best cup holder for a compac......

[Salty19]

Brack-

I've not seen that mentioned before, but I like the idea. 

Since you're a woodworker, a custom cover with hinges would be a great project.  That cover is #$*$ heavy on the 19's..wood is lighter and perhaps would be easier to deal with save varnishing.

As skip mentioned having the cupholder makes it easier to pull the cover off.  I just grab the cup holder assembly, or the lanyard I tied to it with my right hand and the bottom vertical piece with left hand...lift straight off.  Less awkward.  I like it on top so my legs aren't hitting it.  No one can sit in that spot anyway.

[Billy]

I agree PITA to lift. but the teak guides look to good to just remove. I'm not so sure that is a good idea though. Here is why. The weight is supported by being wedged into place (like a nail). If you remove the guides, and add hinges the weight will then be supported by the hinges and nothing will keep it from slipping forward except the hinges. I stand on mine often, and I'm not sure it would support my beaming girth.

But, it is a pain to raise and lower.

[brackish]

Salty, I've considered that (custom teak hinged cover) and it may become a winter woodworking project(yes Admiral, I've not forgotten the dining room furniture).  I think a little more teak and a little less weight on the tail would be a good thing.

Billy, the cover is level and the down force is supported at the lip on the back and both sides, the force forward even if you stand on it should be minor, a couple of heavy SS hinges or a piano hinge should hold fine.  Now getting to the nuts on the back side might be an issue.  Let's see, the Admiral is fairly small......

[Billy]

Yea, I forgot about the lips at the sides and back. sorry

I did see a 23 a while back that had speakers installed there. I think it was on sailfar.net. If he can get back there to install the speakers.

Also I know the new picnic cats have a teak step.
http://www.com-pacyachts.com/trailerable-catboats/picnic-cat-photogallery.html

check image 1 of 12

[Craig Weis]

"Taking this a bit off topic, has anyone tried to or considered putting hinges on the back of the fuel locker cover so that it pivots up rather than coming straight up, loose."

Of course I don't like that hinge idea. What...I take that hatch/cover over the fuel tank up three times a season. And that also means drilling HOLES into the fiberglass. I don't like that.

Bolting the organizer on the fuel tank drop-down cover allows for a nice handle to lift the cover up, out, and away. Also something to hang on to when scrubbing the cover up and then dipping it into the drink.

skip.

[brackish]

"Taking this a bit off topic, has anyone tried to or considered putting hinges on the back of the fuel locker cover so that it pivots up rather than coming straight up, loose."

Of course I don't like that hinge idea. What...I take that hatch/cover over the fuel tank up three times a season.
skip.

Well that would be nice, but I access much more often.  Keep the fuel bulb under there to avoid continuous UV exposure.   I have two tanks, and when using the smaller, manual vent tank (which I prefer), I close the vent when not in use.  My motor starter quick disconnect is under there and I have to use it every time I launch or retrieve for a tow.  Essentially, I'm in there at least twice every time I sail or tow.

As mentioned, a little more teak, a little less tail weight, easier and quicker, one handed access, all desireable things with no real negatives.  A little winter wood shop work with teak, something I enjoy.  It will probably make the list this winter.  And to take this back on topic, I'll probably try to incorporate cup holders when I do.

Last year my thoughts were to build it with a step so that two 3 gal tanks could fit with the long dimension parallel to the centerline of the boat.  Step necessary because the tanks are too long and without a drop down step the length of the cover would interfere with the side hatch opening.  However, bought a Bombardier 6 gal instead so that is not necessary.

[Salty19]

Sounds like a great plan to me.  Maybe cupholders on top and small tray on the foreward vertical edge (for holding charts, small radios, etc)?
May as well create as much useful and out of the way storage as possible!

[brackish]

Sounds like a great plan to me.  Maybe cupholders on top and small tray on the foreward vertical edge (for holding charts, small radios, etc)?
May as well create as much useful and out of the way storage as possible!

Good ideas.  Maybe a couple of brackets on the front edge that would support a cantilevered cockpit table.

[Billy]

Brackish,
Now you're talking!

[jimyoung]

Best cup holder I have ever found was my right hand!
Capt'n Jim

[Pacman]

Best cup holder I have ever found was my right hand!
Capt'n Jim

+1 Capt'n Jim! 

In a pinch when I need to use both hands, like openinga bottle of wine, I sometimes set a cup on the floor between my feet.

[rdcvsmith]

I looked for that teak drink / binocular holder that Skip found at WM. It wasn't in stock but they had a similar design in a hard plastic - on sale for $29 . . . I like the looks of wood but this was in stock, I like the rounded corners and it fits drink coozies!



http://marinco.com/product/four-drinkbinocular-rack-white-poly

[Greene]

We liked the idea of of the cup/binocular holder attached to the fuel tank cover/seat.   We built a quick one out of some scrap mahogany and hardwood dowels with the intention of fastening it within the cockpit.   We used it several times and found that it was really convenient to be able to move it around the cockpit to wherever you needed it.  It never moved even at 20 degrees of heel.  So, we decided to use contact glue and attach some non-skid green material to the base of it and leave it free to roam about the boat.  We also take it into the cabin at night to hold our drinks upright.  Total cost:  $2.00?



The small rectangular opening in the front is for our handheld VHF.

Mike and B

[bob lamb]

Now that's pretty!  And the price is rights

BobL

[rmotley]

OK -  I like it - I have lost too many "beverages" due to spills - I have scrap mahogany laying around the shop - Please give me dims for the cup holder and what "green" material did you use?