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If you could rip out your galley cabinets, counters, etc, and rebuild them to a dream configuration (realistically - I know there's no room for a walk-in)...
What would you change?
We have a new (to us) CD30 and just ripped everything out and we want to put it back with improvements...I'm sure there are some things that must be aggravating. We've already found several "What were they thinking when they built it like this?" things that annoy us. We don't want to put them back that way if we don't have to.
Well JF....
If I could, first thing that comes to mind is relocating ice box away from engine compartment and if not possible to do it...INSULATE as much as possible....
This is one thought....there's more to come....the board wisdom is infinite....
Insulation for the ice box is critical. One of the things that annoys me is the the engine is not isolated from the area under the galley sink. If you reach into that cabinet you could stick your fingers right into the whirling blades of death. That is, the alternator and associated belt has no protection at all. I would very much like to see the engine in a compartment of it's own. I have a cover that goes over the stove when not in use. I would like to make arrangements for that cover to be used as extra counter space on either side of the short bulk head at the aft end of the settees. This stuff is mostly modification to the existing set up. If you were starting from scratch you have an open palate. The chef would still be a fine addition in either case, Steve.
My favorite improvement to Pilgrim's galley was two fold up tables that extend the counter space. They are located on the forward side of the partial bulkhead separating the gally from the salon. They fold up when in use and fold down almost flush with the bulkhead so they are not uncomfortable when sitting with your back to the wall and legs stretched out forward.
Our 30C is a 1978 and the alternator is facing aft. We are also going to repower and were wondering if later 30s were built with the engine reversed - (alternator facing forward). If this is true, is the basic difference that the engine compartment comes out farther into the galley? Or is there more difference than that? We'd like to convert it if possible. Don't know if you know the answer but maybe someone else does...
As for the icebox, yes, it definitely needs SOME insulation, as it currently has none! We will definitely make that improvement.
And, I'm not a pretty galley slave - but I am a good cook - hopefully that will count for something!
Being a good cook is all that counts. My boat is a 1984 model with the Universal engine. The Raw water pump and alternator are both facing forward and are very easy to get at. The trouble is that the alternator sticks out on the port side so much that it enters the area under the sink. I have thought about making a belt guard for it and it would still be a very good idea. You have to be careful what and how you stuff things into that cabinet. I put sound dampening insulation on the inside of the motor cover and it made a huge difference. If you could build in the entire engine compartment and insulate it, that would be a major improvement. We have great boats, Steve.
Yes some may say its silly but I found it to be the greatest galley improvement second only to the liquid soap dispenser at the sink.
You can fix a meal in minutes without heating up the boat and it uses surprisingly few amp-hrs. Nice in August late in the day when you are dog tired. If nothing else you can store the bread in it while its not being used.
BTW the inverter that is necessary to make the microwave work is very useful for the other 120v appliances such as electric razors, etc. As you can see I dont suffer much when I sail.
Put the sink as close to the boats center line as possible.
If you're going to seal off the engine compartment from the under-sink compartment, you might consider doing it in with some sort of a removable hatch between them. Having just replaced the double pipe system draining the galley sinks, I can say that having sideways access through the engine compartment was a real help. