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06-06-2023, 11:22
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2021
Boat: Islander Bahama 30
Posts: 186
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Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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.
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06-06-2023, 12:25
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: NYC
Boat: Adams 45
Posts: 216
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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.
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06-06-2023, 12:43
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2021
Boat: Islander Bahama 30
Posts: 186
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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!
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06-06-2023, 13:48
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: May 2008
Location: cruising SW Pacific
Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar
Posts: 20,811
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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
__________________
Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II, house-sitting ashore for the winter (and it is weird living ashore!)
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06-06-2023, 14:10
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,476
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
Quote:
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
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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.
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06-06-2023, 14:17
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Warwick NY
Boat: Belliure 41
Posts: 351
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
Have you ever used netting instead of canvas as a lee cloth? Just wondering if it might be less hot, and still comfortable.
dj
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06-06-2023, 14:28
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,476
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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.
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06-06-2023, 15:25
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 889
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
Quote:
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
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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.
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06-06-2023, 15:40
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Boat: Swarbrick S-80
Posts: 831
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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
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06-06-2023, 15:44
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Warwick NY
Boat: Belliure 41
Posts: 351
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
Quote:
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.
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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
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06-06-2023, 22:18
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#11
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Channel Islands, CA
Boat: 1962 Columbia 29 MK 1 #37
Posts: 13,537
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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.
__________________
DL
Pythagoras
1962 Columbia 29 MKI #37
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07-06-2023, 02:52
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,476
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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.
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07-06-2023, 05:38
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Toronto area when not travelling
Boat: Nonsuch 30
Posts: 1,624
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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)
__________________
Have taken on the restoration of the first Nonsuch, which was launched in 1978. Needs some deck work, hull compounding, and a bit of new gear.
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07-06-2023, 17:04
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Jensen Beach, Fl
Boat: O'Day 34
Posts: 384
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Re: Off shore berthing conversion for cruiser
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.
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