Sawzall+trailer sailor=new deck saloon cruiser?

[ketchcng]

I rebuilt my Rhodes Chesapeake 32 for four years and have sailed her for 20. Great boat and fun project.

I am considering another project and was hoping for some thoughts on the design.

I'm looking to modify a boat that can be trailered and used as a floating home, still able to sail. I envision removing the cabin sides and coach roof and moving all of that forward just aft of the mast; creating a deck saloon boat of sorts. The cockpit could be 4-6 feet long, hopefully pushed all the way to the stern (Catalina 22?). The deck saloon would have the seating and the galley. Stepping down the vberth would be the sleeping area and I still need a space for a head.

Here are a few questions and also hoping folks can give their two cents on the project.

What would the inside layout look like, especially the space under the deck saloon, the space aft of the mast? Could a bed with sitting height fit aft of the companionway steps?

What trailer sailor boats lend themselves to this type of conversion?

Inboard or outboard?

Thanks
Christian

[tkeithlu]

Good morning, Christian.

I think this question is going to require a marine architect going over your plans. The difficulty answering it here is the magnitude of the project and the number of specific questions inside that. In my own mind at the moment are questions about bulkhead locations, effect on the rig, location of the rudderpost, headroom, balance; it's endless.

You might be able to get some opinions from the group if you showed us drawings.

One member is currently involved in a major build and frequently poses specific questions. He gets specific answers.

Good luck with the (very big) project.

[Boatguy30]

Check out the Bolger Superbrick. I'm thinking of a similar thing. I think one issue is the beam required to have a comfortably wide enough deck saloon.

[Rumrace]

I’ve seen some amazing ideas on Pinterest
Don’t have any myself. I love the old 19’ cedar strip racers of yor. There are a couple around. True trailer queens despite their age look lovely. Some early fibreglass hand laid versions are at one club I visited. The interior are little more than sail lockers but large sitting height. I’ve seen McGregor I think they are called. Water ballast and designed for trailer pocket cruiser. They have put a lot of thought into trailer cruisers.

[ketchcng]

The superbrick looks fascinating, although would be a build from scratch. I was hoping to get a hull and motor and rigging and modify the boat for 80% living and 20% sailing.

[bcboomer]

MacGregor 26X or 26M? Wouldn't need changing.

[ohdrinkboy]

I believer the Helms 24 has standing headroom.....no sawzall required.