Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser

[zachduckworth]

Hi,

I have an Islander Bahama 30 which is a great coastal cruiser that is very kindly in rough seas. I have her in SoCal around Long Beach. I’m hoping to take her out and around San Nicholas Island this summer (just to do it) and to the Channel Islands as well. I want to bring a crew of 3-4 on these trips, which will be 2-3 days (San Nicholas would be possibly two days of non-stop sailing). I’m like my crew to be able to sleep safely when not on watch. There is one very secure quarter berth, and space for two in the main cabin. I’m trying to figure out a way to make the main cabin sedans comfortable and safe for sleep when underway. The fix needs to be secure but temporary. Any advice on how to do so is appreciated.

[pjShap]

Maybe install lee cloths for each sedan? A piece of sturdy canvas the length of the bunk, attached to the framing under the cushions. When not in use it folds under the cushions. To use it, include some grommets or bolt rope in the cloth, and pad eyes to tie it up securely.

[zachduckworth]

Awesome advice, that was just what i needed. I already know how i’m do this. I’ll just need to install a few eye bolts in the cabin and set up the cloths. Easy!

[Jim Cate]

IMO lee cloths should not be full length of the bunk, for that makes getting in and out quite awkward. A lengty h which supports ones body from around the knee to the shoulder is about right. When done correctly it makes a very snug and comfortable sea berth.

Jim

[Scubaseas]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

IMO lee cloths should not be full length of the bunk, for that makes getting in and out quite awkward. A lengty h which supports ones body from around the knee to the shoulder is about right. When done correctly it makes a very snug and comfortable sea berth.

Jim

This.

I like them rigged with snap clips with eye ends so you can adjust it while in but easily get out quickly if you want to. Pack clothes into soft sided duffel bags and use them to wedge yourself in. Have at least one good pillow for each crew member. Having fans above the berths is also a good idea as is flexible reading lights. The lee cloths on my Pearson 323 are bolted to the settee frame and stow under the cushion when not in use although we always seem to have one set up just to store stuff like ditch bag, spare gear, etc.. The other side (top of the cloth) clips onto through bolted pad eyes.

[dlj]

Have you ever used netting instead of canvas as a lee cloth? Just wondering if it might be less hot, and still comfortable.

dj

[Scubaseas]

I've always used canvas. I'd worry about stuff getting caught on netting. Like belt buckles. or the latch on my tool box as I walk by. I suppose it might would work OK though? I've never been hot because it's canvas. Fans help a lot as does a good set of dorades.

[SailingHarmonie]

Originally Posted by dlj

Have you ever used netting instead of canvas as a lee cloth? Just wondering if it might be less hot, and still comfortable.

dj

Comfortable? Not! Bare skin out against netting will be pretty uncomfortable, although something with a fine enough weave might be tolerable. Remember, on one tack you'll be hard against it.

Our boat was designed and rigged with lee boards on every berth. A great solution, but figuring where to store the boards in a conversion can be a challenge.

[ChrisJHC]

You could always think about slinging hammocks.

Easy to make out of ripstop nylon and pack away to almost nothing when not in use.

You’d need to make sure the attachment points are strong enough for the job.

https://www.hammockforums.net

[dlj]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

Comfortable? Not! Bare skin out against netting will be pretty uncomfortable, although something with a fine enough weave might be tolerable. Remember, on one tack you'll be hard against it.

Our boat was designed and rigged with lee boards on every berth. A great solution, but figuring where to store the boards in a conversion can be a challenge.

Yeah, not sure about that, they make hammocks from webbing, here's one from L. L. Bean. I guess it depends upon the fabric and mesh...

dj

[Don C L]

Hi Zach, look for me when you get up to the Channel Islands! (If all goes well, I'll be out there with the kids often.) You got the tips you need about lee cloths, though I would eschew the use of netting personally.

[Scubaseas]

Phifertex mesh might work for you. It's strong enough and the mesh size is very small but it does breath. I've used it for clothes storage bags in the vee berth.

[AiniA]

Depending on where handholds are you might be able to use them for lee cloth attachments. We found that running a line from grommets (we had about five) in the lee cloth around the handrails and then finally to a large jam cleat mounted on a line on the headmost grommet, made it easy to get in and out. On the bottom of the lee cloth we used heavy-duty velcro between the cloth and berth platform (under the cushion)

[Quadrille in JB]

Leeboards or lee sheets are a great idea. After many nights sailing in the Med I found my bunk with the board was cozy and comfortable. With the board in the bunk was barely wider than my shoulders, but I never had to worry about bracing myself every time the boat rolled to prevent myself from getting tossed on the floor. Without the board every time the boat rolls you have to adjust your position to prevent yourself from falling out on the floor.