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Living on board full time Modifications part 1

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zeil
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Canada
1314 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/12/2007 : 22:51:14

Before and during our one year trip we made a variety of modifications and additions to the boat... some new and some already shared...

Feel free to request more detail

V berth shelf with teak carved fiddle. Note: the teak spacers are added to both sides next to the hull to raise the shelf several inches. Spacers are held in place with Velcro

TV MP3 CD and Photo display shelf with book storrage shelf below. The unit is clipped with small aluminum angle clips to behind the teak hull strip. The other side is suspended with a small SS plate held in place with one existing screw holding the head's door railing in place. The lower shelf is suspended from the top shelf with 2 small teak strips and one carved figure head. The TV's antenna is installed in the V berth taped to the hull. A second cable is stored on board in case cable TV is available. The TV unit has an remote control.

Close-up of the carving...(one of my hobbies)

Our teak table with slide-out side extensions and fold-up extension.
The table is mounted to the SS pipes that came with the boat and the table can be easily be installed in the cockpit as well. Although discussed while at the factory(Florida) we fail to understand why Catalina does not change its position. BTW we absolutely love the table, its flexibility and functionality.

Table with extension down. Note: The hinged section is quickly removed and unit can be set-up using the holders provided in the cockpit.

Reading material baskets placed below the table and held in place with removable clips mounted to the standard SS tube legs. BTW the baskets were always full with a variety of daily used stuff

Gas detector unit located next to the counter with actual gas sniffer installed below the propane bottle installed in the galley's cupboard.

Although it looks perhaps a little cluttered, everything has its place and is instantly available when you need it including a small first aid bag. We particularly liked our 2 sets of LED headlights, suspended from the swing arm of the depth sounder and were used almost daily. The blue bag containing the GPS, hand held compass and wind meter is also suspended from the home-made depth sounders swing arm.

Storage shelf added behind the head and suspended from the wet-lockers wall. We used this shelf exclusively for boats and other papers, Johanna's purse, emergency flashlight, flares, 1 million fc flashlight and other valuables. The location of the shelf is somewhat out-of the way... to get at it you have to remove other stuff, kneel in front of the companion stair and grab stuff around the corner. Since the shelf is entirely suspended above the aft berth cushions in an out-of the way corner we could not have done without it.

Too bad we were already half way before we picked-up this little handy shopping cart which served us well especially when the boat was some distance from a grocery store. Since it is insulated we also used it as a cooler to store drinks, water and other happy hour beverages...

The home-made plexi glass hatch cover was used exclusively except when traveling or when the boat needed to be locked up. Notice the teak closure strip which we removed if some ventilation was required and put in place when the weather was cold or miserable. It is bar none the best addition and allows besides more light a open and wonderful cockpit view. We just love it!!

You better not travel Ontario in the summer without screens. The idea of using 3/8 dowels with corners made of plastic tubing to support the screen worked perfect.. what is even more... it is easy and flexible to store... Thanks Jerry Mulvihill

Johanna came up with the idea to Velcro screen material to 3/8 plastic doorstops strips and slide this in the hatch opening when the hatch is down. Worked great and provided an airflow opening during warm nights
Cost... about 10 bucks

The same Velcro'd to a plastic doorstop frame screen is used in vertical position in combination with the pop-top. When not in use it rolls up into a very small tight bundle and can be stored anywhere. Way to go Johanna...!!!

Best of all!!
This image shows the pop-tops home-made added SS frame allowing the hatch to be in down position while the pop-top stays up.
We did not realize until later that this combination also eliminates mildew forming dampness between hatch and pop-top fabric by allowing some airspace and ventilation
Both the hatch vertical and horizontal screens are installed to provide maximum ventilation and protection from sun and/or rain.
In our humble opinion another winner... almost every day we enjoyed this combination

