Thursday, November 5, 2015

Creating sleeping space on a small boat.

In this photo you can see that I built a bed (cot style) that is absolutely fun and uses open space to create an excellent sleeping space.

I used black pipe from Home Depot (1 inch) for the poles.  The black pipe is extremely strong and wont bend.  I also used large metal pipe clamps (the type that hold pipe to the wall or ceiling).

I threw bolted the clamps to the comings (see the photo above the stove), and used Sunbrella fabric doubled up for strength for the bed.  I also made it twin bed size so I could use readily available twin bed cushions.  The cushions make the cot very comfortable.

Don't forget to drill holes in one end of the poles and put a pin threw the pole and the clamp.  This way if the boat rocks the poles wont slip out of the clamps and everything come crashing down.

One added bonus is the great view and breeze coming from the cockpit door w




hen sleeping. 

8 comments:

  1. Hey Jean - met you at West Marine SSF this morning. Just saw the recent posts, good stuff. Wondering if you've done anything different for refrigeration or if you plan to stick with the big cooler on the goal posts method. I'm thinking about cutting open the galley bulkhead and removing the stock icebox, and then using the space for (eventually) a portable 12V Engel, or for a portable ice chest. The factory icebox is useless, as I'm sure you know!

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    1. Hey Adam Sorry for the late response. I ended up purchasing an electric freezer box because I have 170 watts of solar anyways and don't need all that power. It runs the ice box continually and it is really great. I only keep the essentials in the freezer (meat,dairy products etc). No ice. If i want a cold drink i put it in the cooler and wait for a while. Love it.

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  2. I noticed you have new opening ports I have a 74 cal 227. Where did you get them. I'm in dire need of new ones

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    1. Sorry for the late reply. The ports are from Minnie's used boat parts in Costa Mesa Ca. They have tons of stuff used and cheep. The ultimate candy store for used boat parts.

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  3. Hello Jean,

    Have you heard from Rimas? I met him some time ago and wonder if you know whether he has taken off around the world yet?

    Thank you,
    Steven Paulus

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    1. Rimas is stuck in hilo Hawaii as of 11/09/16. He is planning to depart soon but his engine dosent run and he dosent know how to sail out of the harbor. Sad story.

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  4. This is very clever. Good for accommodating extra people onboard!

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