Here is what we did. Get a piece of either stainless or aluminum
tubing the length of the under seat openings and hang it in a PVC
end cap cut in half lengthwise. Use a full end cap for the end
fastened to the bulkhead. Cut a short piece of PVC, about 1-2 inches
long and use that short piece to slide down the tubing over the
lengthwise-cut end cap "hanger" preventing the tubing from
inadvertently popping out but still securing all your various gear
under the seats. It is a simple and very effective solution. If you
would like a sketch let me know and I'll get it to you via mail, fax
or whatever. I don't have access to a scanner.
Ralph Bibbus
09 Jun 1998
I like it. Helps with the problem of missing the opposite seat and
your feet shooting under. Do you have any problem with the tube in
the cockpit (size or it damaging anything)? I just got off the phone
for the tube, is the length 6 feet or less? I might use foam cover
and plastic plates over the fiberglass, comments. I installed a
Rancor fuel filter that might be in the way.
MJM
We have several plastic containers under our seats. For aggressive
sailing, we have used webbing similar to that used to replace
tailgates on pickups. It is easily sewn and snaps on each end make
for easy access and no toe jamming.
J. Tonjes
S/V Rum Runner
I checked the boat last night, and I am leaning towards cleats and
bungee cords. Where did you mount the snaps?
MJM
The snaps (2) are mounted to the deck...one up by the cabin and the
other by the lazarette. I used the type with the top that turns off
center. Mounted on the ends, keeps everything in place and you don't
find them with bare feet when you really don't want to. My wife did
the sewing on the webbing. It looks and works really well.
J. Tonjes
S/V Rum Runner
We started out using the 10" high, 5-gallon Rubbermaid "Roughneck"
containers for under seat storage. They're not bad; but tend to slip
out from under the seat during aggressive sailing.
For the past several years, we've used the Cabela's Boundary Waters
Bags. They come in two sizes: 22" x 12" x 12" (CH-51-0117-022) for a
bout $25 & 36" x 12" x 16" (CH-51-0117-036) for about $35. Each size
bag can be ordered in either Green or Orange. We have both sizes on
board Dynamic Equilibrium; but find the larger of the two bags to be
the best for under seat storage.
The Boundary Waters Bags are made of a HD nylon reinforced PVC with a
wide Velcro storm flap closure over the zipper. There are HD nylon
strap handles that completely encircle the bag for extra
reinforcement and a snap-on nylon webbing shoulder strap for carrying
ashore. These bags are absolutely waterproof - we also use them for
white water canoe trips and camping trips with my Boy Scout troop.
The bags are soft and moldable to fit into any nook and cranny and
are easy on the toes.
We give each member of the crew a large size bag for personal gear.
Once stuffed under the seat, the bags don't slip out under any
conditions. They also stuff nicely into the odd shaped spaces in
the lazarette compartment and under the port side settee and
V-berths, with no worries about bilge water sloshing up there.
Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
The bags are a nice idea. I think I will get a few for the cabin.
The cockpit storage is being used for the pop-top enclosure, spare
lines, foul weather gear, and engine fluids; a work in progress.
They seem better suited to a hard sided box. The bags might work
better for clothes; might go with a mix.
MJM
What's the lazarette used for? It is such a big area it could store
almost all the listed items. BTW, has anyone properly vented the
lazarette for fuel storage? Finally, since it's in the stern, is
weight and balance a factor in what you’re loading in there?
Alex Bell
In general, I use the lazarette to store the "captain’s seats" at the
dock and the six fenders away from the dock. I am not a fan of
putting any weight back there. I am not a fan of gas back there,
either. I use the cockpit for fuel storage, but we’ve been there
before.
MJM
