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Full cockpit enclosures

  • August 17, 2012 6:36 PM
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    Message # 1050122
    Anonymous
    Does anyone have drawings/photos of a W32 full enclosure? We sail in the Pacific NW and would like to extend our sailing season. 
    Peter Campbell, Anabel, W32, 604
  • August 20, 2012 4:23 PM
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    Reply # 1051964 on 1050122
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Peter: I've collected a few images of Westsails with bimini and dodgers on the home page and also added link for members to the full collection.

    There are many options and designs - hopefully something will catch your eye.

    Jay
  • August 21, 2012 8:34 AM
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    Reply # 1052452 on 1050122
    Deleted user
    Am I correct in thinking you are interested in a fully enclosed cockpit area?  We have a soft dodger and lee cloths but that is not fully enclosed.  There are also hard dodgers (and such might be preferred) but again, not fully enclosed.  I am not aware of anyone with a full enclosure, and I doubt I would ever be interested in having one as it would make sailing a lot more awkward as far as tacking and any deck activity is concerned.  Still, would be interested to learn of any in existence.
    Last modified: August 21, 2012 8:35 AM | Deleted user
  • August 21, 2012 9:50 AM
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    Reply # 1052516 on 1050122
    Deleted user

    The boat I bought in April, hull 143, named GEMINI at the time, came equipped with not 1, but 2 full enclosures.  One is screen and fabric (Sunbrella?) and one is clear plastic and fabric.  They attach to a long bimini via zippers, and to the aft end of the cabin with snaps.  They terminate at the boom gallows, and then the after part continues down to just abaft the lazarette hatch (if I recall correctly) where they fasten with snaps.

    The side pieces zip fore and aft to the bimini, and then terminate by zipper at the top of the weather cloths fitted to the life lines on both sides of the cockpit.  I have not rigged either the plastic or the screens, but have used the weather cloths (complete with custom sheet pockets) and bimini.  I do not have a dodger, but would prefer that to all the enclosures.

    Next month when I get back to where the boat (now the DELTA BELLE) lies in Mandeville, LA, I'll be trying to dispose of the plastic/fabric enclosure, but plan to keep the screened one...depending on how much storage space aboard it requires.
  • August 22, 2012 11:01 AM
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    Reply # 1053607 on 1050122
    Deleted user
    I would love to see pictures of the bimini setup without the dodger.  We are thinking of adding one, and don't have the dodger to attach the front end to (as most boats do).  Looking at different setups to decide the best way to go about it.  
    Thanks, 
    Meaghan & Fagin
  • August 23, 2012 3:16 PM
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    Reply # 1054792 on 1050122
    Anonymous
    Thank you all for your helpful answers!
    Peter.
  • September 11, 2014 9:56 PM
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    Reply # 3097548 on 1050122
    Deleted user

    Hi there,

    I had one on Polaris W32 and when sailing in cold (also rainy) weather. A cruising sailboat should have a dodger first of all to protect you and the companion way opening from bad weather going upwind. The W32 also should have something to protect you from getting your seat wet when a wave is boarding you, especially the windward side (the dreaded sluice box effect). The coaming that is your protection will have snaps. I had the whole enclosed, only the aft curtain which was cut out for the tiller  .

    When the wind blows and spray comes from the wave crests, the spray cools the air tremendously and you have to wear thermal protection even in Hawaii. I also have lee cloths, but they are more to hold stuff in their pockets and offer visual protection in an anchorage.

    My stern tent was especially useful as a protection from flying fish and flying squid. In the morning I had to clean those off the deck. I don't like them for breakfast, as some people do.  Again, get a stern tent of some sort, as protection from the cold wind at least. Mine zipped together and each panel also had acetate windows to be able to check for traffic.

    Mike Z Polaris
  • September 13, 2015 12:49 AM
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    Reply # 3522792 on 1050122
    Deleted user

    I was asked if I have pictures of my stern tent, but my after my move back to the Pacific NW  and then storing  everything that was not needed, I lost some components. I started to build a hard dodger anyway.

    I did the hard dodger, but stopped sailing after my divorce as I had my hands full with rental  properties and Polaris lingered away in front of my house. I took the dodger off after building a more permanent protection for Polaris. I will build a new one with a better rope track to slide the canvas panels in and out easier. The old one also had a red light for using the companionway at night. Maybe another item may be a loudspeaker for istening to the radio on a night watch.

    It would be nice if this website made it easier to post photos to show what we are talking about.
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