Although insufficient to power all and everything on board at the same time, the fact that it is a whispering Honda and fits, out of the way, in the coaming compensates amply for its only 350 volt output. It gave us, during the trip, a real sense of independence wherever we went. BTW it starts at the first pull and runs 3 hours on less than a quart. (3/4liter) BTW the items next to the unit are tow sun showers which we used frequently and with pleasure during our Trent/Severn portion of the trip. Shore showers were few and far between. (We showered once in the middle of town in the cockpit of the boat with much interest shown by the locals)

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

Edited by - zeil on 10/12/2007 22:54:21

britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 10/12/2007 : 23:53:08

Henk, really like your TV shelf! Can I steal that concept!

paul

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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1314 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 00:15:56

By all means Paul... steal away...

if you wish dimensions or more detail feel free to let me know...

FYI To keep cost down and speed up the project I used one piece maple pre-finished 1/2 flooring and sprayed the bottom an off-white to match the hull. Compliments to Wall mart who provided it as a free sample... it was sufficient to do both shelves.

Edited by - on

zeil
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Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 00:21:17

Paul: forgot to mention that the fiddles are made from teak and the shelves only are made from the pre-finished floor board

Edited by - on

britinusa
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Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 09:17:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">the shelves only are made from the pre-finished floor board<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hmmm, is that HD particle board? or is it a laminated plywood?

We have the TV/DVD combo on a shelf above/outboard of the galley sink, not the ideal location. Does your tv location have any downsides?

We also keep the remotes (I know, remotes in a cabin that size!

) attached to the cabin sides with velcro with a second spot close at hand to the v-berth.

Your screens are excellent!

More pics!

Paul

Edited by - britinusa on 10/13/2007 09:18:18

Nautiduck
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Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 12:19:05

I am not worthy. I am not worthy.

Henk, you are incredible! Beautiful mods. Carving some of the components puts you in a class all your own.

Where do you store your hatchboard and the plexi hatch board? Looks like the head wall is taken up.

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zeil
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1314 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 19:46:13

It's a lot of fun doing these projects... glad you like it...

Just to clarify... the plexi glass hatch allows a 2" top ventilation opening. Rain water will drip down without entering the cabin. The teak section will neatly close this area if it is cold and/or blowing.

To make sure that both plexi and the boats hatch can be stored together in its normal location, I've added a 1/4 inch slightly tapered teak strip to widen the storage slot. (Picture just visible in the bottom right hand corner) In spite of being cluttered it remains fairly easy to store/retrieve either or both hatches from storage. As shown the additional shelf is supported from the head's bulkhead and from the wet lockers wall

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
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Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 20:11:56

That generator is something to produce 350 volts... er... did you mean watts?

Very very nice mods to make the cruisin go better.

I also agree, the carvings yield a personal and warm touch.

I give the table very high marks on both appearance and function.

Edited by - on

iain
1st Mate

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Canada
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Response Posted - 10/13/2007 : 21:26:46

zeil, i really like your carvings.
would you be interested in doing larger carvings for a fee????
small one that is!

seriously. how about a figure head for my new(old) boat?
storey and pics forth comming.

iain

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zeil
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Response Posted - 10/14/2007 : 17:13:00

Arlyn & Iain: Thank you for your comments
Yes... I meant 350 watts which by today's standard is meager but for us sufficient to load batteries and extend the day.

Enjoying the well engineered but limited cabin space of the C250 for longer periods also provided the incentive to create additional every day conveniences. Below deck life tends to center around the cabin table no matter whether the function is breakfast, lunch, snacks, entertainment, casual/formal dinners, games, activities, writing, hanging out, computer work and a legion of other uses. Besides all this it held a small vase of flowers, couple of alarm clocks several candles, misc. and a small transistor radio (most often our boat keys as well).

Basket containers below the table were ideal for many daily used items. Having the main table equipped with fiddles as opposed to the slide outs eliminated the need to secure stuff when trailering, heeling or in rough weather.

