Making Lee Cloths

[nelson.peter]

I am preparing to make some lee cloths for a transAtlantic passage (and more!). I have a way to secure a 3' section in the middle of the bunk and I was thinking that would allow freedom of movement at the head and feet.

The alternative is to build a 6' lee cloth. But then, it seems you are always running into the thing with your pillow or whatever.

Does anyone have any comments on this? Will a 3' lee cloth be sufficient? It seems to me it would. But I only have limited experience in such matters.

Thanks.

[Hud3]

I had some made for the settees in the saloon. I believe they were about 4' long. You definitely don't need a full 6', but I think 3' might be a bit short.

Photos of mine are here: Link.

[CharlieCobra]

Those look good Hud3

[Hud3]

They're nice! Bullet-proof, and the mesh bag that clips on the back keeps all your on-watch gear where you can find it in a hurry.

[nelson.peter]

Oooh! I like the pouch idea. I think I will incorporate that into them. Thanks for the idea.

[GordMay]

As Hud says, you don’t need (or want) full 6 Ft lee cloths. I like knee to shoulder support (about 3' - 4", in my case).
After you’ve achieved adequate support, you have to think of how you will make a quick exit. Don’t trap yourself into a closed coffin.

[keelbolts]

One boat I sailed on had some sort of rig that allowed you to tension the lines from your bunk. I can't recall what kind of mechanism was used. Perhaps some type of buckle or snap shackle would work for a quick egress.

[Weyalan]

use mesh if you can... you will be thankful of the air in hot climes

[roger.waite]

Originally Posted by GordMay

After you’ve achieved adequate support, you have to think of how you will make a quick exit. Don’t trap yourself into a closed coffin.

... I was just planning to crawl along the roof!

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by GordMay

After you’ve achieved adequate support, you have to think of how you will make a quick exit. Don’t trap yourself into a closed coffin.

How about a round turn with a slipped half hitch? The owner of the boat that I use for advanced and yachtmaster offshore has just added a lee cloth for me in the saloon. I was thinking I would try that. Comments?

Thanks

Jack

[Hud3]

I use a clove hitch. Easy to snug up tight, and easy to untie.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Hud3

I use a clove hitch. Easy to snug up tight, and easy to untie.

Of course.

Thanks

Jack

[ka4wja]

Nelson, et al,

I've got considerable time sleeping in bunks with Lee Cloths or Lee Boards, and designed and built my own for my boat....as well as rigged some temporarily on other's boats......

1) A good rule of thumb is:
36" - 45" long cloths or boards will usually work best.....

Make sure that not only are they Very Strong, but also that their mounting and attachment set-up is also Ver strong and secure....
You may be surprised at how much force your body can place on them, when gust or wave pushes you hard in your bunk......and you do not wnat to land on the hard cabin sole!

2) Also, in my opinion, smooth canvas is better than mesh.......
(I've sleep in bunks with both, and smooth canvas is the hands-down winner!!!!)

If you're sailing long passages in warm weather, you'll most probably not be wearing much when in the bunk, and if you've felt the mesh rubbing against your skin (especially if sun-burnt, wind-burnt, or a bit "salty"), you'll know why I recommend smooth canvas!!!!

Now, if you're in cool climates, and will be wearing garments to sleep in and/or have blankets, etc. your bare skin will not be up against mesh, but in this case, it's doubtful that you'll be hot enough to be concerned about airflow....


3) Their exact length will be determined by a few things...
a) Acessibilty into and out-of the specific bunk...(that's why I have differnt length cloths on my boat...)
b) Size and weigth of crew using the bunk...
c) Cabin design/layout, ability to easily rig/adjust the cloths...
d) Ventilation desired / required....
e) Specific desires of you and crew (do you want to be closed-in a "coffin-like" container????)

4) On my boat, I made lee cloths for 3 berths, including a queen-sized pullman (36" and 42" long cloths), which can be adjusted fairly easily......
And, I'm able to adjust them fore/aft +/- 6", to allow "customizing" for different crew.....(my sister is 5' 2".....I'm 5' 11" and a Big Guy......my brother is 6' 5".....and my designs allow for any of us to sleep well at sea in any of my bunks...)
I've also built lee boards for my aft cabin centerline queen berth, which also work well......

See photos here Starboard Lee Cloth and
Lee Boards/Cloths

{ Although you can't see them all in these photos, I have two Hella 12 volt fans each, in both aft and forward cabins, allowing good ventilation.....and have six Hella 12 volt fans in the main cabin (with my 2 "settee" berths) also allowing for good ventilation....(also have one in each head)
Lots of fans, yes....but if you are sailing long ocean passages in warm weather, you'll be glad to have the air moving!!!!! }

This set-up has worked well for me for the past 5 years, including 2 Atlantic crossings.....

5) My last thought.....
Don't always believe what you read in the books......
If you're unsure, take a rest in a bunk on a friends boat with lee cloths, or rig up a "non-functional / semi-functional" model on your boat and experiment.....

I hope I helped...

John

[nelson.peter]

Thanks, John, for weighing in. That was helpful. I had already made my lee cloths by the time you added yours. 48" and mesh. But I think in spite of your comments, they will work out fine. We'll see.

What your photos reinforced in me is the need to support the cloth in the middle. I was going to just support the two ends. But after seeing yours, am having to rethink that and figure out a way to get some mid-cloth attachment points.

[Dutch]

The May/June issue of Good Old Boat deals with Leecloths on page 48.
Dutch.