Cockpit Enclosure

[sihall]

We have advertised our SO 40 as we were looking for a Pilot House / Deck Saloon with an internal helm position (Irish Sea Weather). What we are thinking of now is perhaps adding a cockpit enclosure.
My main question is has anybody fitted one to a SO40 that allows the boat to be sailed whilst in situ?
If you have could you let me know what design works best, I have a Bimini so was hoping to utilise the existing framework.
Thanks

[Seagem]

Hi,
Try contacting theboatshedwales.co.uk and explain what you want. I am sure they would be able to manufacture a bespoke cockpit enclosure for you. I know they have made similar enclosures for other yachts in the Conwy area.
I would like to do the same for my SO42i when funds allow but it is a way down the wish list at the moment!

[sailbleu]

Sihal ,

if you have the time to wait I could show you pictures of my DIY cockpit cover , that would be the earliest around april I think , when i put the bimini on again.
What I've done (several months ago) is make a mal with some cheap plastic and used it as a template for the blue polyester fabric - no heavy canvas though- which I bought to make the cover.
The bimini frame , aswell as the bimini itself (for the roof) is used as the base.
Zippers on bimini and sprayhood to keep the cover/tent in place, underneath the tent is attached , using pressed in rings and rope , to the deckrail and on several locations the tent is also velcro strapped to the bimini frame.
I've put in 4 big plastic sheet windows to provide some panorama , 2 in the back an 1 on each side.
3 exits , again one in the back (to the swimming platform, separating the 2 back windows) and one on each side next to the sprayhood for a passage to the bow.
Costs , polyester , window sheet and zippers ( quite an few zippers come to think of it) 250 Euro tops.
It can be done , its not perfect and really tight , but it's not common pratice to use the biminiframe for a cockpit tent.
Pics can be presented the soonest in (end) april , I still have to check the functionality of one zipper that I stitched on to the tent after I removed the bimine a few months ago. Still to be checked out in other words.

Regards

[super g]

Lots of sample photos on google. One or two look like a converted Bimini and while perfectly functional the large width of the frames make them a little ungainly on the eye though I'm sure you'd could be modified in some way if required.

With some thought into the design I'm sure you could sail with it up, or at least motor sail. The odd one I've seen under sail have had the sides rolled up so they can keep lookout and winch, also you'd need the easy deck access for mooring up.

I'm looking at enclosing just half of the cockpit on my 40ds. It will use the existing large sprayhood but seal the back in. It is really just to keep rain out and allow aft cabin hatches be left open, though it should seat 4. It also means I can access lockers, steer the boat, hop on deck easily, access aft cleats, and it will be cheaper and less windage- but half the size and no option to convert to a Bimini. However It's just an idea for you to consider.

I'm think I may add a small window into the top of mine so I can check the main when winching it.

[deepblue]

I have a SO42i and had a full enclosure made several years ago. We have Dutch/Nortsea weather. Not as bad as where you are, but still rather wet.
I have retained the framework of the Jeanneau supplied French( High) sprayhood, but replaced the canvas with a
new hood that has the highest visability onepiece,frontwindow on the market. The down side is that you can not fold it down, since it will crease permanently. Instead we can take the sides of, still providing enough ventilation. The cockpitroof is a still foldable Bimini, going back to the rear of the aftlockers. So behind the wheel your still in the enclosure. Six detachable pieces with large windows( 65 %) make up the sides and back.
The Bimini has 2 windows, so I can see the main. The sailmaker has equiped the Tent with various straps to hold the whole thing on the boat. I have been sailing in force 6 without a problem. The boat stays in the water during the winter with the tent on, no problems. So during the 8 to 10 weeks that we have summer here we can almost entirely take take the thing down or use the Bimini as a sunshade and we even sometimes put a few screens on the windside to prolong the evening social activities. Bit of a investment, almost 6 grand Euro, but it has raised the luxurylevel considerabele. The only downside is that when fully closed it really insulates you from what I call the sailingexperience. So sometimes we suitup and brave the elements for the fun of it.

Never bothered to make photograps of the thing in in isolation, will go to the boat in a few weeks and make a few.

[On y va]

Vaste buiskap maken.pdf (412.11 KB) This is another option

Sorry it´s in dutch.........but you will understand how they have done it from the photos.

[MalcolmP]

Feb 10, 2014 13:36:06 GMT On y va said:

 This is another option

Sorry it´s in dutch.........but you will understand how they have done it from the photos.

Although it may-not add anything to the aesthetic of the First 40.7 it is evidently robust. I just did a quick skim read (using Google translate) of their fascinating blog giebateau.blogspot.nl/ They are currently in Japan having already taken their 40.7 both into the Arctic and then down to Antarctica by way of Cape Horn. Most impressive.

The great thing about this forum is that you never quite know where a thread will lead...

[On y va]

Ha! Yes, it is the Giebateau. Their blog is fascinating indeed! I have been following them for several years now, mainly because nobody would think a lightweight regatta like boat like the First 40.7 would make it round Cape Horn. 

It´s all between the ears........