PDA

View Full Version : Trailer Cruiser Interior


Roger Long
04-30-2005, 06:24 AM
Here is an interior proposal for the trailer cruiser. I’m keeping it to two berths with the idea that fairly long trips will be made in this boat and two is the maximum number that can do that reasonably. The cockpit is large so that it can double as a daysailer for more people.

The berths are higher than suitable for sitting but the best way to keep them dry over long periods and have the optimum cushion thickness for sleeping is not to sit on them. Raising them let them be wider.

Sleeping only berths requires good, dedicated, seats. The one on the starboard side is intended to be the seat for the cook using the galley to port or angled to face the other seat. The table or locker between the starboard seat and berth would enclose the head.

Lack of a bulkhead right at the chainplates and mast will limit construction methods to those that are fairly stiff but this should encompass most of the wood techniques. This wouldn’t be a good arrangement for a lightweight glass boat.

The forward bulkhead would be watertight to keep smells and dampness from the anchor rode out of the cabin. Lockers would be built into it accessible from the berths. There will need to be a couple of vents and a hatch on the foredeck and a separate bilge pumping system.

The cockpit foot well will extend all the way to the transom with the seats extended over so there is a place to stick things like fenders and dockline out of the way. The larger volume will be compensated for by two large freeing ports in the transom with one way flaps. These will empty the cockpit many times faster than any scuppers.

I’m stumped about the engine. I hate the thought of an outboard hanging on the transom. There isn’t enough room for a prop even if there was an inboard small enough. An outboard in a well will create a lot of drag. This would probably be best as a rowboat but that isn’t going to be practical for most people.

I’m just throwing out some ideas here. I’ll be scarce for a while now as I prepare a long complex proposal for a 75 foot research vessel sort of like this one (http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/WHOIrv.htm) . And get the 32 foot sailboat (http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/Boat.htm) we just bought refitted and commissioned. Then, it’s sailing season so we’ll probably have to pick this up again after the leaves fall.

BTW I've become one of the History Channel's talking heads. If you see a rerun of a Deepsea Detectives show called "Sinking by Sabatoge" or an upcoming show about the sinking of the USS Perry, look for me at the end talking about the naval architecture aspects of the casualties. More shows in the works.

http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/Sketch4.jpg

[ 04-30-2005, 07:29 AM: Message edited by: Roger Long ]

JimD
04-30-2005, 08:49 AM
I think it was a Ted Brewer article on the subject of cabin layout that said many contemporary interiors are ruined by an attempt to cram in as many sleeping berths as possible and thereby sacraficing important sitting comfort so I'm glad to see you have recognized the importance of good seating and drawn only two berths.

I'm having a hard time visuallizing how the freeing ports will look for draining the cockpit. Wouldn't surprise me if some builders just drill holes to avoid little swinging doors. As for a motor I'd probably still go for an outboard well in the cockpit and sort out a clever way to raise/tilt it out of the water and plug the hole in the bottom when not in use to minimize drag. It's that or ruin the look of the transom.

I'll watch for you on tv. Always have an eye out for a documentary with a maritime theme.

John Bell
04-30-2005, 09:00 AM
I'd prefer an outboard in a well, well aft. Notch the transom to allow it to be raised.

Your drawing implies that the berths are below the waterline, which seems awfully low. I thought you said they were higher? Or is the waterline shown in plan view from an obsolete set of lines, and the hull will finer than what we see here?

Roger Long
04-30-2005, 10:32 AM
Originally posted by John Bell:
Your drawing implies that the berths are below the waterline,... That's an allowance for hull thickness, shell, ribs, ceiling. It may be built differently but I don't want to burn any bridges at this point. Nothing makes a boat dryer than ceiling so you are not leaning right against the hull.

John Bell
04-30-2005, 10:37 AM
Ah, I see now. Makes a lot of sense.

Meerkat
04-30-2005, 12:48 PM
I guess couples making "fairly long trips" should plan to be celebate... ;)

JimD
04-30-2005, 12:58 PM
Originally posted by Meerkat:
I guess couples making "fairly long trips" should plan to be celebate... ;) How much room does 'that' take? :D

Roger Long
04-30-2005, 01:12 PM
Originally posted by Meerkat:
I guess couples making "fairly long trips" should plan to be celebate... ;) Well, actually, that's why I was trying to get the berths at least that wide. You have to make a lot of compromises for shoal draft trailering and this is just one of them.

Venchka
04-30-2005, 08:24 PM
There are seats, cockpit, deck, beach, woods, etc. for "THAT".

I think I'll tune in for the sub-20' sibling.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

JimD
05-01-2005, 07:11 AM
I think I'll tune in for the sub-20' sibling.
Realistically, me too. About 20 on the nose would be just about perfect.