Older sailors and boat must-have features

[SuW]

Originally Posted by sailormed

The most compact compliant emergency ladder. If it is useable? I doubt it.

I've tried climbing into various boats with rope ladders. They are unusable for me because as soon as I put weight on a rung and pull up, my legs go under the boat and I overbalance and fall back. It would probably work on a ship or quay where there is a vertical wall...

[SuW]

Originally Posted by davil

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amen to your points.
Just replaced my aging (1987 vintage) dodger and bimini, ADDED full cockpit enclosure with clear panels.
At 81 my bones resent exposure to being soaking wet and cold, amazing how nice it feels, not that I spend a lot of time at the wheel but sometimes conditions require.
Expensive, actually most expensive project I have done, but less expensive than changing boats.

Yes we did this. It took a long time to get it right (we did it ourselves) but now it's like we have another living room! Even when raining it's reasonably dry, very bright and warm.
We made two different zip-in panels to go between the dodger and bimini; one in Sunbrella for sunny days and one in clear vinyl for rainy days.

We should have done it years ago!

I think the Pardeys used to say the best boat is the one you already have!

[Quebramar]

Originally Posted by SuW

I've found that you don't need the line to actually drag in the water. A swimmer can reach at least 18"/0.5m above the water line. A double overhand knot at the end is enough to keep it hanging down.

As you say, replace when it's worn out.

I’ve done this 8 years ago. The line is still there, knot still fit. I tested the system several times, works fine.

[davil]

Originally Posted by SuW

Yes we did this. It took a long time to get it right (we did it ourselves) but now it's like we have another living room! Even when raining it's reasonably dry, very bright and warm.
We made two different zip-in panels to go between the dodger and bimini; one in Sunbrella for sunny days and one in clear vinyl for rainy days.

We should have done it years ago!

I think the Pardeys used to say the best boat is the one you already have!

===========================
I love the Pardey's views, they were motivators and inspirational when I first started my "sailing/cruising career"

Always stuck to "smaller is good" "simple is good" "go now", best boat to go cruising? "the one you have and if paid for" etc.

I cruised extensively with my wife on a Tartan 34 and was plenty comfy, best of all, paid for.!!

Now, just me, 30 ft is plenty!! and the enclosed cockpit will add both safety and comfort.

Like your idea of two type of connectors.

Also may make another set of side panels using a breathable material like
https://www.sailrite.com/Phifertex-Mesh-White-000-54

Have something like this while cruising Panama and was very nice.

[SuW]

Originally Posted by davil

===========================
I love the Pardey's views, they were motivators and inspirational when I first started my "sailing/cruising career"
Always stuck to "smaller is good" "simple is good" "go now", best boat to go cruising? "the one you have and if paid for" etc.
I cruised extensively with my wife on a Tartan 34 and was plenty comfy, best of all, paid for.!!
Now, just me, 30 ft is plenty!! and the enclosed cockpit will add both safety and comfort.
Like your idea of two type of connectors.
Also may make another set of side panels using a breathable material like
https://www.sailrite.com/Phifertex-Mesh-White-000-54
Have something like this while cruising Panama and was very nice.

The sides of our enclosure are Sunbrella with Phifertex panels. The Sunbrella can be zipped down (frown-style) to expose the Phifertex. It's really sunny in Ontario in summer so shade is more needed mode, at anchor. It's private enough to shower in the cockpit...

We thought about clear vinyl sides, but we had an old Sunbrella sunshade and used that. We can drive the boat safely with the zipped up parts down.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by SuW

The sides of our enclosure are Sunbrella with Phifertex panels. The Sunbrella can be zipped down (frown-style) to expose the Phifertex. It's really sunny in Ontario in summer so shade is more needed mode, at anchor. It's private enough to shower in the cockpit...



We thought about clear vinyl sides, but we had an old Sunbrella sunshade and used that. We can drive the boat safely with the zipped up parts down.

I just did the same but as we are in the tropics opted not to have a cover over the Phifertex... Even in heavy squalls the Phifertex decants the rain from getting to the seats.
Decided to also make some Fwd and Aft curtains for those late afternoon sun hits and to cut down on the wind fwd.
Has made this large cockpit area very liveable

[davil]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

I just did the same but as we are in the tropics opted not to have a cover over the Phifertex... Even in heavy squalls the Phifertex decants the rain from getting to the seats.
Decided to also make some Fwd and Aft curtains for those late afternoon sun hits and to cut down on the wind fwd.
Has made this large cockpit area very liveableAttachment 266119Attachment 266120

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can see trough the fabric your solar panels,are they flat on top of the bimini or there is a layer to protect the fabric?

[davil]

Another feature for "older sailors", just replaced the steering wheel with a smaller, after years of tripping over, losing my balance and crashing on the sides trying to move and get behind the wheel with no room between the wheel and the sides of the cockpit now much easier without the gymnastics.

I don't spend much time at the wheel as mostly is on self steering and when I need to get to it, is because is urgent and need my attention.

[MicHughV]

Mike,
What you need is a willing and able wench....yes, you read that right....wench, not winch.
That's the simple fact of the matter.

[Cpt Mark]

Originally Posted by davil

========================================

question


need ideas to rig an emergency ladder to be deployed FROM the water.

Currently, have a midship permanently attached folding 3 sections ladder

thanks

I bought a 4 step telescoping ladder, Folds very compact and stays flat on my swim step but easy to reach and because it telescopes, doesn't whack you in the head. Very happy with it

[chrisr]

for this pair of old pharts the most important must-have feature is multiple bathrooms (read toilets). we currently have 3 - and this is only just enough for the two of us

cheers,

[SuW]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

I just did the same but as we are in the tropics opted not to have a cover over the Phifertex... Even in heavy squalls the Phifertex decants the rain from getting to the seats.
Decided to also make some Fwd and Aft curtains for those late afternoon sun hits and to cut down on the wind fwd.
Has made this large cockpit area very liveable

Very nice boat! Nice job with the screens, too.

Yes, when I do the curtains again, I'll probably just go with Phifertex screens. As you say, it is reasonable in rain. Especially if it is sloping inwards.

[Rumrace]

I’m 69 + shipping and handling. I had to have 3 power winches, air, gen, new mattresses. I got rid of a much larger power boat.
Go in massive debt buy a 40.01 Beneteau 2 cabin electric toilet power winches a nice Dinghy, put the boat in grand child’s name take out mortgage insurance in case of death.
Not that I would do anything so underhanded.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by davil

==================================

can see trough the fabric your solar panels,are they flat on top of the bimini or there is a layer to protect the fabric?

My Bimini is a lightweight composite material integral to the solar panels. By doing this I made it completely watertight and gained a lot of extra headroom underneath. There is no canvas on top.. Just side curtains and fore/aft screens. Strong enough to walk on for maintenance but not for dancing.