Fitting out Drifter 22
'Appuski Too'
Interior
Generally
it will be a while before the interior gets priority but a couple of jobs have
made it to the top. It is not very clear
from the picture at left but the floorboard pictured is one that I added to the
area below the cockpit. It has a supporting structure fixed to its underside
comprising rectangular longitudinals at the sides and
cross pieces front and rear that are contoured to fit the bilge with limber cut
outs. The eagle eyed will identify it as being different from the other
floorboards since it does not have rounded corners. This addition means that I
can easily slide boxes and possibly the toilet, into this big void. When I get
around to fixing some stops or a door they will not then be able to just as
easily slide right out again - although that degree of pitching has only been
an issue twice so far.
The
other urgent interior job was to find something to stand on when working at the
mast. Coaster owners will appreciate this because when they are being thrown
around in heavy seas they have a centreboard case to stand on whilst they stand
securely in the companionway tying down a reef. Bolitho has a 35 litre
"Really useful box" with an upholstered panel in the lid which
doubles as a stool and extra storage. This seemed like a good idea so I bought
an extra strong 35 litre "Really useful box". (The extra strong grade
is only available in the 35 litre size and only comes in near white - perfect).
To this I added the additional strength of a 12mm ply panel which fits into the
recess of the lid. As well as a platform and companionway step this box makes a
very handy seat whilst cooking or writing.
Below
are shown alternative solutions. The left picture shows where on Dulcibella the under cockpit area is simply lined with a
plastic grid. This gives more height for tall items and is more convenient for
loose items if they don't migrate too far back. The companionway step is a
beefy removable plank. Excellent craftsmanship and very seamanlike but it
should be noted that Dulcibella also has a
comfortable seat where the cooker would normally live.
The
picture beneath shows the much wider step on Puffin.
On
a less basic note I have also followed Stewart's practice of installing a set
of small "Really useful boxes" for storage along the rear top of the
starboard joinery in the area which is designed to accept them.
