Sun Cat - finally a real Pocket Cruiser.

[capt_nemo]

Although I posted this in the Sun Cat section I'm a bit confused about where else to put this for maximum exposure for the benefit of all, Boat Modification? or How to DIY? so I'll just put it here and hope for the best.

First, there was the homemade Step/Two Drawer Storage Module under the Bridgedeck which began efforts to provide organized storage space down below.



That was followed by a Starboard Storage Module up against the cabin bulkhead.



But that was just not enough. After considerable thought and numerous design drawings I finally removed the lower two swing out doors on the Starboard Storage Module above and settled on fabricating this additional extension. It provides a much needed large horizontal countertop with quite a bit of storage capacity inside with flexibility and utility built in.



The large front panel locks behind a trim lip on top and is secured in place by the simple swing lock on the bottom left corner.



When the panel is removed it is simply slid under the countertop for storage out of the way.



With the front panel fully inserted the large cabinet houses a heavy duty sliding shelf with primary use for a 48 qt Igloo Cooler.



When the shelf is unlocked and slid forward access to the cooler is permitted.



If a cooler is not needed the front panel doubles as a shelf with two positions available.



The adjacent large compartment to the right utilizes the shelf left from the removal of the two doors in the other module and adds a large deep compartment for larger items.



After considering all the pros and cons regarding built-in sinks, supply and waste containers, and associated plumbing, I decided to keep it simple, let gravity do its thing and use these along with a large plastic basin.



Recently when out with the WCTSS at Cayo Costa for several days I found a THIRD use for the large front panel - a pull out table surface for writing or eating. (That's a chopped ham and cheddar cheese omlet with buttered toast and coffee!)



By the way, for those of you not familiar with my design and fabrication criteria, all of my Sun Cat modifications are installed with absolutely no holes drilled in the boat or permanent modification of the boat's structure in any way. They are tightly fitted and wedged in with wooden cleats using the existing structure of the boat. Therefore, the boat can be returned to "Factory" condition in a short period of time.

Although there are a few small additional add on details in my mind, I'm quite pleased with my Sun Cat Pocket Cruiser.

[Greene]

What beautiful work you do Cap't Nemo.  It takes a real craftsman to make additions look like they belong there.  This is escpecially true when you are dealing with a sailboat hull with all the curves and odd shapes.  I tip my hat to you sir.

Mike

[bimmerhead]

Absolutely brilliant! Excellent design, execution and usefullness.. My CP-16 is so jealous, she's calling you right now!

But I have to wonder how much does it all weigh? and is she still on her lines or does she list a little to starboard?

I commend you sir, you've gone where few men dare in a Com-Pac!

[capt_nemo]

bimmerhead,

It does not list to starboard. I built it on the starboard side to offset the weight of outboard motor and main anchor/chain/rode in port cockpit locker.

The structures are mainly FRONTS and SIDES with a few interior panels, and supports in the rear to aid in maintaing shape. The Starboard Storage Module (with all the doors) against the cabin bulkhead weighed only 26.2 lbs. Although side panels on the large Module are 1/2", that large countertop is formica covered 1/4" to save weight. I did not weigh the other Modules but would guess all three to be 70 lbs at most. The outboard alone is 65. Anchor system is around 25-30 lbs.

[Salty19]

Now that is some nice cruising candy, Captain!  Well done, very well done!