379 - under shower "void"

[Aroha]

I've recently purchased a 379 ( shoal draft, 2 cabin version) ( location Hobart Tas Australia)- today an object was lost, having slipped to the bottom of the cupboard under the handbasin in the head, thence through the "slot" at the (inboard) base of this cupboard and into the space under the shower base insert. While this was only a bottle of shampoo I do not want it rattling in the bilge until Davey Jones wants it! More importantly if anything else slips down there I would like to retrieve it. I cannot find a way to get into that space as no floorboard etc seems to provide access to this area (short of chopping up the shower base or removing the woodwork).
Has any one else experienced this and found a solution. Thank you.

[Zanshin]

Hello Aroha,

I had a similar experience with my 43DS shower space, and with my 49DS shower space and will most likely one day have the same experience with this boat!

Unfortunately on those two boats there was no other access other than the space where the items slipped down and I never retrieved the soap and washcloths from that space.

[Aroha]

Thanks Zanshin
My arm was able to get through the hole just enough to push things further away!
I guess the "void" will never get dandruff ( was a bottle of selsun shampoo that was lost) - I think I may make up a small plywood insert to cover up the hole, and silicone it into place, as I can see no useful function for this  hole - other than ventilation/drainage which should be ok if I  make a few small holes in the ply small enough not to let anything valuable through. Would there be any reason not to block up the gap ?
Seems strange to have such a gap in  cupboard!
Aroha

[Deleted]

Thanks for the tip Aroha.

Another one for SO379 people to watch for - a crew member left a pair of reading glasses on the ledge above the saloon starboard seats (above the plumbing area). The glasses now reside, unreachable, under the cabin sole.

Give you joy of this fine cruising yacht; what a lovely ship she is under sail!

[JEF]

Hi ... EVENSTAR

I understand you just love that new yacht ? you just sound like me after my maiden passage.

Regarding the main subject ... Iuckily I have never lost any thing in the bottom of the hull areas ... I do keep on board a  flexi grab tool and other flexi gadgets to retreive most lost items , plus I am good at fishing. Having lost items on other yachts , suppose I am now very careful and just hate to loose anything, good luck.

Gerry , keep us informed how you are getting on with 'EVENSTAR' I will be in Osstend in early May let me know if you are around.

[sitara]

Hi Aroha,
I have also lost small items into the void, especially screws when working on the wiring behind the control panel.

I like your idea about blocking the gap and think that some fibreglass flywire or similar may be the go. It should be easy to fit and could be held in place with a few dabs of silicon. It would also not reduce ventilation and be rot proof.

[Aroha]

Thanks Sitara
The flywire sounds a great idea, secure and without any obvious problem. I'll go down that route I think.

It seems there are a few areas where ( by trial and error) we may find that valuables are able to "hide"permanently - I may have lost the dandruff shampoo but the idea of  losing glasses, rings etc   which may be critical or irreplaceable is the main game. Ideally any area such as shelving, cupboards etc   should be protected from such loss  by the designer/ builder ( and one might reasonably assume that they were safe to use as  much they are presumed designed to be used). It is good to share our knowledge of such areas.  I for one would prefer not to have to go around dropping things into holes to see if these objects  are later retrievable. 

Anyone else found any other "bermuda triangles " on board that we should avoid or  protect?

I agree Evenstar - Ive had but few trips on Aroha as yet but very pleased with the way she responds

Goldfinch what are the most useful flexitools for grabbing bits and pieces - are there any reasonably inexpensive gadgets that one can get vision and light into dark holes? Doctors have great tools but a tad expensive for such a job.
 

[JEF]

Hi Aroha

Retrieval tool set 10$ on Ebay ...

HDX 3 Piece Retrieval Set - Pivoting Head Mirror, Grab Tool, Magnetic Pick Up


Should do the job ..

[Aroha]

thanks Goldfinch - will explore!

[jdl01]

A caution to other 379 owners - parts dropped while working on the fresh water pump/manifold system behind the starboard settee will also join the collection of inaccessible bits in the bilge.

[stack]

As you go over your boat, you will find items left behind during construction. I have found screw drivers, sockets, and all sorts of screws. They have not made noise, but we find them when we do a supper cleaning job. It's called more for your money. Spend as much time on your boat as you can, so you will enjoy finding treasures. Joe