SO 43DS winter cockpit

[ales]

A few years ago I designed a winter cockpit enclosure.

Main demands were:
1) Standing height: I am 187 cm tall I do not want to make any comprommise (bending head to walk). That is also why I bought 43DS.
2) Visibility to maneuver the boat: so lots of windows and access to cleats when mooring
3) Ability to sail: genoa winches must be operational so handle won’t get stuck
4) Easy storage
5) Quick mounting

I worked with a local inox craftsman.
We determined the height and he made the frame with bars.
Then the seamstress made all the job with Sunbrella plus material.
At that time I also changed sprayhood and got rid of blue colour and chose charcoal grey. The best choice.




The frame is designed so that the bars are assembled by click and stowed in a bag.
And this is not bimini frame. When winter cockpit is in function, I put away the bimini and fold the bimini frame.



This is the process of assembly:

All the bars are nicely stored in a bag.




Then I assemble the frame:

All the covers are stored in another bag.



Then I mount “the roof”. It is connected to sprayhood with zipper.


Next step is to mount side window and stern one.


All side and stern parts can be folded up or removed.


Some other views:

[slo0079]

Looks very cozy!

Certainly if I was going sailing mid season I would want something similar.

[zaphod]

We were very fortunate that the previous owner of our boat had a custom cockpit enclosure made. They are very popular on the West Coast of Canada.

Last weekend we got away on the boat. The weather was clear and cold, with lows just below freezing. Our cockpit was nice and cozy thanks to the greenhouse effect, so I was able to relax and read my book wearing a t-shirt!

[Chris Meyer]

Oct 30, 2023 11:08:15 GMT ales said:

A few years ago I designed a winter cockpit enclosure.

Main demands were:
1) Standing height: I am 187 cm tall I do not want to make any comprommise (bending head to walk). That is also why I bought 43DS.
2) Visibility to maneuver the boat: so lots of windows and access to cleats when mooring
3) Ability to sail: genoa winches must be operational so handle won’t get stuck
4) Easy storage
5) Quick mounting

I worked with a local inox craftsman.
We determined the height and he made the frame with bars.
Then the seamstress made all the job with Sunbrella plus material.
At that time I also changed sprayhood and got rid of blue colour and chose charcoal grey. The best choice.




The frame is designed so that the bars are assembled by click and stowed in a bag.
And this is not bimini frame. When winter cockpit is in function, I put away the bimini and fold the bimini frame.



This is the process of assembly:

All the bars are nicely stored in a bag.




Then I assemble the frame:

All the covers are stored in another bag.



Then I mount “the roof”. It is connected to sprayhood with zipper.


Next step is to mount side window and stern one.


All side and stern parts can be folded up or removed.


Some other views:

Beautiful work!

[Charlie-Bravo]

A fine looking enclosure.

One of the first things we did to our little 35 was to add a cockpit enclosure, we had one on the previous boat and knew how they add to the use of the boat through the winter.
If I use hind sight, I might of added a roof window so I could see what the main sail is doing, we generally don’t sail too much with the enclosure fully up, but I did sail from the Hamble on the south coast UK to Pwllheli in Wales (4 days and nights) hiding in an enclosure, and thought that marquee sailing could be the future !, jolly warm on a chilly night on watch.
One thing I have added this time is an outlet for the Eber heater in the cockpit, not ideal if you are sinking, as it’s another hole to speed up the sink, but does make the enclosure incredibly warm and cosy on the chilliest of days and nights.

CB