Turn your cockpit into a porch
Issue 50 : Sept/Oct 2006
It’s annoying to have to stay in the cabin during all-day rains. Some days it’s also annoying to have to be out in the cockpit, regardless of how good the foul weather gear is. On days like this, we have a cockpit cover that zips onto the aft edge of the dodger and fastens to the boom gallows beyond the rear of the cockpit. The center of this cover is supported along the boom with 1⁄4-inch lines, which keep the rain from puddling in the center of the cover. The cover also has two side flaps that, when tied off to the stanchions, keep the rain outside the cockpit coaming. This cover provides a wonderful “outdoor porch” during bad weather. For boats without a boom gallows, a horizontal aluminum pole can be used at the aft end of the cockpit cover. The center of the pole is lashed to the boom and each end is tied down to the lifelines or stanchions. Although we can’t use our cockpit cover when the mainsail is up, we have spent many long days motoring through pouring rains without having the need for foul weather gear. It is also great on those hot, stifling days when you want to be out in the cockpit but appreciate having some shade.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
