DELUXE SEATING NOW AVAILABLE!
FINALLY! I can now list something as completed: The head! Actually both the head and the closet are finished, but the head was a far bigger challenge, and exponentially more difficult to accomplish because it entailed cabinetry, extensive plumbing, and electrical work in very tight confines. I was able to fit everything into the existing space.
The space was impossibly small, which created many problems during installation. For example, PVC hose does NOT like to bend. In spite of the difficulties, I don't think I could have done a better installation. Everything is compact, accessible, functional, and (forgive the brag) looking good!
The following photos show the details:
As of May, 2011, the cabin is essentially finished, and I am pleased. After so many years of effort, at last this is my reward. The following photos demonstrate the "Before" and "After".
The photo below shows the starboard settee and shelf. The shelf surface is formica. The dual burner alcohol stove is in the stowed position, and will be secured by a bungee cord. I closed one curtain to show the appropriate nautical motif. :o) The framed photograph shows the boat as I found her, and is framed in the original (and very weathered) toe rail teak. The stereo speakers, in custom-built boxes, can be moved on deck for entertaining. Under every shelf, I have mounted gear hammocks to hold bedding, etc.
The port settee is a busy place, as evidenced by all of the equipment and controls there. The co-axial cable and wires you see hanging are because I am installing the VHF radio. I have not yet installed GPS equipment. I don't think I can fit it here unless I move the fire extinguisher.
This is the drawer I installed under the companionway, above the icebox. The dividers are removeable, as is the drawer itself. The solid bronze plaque is something I found on e-bay and couldn't resist. For some reason, this photo looks blue. It shouldn't.
Every berth has a fan, a light, and a 12v outlet. These are Carframo Bora fans, because they draw only 0.2 amps at high speed. The photo on the
left shows the fan deployed. The photo on the right shows the fan in the stowed position. The lights have a translucent shade so as not to
confine the LED light, which allows maximum illumination with minimum power. Between each speaker and fan, you can see a 12v outlet from the
Auxiliary circuit. There are 5 of these throughout the boat. I may add more.
The port bulkhead is supposed to have a folding table stowed, but I can't find the mounting hardware I'm looking for. If you know where I can find a tubular sliding hinge and hardware, please mail me.
I have mounted three fire extinguishers: One (shown here) in the V-berth, one in the main cabin, and one in the cockpit. Are there ever enough?
This is the hanging closet converted to cabinet shelves, and storage lockers. The small door at top left is for CD storage, next to the stereo.
I had hoped the shelves would be big enough for sail storage, but it doesn't appear so. There was originally a folding wood door between the
cabin and the head, but I felt it was not practical, so I replaced it with privacy curtains which hang from overhead bungee cords to keep
it simple, and so it wouldn't be a problem if you bump your head into one. I wanted the curtains to add a splash of color.
Finally, here is a view from the V-berth looking aft. There is a drawer under the Companionway. The first step into the cabin is the front end of
the removeable icebox. The second step is the lid of a storage box. There is a hatch in the sole to allow storage atop the keel. The hatches on each
side, which allow access to storage underneath the bunks, are original to the boat. That is why the wood it a bit darker. The lower step is also
original to the boat.
