

Only the second boat I have seen that on.........

YouTube - Seadog - self-stowing Washboards

The Mechanism on mine is not so high tech - bungy chord

.....and now no longer 40 years old

. Varnish still to do

Dutch · 23-02-2009, 18:25

Very nice indeed,do you spend much time sailing?
Dutch.

Christian Van H · 23-02-2009, 18:58

Magnificent James! You've won this round my friend. I went the opposite way, and did mine all in Plasteak plastic board. No varnishing, and just traditional drop boards, in Starboard. I have 3 top drop boards...one solid, one with smoked plexi window, and one with screen. Still have to plug the screw holes when it gets alittle warmer

Congrats my friend, shes lookin' great!

**James S** · 23-02-2009, 22:31

Thanks guys

David I like your approach....But I just gotta ask...what’s the hatchet for?

Yes Geo, I do the wood myself, I don’t know of an easier wood to work.
Teak is amazing, it almost always does exactly what you think it will do.

Chris your wash boards are sweet. Your modular design seems well suited for swapping out for the vent or the screen….
Good choice of material....you’ll be sailing when I'll taping off for varnish around those windows.

I don’t spend any time sailing Dutch! Years ago I was full time cruising, on this same boat, I bought her late in 2003 in Alaska, and had some friends sail her to Lebanon.
They arrived late in 04.

Summer of 05 I started gutting her.

Yesterday I finally got the door on!!