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Teak Cockpit Well Trim

  • January 28, 2012 8:24 PM
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    Reply # 809814 on 807082
    Anonymous member
    Duke,

    I'm curious how the footwell was attached in the earlier boats. I was looking back at my build manual and noticed that the various diagrams are dated over a span of several years. Page 116 & 117 is an illustration of the removable cockpit sole and slats, such as would have been installed in later models. These pages are dated 03/76. Various pages such as 113, 114, 118, 123, etc., show illustrations of the cockpit well without the cutout for the removable floor. I see no details of how the well and/or floor were attached at all. Would you mind uploading some photos, now that you have your teak off?

    I should think that it would be fairly simple to glass in the well (assuming it is fastened another way now) and then build a removable floor such as those installed in later boats. There isn't anything all the complex about the design. I'm about to reinforce my own in the next few weeks. The lip over which the hatch is placed varies considerably in width and strength. I'm not sure how it might ever have sealed properly. If it's helpful, I can upload photos of the current configuration, as well as the modifications. Let me know.

    Jack

  • January 28, 2012 11:10 PM
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    Reply # 809895 on 807082
    Deleted user

     

    Jack if you have the service manual from Bud, current updates and revisions as of April 2010, look on page D2.  Hull to deck joint, bottom of the page, left side. This is a drawing of the hull to deck joint but, it does somewhat show how the cockpit tub is connected to the deck.  The wood on top would be the wood around the top of the foot well or cockpit.  Does that give you an idea of what I am talking about?  Jim and Julie Focha (Westsail 32 World Wind) will be here (Stockton Sailing Club, CA) tomorrow and I will get Julie to show me upload some pix.   
  • January 31, 2012 7:14 PM
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    Reply # 812383 on 807082
    Deleted user

    Duke, like Amable, Glorious is an older Westsail, #42.  Yea, those boards are a pain.  In thinking about a removeable bottom I know newer boats have that.  One thing good about our seperate footwell mold is its ability to be removed from the deck.   A few years ago I replaced the fuel tanks and did other work in the engine compartment.  Being able to remove the footwell made the work easier (maybe even doable?).  As long as no one has prviously removed it and replaced it useing that nasty 5200 caulk, not difficult.  I have considered it would be nice to have both the removable mold and a removable bottom.  Perhaps the best of both worlds?  Does anyone have experiece with such?

    gerald
  • January 31, 2012 9:29 PM
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    Reply # 812543 on 807082
    Anonymous
    A picture of the cockpit sitting in the deck cutout before fastening down
  • January 31, 2012 9:32 PM
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    Reply # 812546 on 807082
    Anonymous

    Deck without cockpit
  • February 01, 2012 12:22 PM
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    Reply # 813773 on 807082
    Deleted user
    Gerald: I have a very early Westsail with the removable cockpit. For future engine repairs without tearing out the whole cockpit I cut out the bottom and flanged it with teak then resealed it with a butyl rubber strip bolted down with wing nuts. If you go to my profile I have posted some photos of my cockpit modifications. I dont know how watertight this will be yet. Also the PO cut this cockpit bottom and realigned the slope so the water would drain to the rear where the scuppers happen to be.  Alan 
    Last modified: February 08, 2012 12:17 PM | Deleted user
  • February 01, 2012 6:37 PM
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    Reply # 814090 on 807082
    Anonymous member
    Thanks for the photos, Gary. Any idea what the well insert weighs? It really doesn't look as heavy as I would have thought.

    In an an earlier post from Werner Hamp (on another subject), he mentioned incorporating captured stainless steel nuts into the deck for dogging down the hatch, similar to the method used for the windshield in a Boeing 737. This same method would probably work well for attaching the full well, I would think. I should think that the newer configuration would add strength to the cockpit deck, but the older setup sure would make it easier to pull tanks or engine, wouldn't it?

    Jack
  • February 01, 2012 9:00 PM
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    Reply # 814193 on 807082
    Anonymous
    It probably weighs about 60lbs Jack. I was able to move it around by myself OK.
    Mine is just bolted through the deck in 8 places... it is nice to be able to remove the whole thing for getting at tanks etc. 
  • February 02, 2012 8:57 AM
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    Reply # 814610 on 807082
    Anonymous

    Gary,

    I am considering converting my fixed cockpit well into one that is removable.

    (thread http://westsail.org/intheyardforum?mode=MessageList&eid=798100#805852 )

    I see you already have that set up and I would be grateful of your opinion on whether or not it opens up enough extra room below to warrant the effort. I should note that I would like to eliminate the floor hatch all together and rely entirely on removing the cockpit well for any exterior engine access.

    It may be better 'Netiquette' to respond on the thread above as this thread started out discussing teak trim and I don't want to be accused of piracy, especially on a boat forum!
  • February 02, 2012 3:37 PM
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    Reply # 814912 on 807082
    Anonymous member
    re: teak cockpit well trim

    I've never considered removing the trim. While it would not stop a 'deck wash' it certainly prevents small water from dribbling down the sides, over my engine panel, throttle, etc.

    For my own part I have solved the 'comfortable cockpit seating problem' in 3 ways (in order of preference)

    1. An Orvis dog bed... It's just basically a round flat bean bag about 24" in diameter by 6" thick.  My original one finally wore out (the canvas started to rot after 6 years in the sun & rain) so I had a new one made of Sunbrella to match my sail covers, etc.. It's perfect for stuffing in those odd corners (around the boomkins, etc.) to make a comfortable  'custom fitted' seat.  I also use it down below for propping up in the bunk when reading, etc.

    2. Two plain ol USCG Type IV cushions.  I stack them on top of one another and it's thus perfect height for keeping watch while sitting in the companionway opening.

    3. Sport-a-Seat.  a cushioned 'reclining lounge chair'. Great for visitors when having sundowners but I don't find them quite as useful in the cockpit area due to size of 'footprint' as they tend to get in the way on occasion.  OTOH, they are nice up forward on the forward deck or cabin top though. And they stow flat when not in use.