One of the problems with a CC can be the lack of shade in the cockpit. You can't run a joining cover from the back of the dodger to the bimini on the stern rail because the mainsheet runs to the traveller from the end of the boom halfway along the aft deck area. I was thinking it would be possible to install a frame just forward of the traveller so that I could run such a cover over the cockpit whilst underway. It would need an opening at the helm where the helmsman's head would stick out (my head comes to just below the boom when sail is down, traveller is centred and mainsheet cinched down). I have seen boats in colder regions do such a thing (eg. Drake on Paragon).
Has anyone ever seen a centre cockpit boat with such a setup? Is this stupid?
The mainsheet and boom would need not to interfere with the frame when running.
It could serve as a boom crutch type thing (though I'm not sure there's any advantage in that to a topping lift, which I have).
It could be ugly if done wrong but could be very useful and may look okay if done right.
DrRog I designed the Binimi shade enclosure for my old C/C it worked rather well for 5 years of cruising although I could not use it while tacking with the main as it was attached to the end of the boom however I could extend the line to the backstay if I was on a long reach. I used a stainless tube inside the aft section to give it some shape and I had zip and clip clears and shades for the sides and back so I could fully enclose it. It could simply tie bunched up on the dodger when not in use or it could just zip off and stored below decks. Hope this can help in your quest. Regards southace
Another pic. Not the best but may give you some ideas. She's all tied down Waiting for a cyclone!
Select to expand quotesouthace said..
DrRog I designed the Binimi shade enclosure for my old C/C it worked rather well for 5 years of cruising although I could not use it while tacking with the main as it was attached to the end of the boom however I could extend the line to the backstay if I was on a long reach. I used a stainless tube inside the aft section to give it some shape and I had zip and clip clears and shades for the sides and back so I could fully enclose it. It could simply tie bunched up on the dodger when not in use or it could just zip off and stored below decks. Hope this can help in your quest. Regards southace
Mate, that is extreeemely helpful. Lots of ideas there. I just couldn't get Google to give me anything. Thanks so much!
My traveller is further aft - beyond the hatch, so I have another metre or so to play with than you did on Sea Princess.
Today I'm doing some engineering to mount my Aft self Taylor's for the Headsail....I will need to get the cover altered so I can have some zip up flaps for when I need to sheet, basicly I will be able to stay fully enclosed on all points of the wind! That's the good thing about a Aft cockpit binimi with forward mainsheeting the down side is I need to stand up to look forward over the cabin not like C/Cpit yachts!
Hi Dr
I have an awning on yachtambler (google for various photos) it is mounted on 2 roll bars the aft is forward of my main sheet track. The forward is onto my hard dodger. All mounted via 4 flag pole sockets 32mm diameter, to allow for the slight off camber of dodger and cockpit combing. I added extra bar above aft one for boom to rest on when not underway. All pipe is 32mm stainless.
cheers
Select to expand quoteAmbler said..
Hi Dr
I have an awning on yachtambler (google for various photos) it is mounted on 2 roll bars the aft is forward of my main sheet track. The forward is onto my hard dodger. All mounted via 4 flag pole sockets 32mm diameter, to allow for the slight off camber of dodger and cockpit combing. I added extra bar above aft one for boom to rest on when not underway. All pipe is 32mm stainless.
cheers
Might be better with a link to your photos. Google images has lots of yachts, none like yours.
Select to expand quoteAmbler said..
Hi Dr
I have an awning on yachtambler (google for various photos) it is mounted on 2 roll bars the aft is forward of my main sheet track. The forward is onto my hard dodger. All mounted via 4 flag pole sockets 32mm diameter, to allow for the slight off camber of dodger and cockpit combing. I added extra bar above aft one for boom to rest on when not underway. All pipe is 32mm stainless.
cheers
Thanks Wayne. Gee, you have some beautiful photos of some stunning places on your blog!
I'm wondering about your setup. The frame looks very close to the traveller. It looks as though the mainsheet would be wrapping around the base of the frame when the main is eased as far as it can go. Or do you ensure that you drop the traveller to leeward before easing the main (which I never do)?
Also, have you ever accidentally gybed with this setup and nearly taken the frame out?
Cheers,
Rog
I do move the traveller out when running or reaching. I otherwise centre it. I haven't had any issues with gybes as the boom is longer and the 6:1 main sheet isn't vertical. The back roll bar is very thick about 5mm stainless that I found at a scrap metal dealer. The front is 2mm.
I hope you found some good piccs of the setup to study amongst the scenery
What design is your boat?
Between the rollbars is 25mm Stainless pipe attached via standard stainless canopy fittings so It can all be removed for any reason (engine hoisting etc). I have unlaced the canopy (vinyl) once just before a storm hit us in the Tasman 8 years ago, I haven't removed it since.
Sorry for the late reply we have just rejoined Ambler after a week spent in Sydney which included the annual trip to the skin specialist!
A buff is a highly recommended thing to wear as well for the reflected sun. Outdoor stores for those.
cheers
Wayne
Select to expand quoteAmbler said..
I do move the traveller out when running or broad reaching. I otherwise centre it. I havn't have any issues with gybes as the boom is longer and the 6:1 main sheet isn't vertical. The back roll bar is very thick about 5mm stainless that I found at a scrap metal dealer. The front is 2mm.
I hope you found some good piccs of the setup to study amongst the scenery
What design is your boat?
5mm thick - wow, that's serious.
Adams 31.
It wouldn't need to be 5mm. It was a piece of Tallawarra power station once.
I sailed yesterday into Whangarei with the main eased and traveller centred. The 6:1 mainsheet was deflected about 10 degrees on the aft roll bar a third the way from the base.
My awning is great for catching rain. It has a sink fitting through the centre and hose attached via nylex click apart fittings.
One day I may install clears around it but the next project is to fit clears to the aft edge of the dodger to keep the rain out and the warmth in when on watch.
That's really interesting, Childsplay. Thanks for the PM too. Yes, very much like that except your frame is behind your traveller and you have a lot of extra room on a 40 footer.
It looks like a powerboat bimini with rod holders. Do you ever use those? :)
Nice to see how other people have dealt with the issue.
DrRog, centre Bimini is actually self supporting, independent of the rear targa. The infil flap is only zipped up when we are not sailing. When sailing it is unzipped, and tensioned down to the deck (clips on the bungie chord), the gap is sufficient for the main sheet to pass through.
the rod holders are really handy, when they are not holding rods, they are great for solar lights etc.
