tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post2084563338051046090..comments2023-09-25T08:48:48.104-07:00Comments on John Vigor's Blog: Wet feet in the aft endJohn Vigorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215080385571534292noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post-17795497330297555402016-07-30T02:11:21.056-07:002016-07-30T02:11:21.056-07:00Several years ago (in 1980's or so) two Swedis...Several years ago (in 1980's or so) two Swedish boaters converted their boat (somewhat Colin Archer lookalike) so that they removed the footwell in the cockpit - IIRC they had some coamings left in place but in practice the cockpit was part of deck. I think they claimed that it was structurally a lot stronger and they circumanvigated the globe successfully. Also they said that they got a lot more storage room under the removed footwell and in the book jacket they were sitting in the 'cockpit' feet straight and smiling happily... perhaps with good harness arrangements etc would give enough security in such a solution...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post-18184006732601212932016-07-27T17:48:34.032-07:002016-07-27T17:48:34.032-07:00We are not terribly big on couture around here no ...We are not terribly big on couture around here no matter how you slice it, but rubber boots are most definitely de-rigeur. In fact they are common enough to be considered appropriate footwear for any occasion... Top Siders (and related fashionable togs) by comparison, are almost guaranteed to generate levity and unkind comments from local bystanders. <br /><br />So when plotting a course Northwards, leave the haute couture behind and flaunt those brown rubber boots, secure in the knowledge of warm and toasty feet regardless of what type of cockpit sole you have.<br /><br />Oh, and speaking from experience, if the motion of your vessel is violent enough to "fling out" the water from a flooded cockpit, you probably have other, far more pressing issues to deal with... In any case, I have always been amazed at how much can be accomplished with a five gallon bucket when one is well and truly motivated.57 Degrees Northnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post-82463078157311665182016-07-27T16:25:43.801-07:002016-07-27T16:25:43.801-07:00Hi Anon: The simple answer is: before the next bi...Hi Anon: The simple answer is: before the next big swell comes along. But quite frankly I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you had an extra-large cockpit and no bridge-deck to stop the contents of the cockpit from flooding down below through the companionway hatch.<br />There are two makeshift answers to the problem if it really worries you. One is to fill part of the cockpit with a block(s) of polystyrene before you set sail. It should be shaped to fit and well fastened down. The other answer, which I prefer, is to fill the cockpit with bags of sails. They, too, should be well lashed down or held in place by strong lines over the top of the bags. Those lines should be fastened to clips screwed into the cockpit walls at a height you find suitable -- it's always a good plan to have those clips in place for emergencies.<br />The sailbags are nice and soft, but they will make the cockpit shallower, less protective, and more difficult to move around in. You must also make sure that they don't block the cockpit drains. But they will stop an awful of water from gathering in the cockpit and they are quite a comfort if you find yourself safely down below while you're lying ahull in a gale.<br />Cheers,<br />John V.<br /><br />John Vigorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02215080385571534292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post-33524723565174356542016-07-27T11:22:29.224-07:002016-07-27T11:22:29.224-07:00Hi John, in your opinion how fast should a swamped...Hi John, in your opinion how fast should a swamped cockpit drain at sea? Looking at that early Triton a lot of work will be needed to make it an "ocean" cockpit. With all the openings, shifter slot, vertical lazarette opening, etc, it seems more gallons would be in the bilge vs returning to the ocean:) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post-66105554334913749852016-07-27T10:14:43.262-07:002016-07-27T10:14:43.262-07:00Anon, there are quite a few boats that drain the c...Anon, there are quite a few boats that drain the cockpit the way you describe, including racing boats that have no transom whatsoever, in which the water runs out as fast as it runs in. But if you have a "normal" stern and transom, you need a fair amount of freeboard to accommodate a cockpit whose floor is both high enough above water level, and low enough to provide decent protection for the crew.<br />John V.John Vigorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02215080385571534292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266108914902271629.post-69575011027387187482016-07-27T08:59:40.895-07:002016-07-27T08:59:40.895-07:00Hi John,
Why don't small cruising boats have l...Hi John,<br />Why don't small cruising boats have large drains back through the transom like seen on small Wayfarer 16 dinghy? I was looking at an old Pearson Triton and was thinking a 2inch high by 5inch wide tunnel from the aft of the cockpit to the lower edge of the transom which would have a piece of stiff rubber as a flapper valve would work nicely to keep big water out. Those two little drains forward don't look very high flow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com