Things I am going to do before I go out on the ocean again:
1. Install one or more cockpit drains at least 2 inches in diameter.
2. Fill under the liner, and between the liner and the hull sides with
pour-in rigid foam.
3. Replace the hatch "door" with removable boards with an appropriate
capture system.
Said boards to be stout, well fitted, incorporate interlocks, be
gasketed, and well married
to the sliding hatch.
4. The keel raise and lower system to be accessible in the cockpit
(without having to remove the hatch boards). Said system to incorporate
a positive lowering arrangement capable of opening a jackknifed keel
against gravity in the case of a turtle.
5. The relatively dead volume remaining under the cockpit to be filled
with closed cell block, glassed in.
6. Get rid of hand knob on rudder. Replace with none clamp pivot.
Provide positive raising and lowering of rudder, together with positive
locks in either attitude.
7. Provide a jib downhaul operable from the cockpit.
8. Buy a new mast with a much stronger cross section.
9. Provide lifeline attachment points.
10. Use a safety harness.
11. Provide suitable reefing points.
12. Provide some kind of floatation at top of mast to discourage a
turtle. (The method used on catamarans).
13. Install a heavy duty pump.
14. Take along a wet suit as emergency survival gear.
15. Provide miscellaneous safety equipment, minimum cb radio, maximum,
you name it.
16. Take along spare clothes, towels, in a waterproof container.
Of course provide the obvious thing such as navigation lights, anchors,
sea anchor, motor, extra fuel system, charts, compass, GPS, tools, food,
etc. etc.
I have almost finished my hatch boards, the rudder has been modified, I
have a keel system designed (not yet installed). I am trying to find 2
part pour-in foam, and foam block.
Since I do not plan on going out on the ocean for a looo...ong time, a
lot of the other things can wait. :)
Did anyone see the documentary the other night "The Killer Storm"?
Footage of a 32 ft. double ender in 40-50 waves, hurricane
winds.....fantastic!
Bernie "HMS Pinafore"