|
|
Post by spongebob on May 18, 2010 16:55:35 GMT
Help! My dream is to buy a 36-40 ft yacht, and I am considering a beautiful 2002 SO37. I live in the UK and it is cold, so I will need the comfort of an enclosed cockpit - but I want the best of both worlds! So, has anyone any experience of using an enclosure like this one? www.tecsew.com/jeanneau-sun-odyssey-36i-cockpit-enclosureThey cost about £1500. Expensive. But: Can the boat be sailed with it fully up? How much of a pain are these things to live with? How quickly can it be rigged / de-rigged? Will it stand up to a hurricane? Very keen to hear about anyone's experiences, good and bad. Thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by MalcolmP on May 19, 2010 7:48:17 GMT
The SO37 is great choice. My view on cockpit enclosures is that they are fine in harbour and possibly at anchor, but could not safely sail or motor with them rigged Despite the UK climate we have the OEM bimini made by NV on our 39i, it is great when it is hot but also when it rains and can be left up when sailing or motoring. I may get a fill in canvas piece to join to the sprayhood (US dodger) when in harbour and I know that sailmakers can make zipp off side panels if more protection is needed NV make this for the SO37 tinyurl.com/2u3edtdbut they are not cheap either Malcolm |
|
|
|
Post by brandleside on May 21, 2010 17:10:50 GMT
I have an SO37 with original equipment cockpit tent.
Brilliant for West of Scotland weather - provides huge additional area to hang wet oilies etc without taking them down below and allows the companionway hatch to be left open at night for excellent ventilation without rain/ wind getting below.
Fairly easy to erect/ stow but not really practical for use under way - limited visibility through sprayhood windows etc. Certainly not practical for sailing as use of winches and view of sails etc is compromised.
The frame of my tent has been modified so that when stowed, the hoop/ goalpost assembly is raised onto a higher level base tube so that it gives a bit more headroom above the helmsman.
I'll try to get a photo of the arrangement for general info.
Incidentally, due to ongoing inclement financial environment, I am thinking that the boat might have to go, so if you are looking for a really well equipped 2006 SO37, let me know.
|
|
|
|
Post by davideso37 on May 23, 2010 7:41:02 GMT
I have the SO37 with the original spray dodger, bimini and infill panel supplied in Australia. The bimini version supplied here extends past the backstays and has zips and holes for the backstay that allow a lot of water to drain into the cockpit. I have fixed this by running a fibreglass battens from front to back along the line of the zip and attaching the batten high on the backstay so that it forms a ridge. This simple mod has transformed the bimini. We have a clear panel in the bimini so we can see the masthead wind indicator. As others have noted the structure can get in the way of winch handles. In our case the winch handles foul the forward straps but they do not cause too much discomfort although we would not race with the bimini up. We have added side panels this year so that the water from the infill panel does not drip into the cockpit. The triangular pieces that fill in the corner between the spray dodger at the front, the infill panel at the top and the start of the bimini frame at the back are the best cruising improvement we have made. They keep out most of the spray and we now have a large dry area for cruising or motor sailing. The plastic windows do distort the vision and a roll up section in the front of the spray dodger is on my wife's wish list. Admittedly putting all this up takes time but if you are going cruising for a few days there is usually plenty of time at hand.
Regards
David
|
|