(Why does Catalina, with its wonderful woodworking shop capability, not upgrade their table design as often outlined by this forum)

Regarding carving, Among the amateurs I'm a very beginner... far from a real carver. I would not dare to carve for anyone but on my own sticks and boat. Although I use one or two carving knives the main tool used is a dentist type Dremel tool (a big no no) with a variety of bits. Its fun, relaxing and, as you mentioned, personalizes our boat. Give me a few decades and who knowns...!!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
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Response Posted - 10/14/2007 : 18:39:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> (Why does Catalina, with its wonderful woodworking shop capability, not upgrade their table design as often outlined by this forum) <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

This forum probably sees more interchange than most other Catalina Associations but I doubt that Catalina designers even think about association forums as a resource worth investing their time at.

Catalina does have an open ear to issues and any owner is welcome to contact them. I've done so in the past such as with the V berth locker hatch.

Keep in mind also that the C250 is likely not considered a cruising boat by any Catalina perceptions. That some find it cruising friendly enough, is beyond the base market plans.

The stock table however in my opinion is not very suitable to any use of the boat but it is likely a baby of designer Gerry Douglas and an attachment might exist simply because it was designed by him.

Regarding the table, also keep in mind that any design that Catalina would approve would of necessity have rounded corners to avoid liability issues and that becomes more difficult with a drop leaf table design.

Last... I've found it very interesting to observe the various table designs each built to serve the various needs of the owner... a good Catalina design and we'd missed out, eh.

Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 10/14/2007 21:09:03

zeil
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Response Posted - 10/14/2007 : 21:01:14

Interestingly enough the stock table fits exactly (can be stored) below the V berth locker hatch to double up and strengthen the top plywood layer. Perhaps that was the original design idea for that huge table platform. Regardless I'll approach Warren having the assurance from your previous experience that they (sometimes) will incorporate sensible designs.

Agreed that we used the cabin more and longer than most weekend sailor ever will but... the fact remains that the table should be able to accommodate the identical functions for a day or weekend sailor.

Edited by - on

zeil
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Response Posted - 10/14/2007 : 22:01:33

Paul:
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">We have the TV/DVD combo on a shelf above/outboard of the galley sink, not the ideal location. Does your tv location have any downsides?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Perhaps a tiny trade off... The first TV top shelf we installed in San Diego over a year ago. After testing the location the bottom shelf was added this summer. You'll have noticed that the bottom shelf is about 2 inches above the seat back-cushion so removal of it is no problem. Sliding in/out of the settee is not hindered since the corner is angled. The shoulder of a not-to-large person will fit below the bottom shelf and no (perhaps a wee bit) settee sitting space is sacrificed.

The only "downside" is that you can't use the bulkhead as a back rest anymore. Viewing of TV images is clearly visible from any point forward...

To us it was the only sensible location but... perhaps there are some better ideas?? (Build-in pop-up in your new, good looking, table??)

The shelve unit was installed without screwing anything to the hull or the teak so removal will not leave marks should a new owner have different interior demands... and... we made sure that except the back of the carved wood face no part will touch the bulkhead/hull in any way. This to prevent markings, condensation and squeaking

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zeil
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1314 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2007 : 16:50:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> quote:the shelves only are made from the pre-finished floor board

Hmmm, is that HD particle board? or is it a laminated plywood?

We have the TV/DVD combo on a shelf above/outboard of the galley sink, not the ideal location. Does your tv location have any downsides?

More pics!

Paul<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Paul... here they are!!

The shelves are pre-finished plywood flooring with the bottom part can-sprayed & sealed with 3 coats of an off-white to match the interior and edged with a teak fiddle. You'll notice that, except the carved part, all edges are spaced away from the bulkhead and hull to promote ventilation eliminating condensation, wall rubbing and possible squeaks

Front view showing aluminum mounting clips below the top shelf to behind teak hull strip. The top shelf & fiddle is shaped closely to the hull contour to make it look good and the bottom is kept well away to avoid rubbing. Although not shown the fiddle's bottom edges are protruding slightly below the horizontal part of the shelves.

Down sides?? One tiny wee one... you can't rest your back against the bulkhead with the shelves in place...

Edited by - on

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