Thought I'd share this idea...
When we had new cushions made we had the aft cabin cushion divided into three parts. The smallest part is a square just larger than the "inspection" cover over the shaft. The other parts are easy to see in the video. Aside from allowing the storage bins the smaller cushions make it much easier to access the shaft area and to move the cushions out completely when needed.
We installed fixed pad eyes for the straps. The pad eyes above the fuel tank fit flush between the cushions and are not noticeable when the cushion is in place instead of the boxes. The pad eyes on the divider between the cabin and lazarette are only really noticeable when you're laying down.
The boxes can be found at the link below. They come in three sizes. IIRC it's the largest and smallest that stack together almost exactly the same height as the space below the cockpit sole. With the two "stacks" of boxes in place there is just enough space for the sea-anchor kit (link below) to stow aft of the stacks. By pulling out the sea-anchor bag I can access and open the hatch for the steering gear.
We tried this arrangement overnight last week and found there is still plenty of room for sleeping.
Storage bins (note: this is only one size...) http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50759&classNum=50760#.UuXXNmTTn-k
Sea Anchor kit http://www.para-anchor.com/pro.offsanchor.html
When we had new cushions made we had the aft cabin cushion divided into three parts. The smallest part is a square just larger than the "inspection" cover over the shaft. The other parts are easy to see in the video. Aside from allowing the storage bins the smaller cushions make it much easier to access the shaft area and to move the cushions out completely when needed.
We installed fixed pad eyes for the straps. The pad eyes above the fuel tank fit flush between the cushions and are not noticeable when the cushion is in place instead of the boxes. The pad eyes on the divider between the cabin and lazarette are only really noticeable when you're laying down.
The boxes can be found at the link below. They come in three sizes. IIRC it's the largest and smallest that stack together almost exactly the same height as the space below the cockpit sole. With the two "stacks" of boxes in place there is just enough space for the sea-anchor kit (link below) to stow aft of the stacks. By pulling out the sea-anchor bag I can access and open the hatch for the steering gear.
We tried this arrangement overnight last week and found there is still plenty of room for sleeping.
Storage bins (note: this is only one size...) http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50759&classNum=50760#.UuXXNmTTn-k
Sea Anchor kit http://www.para-anchor.com/pro.offsanchor.html
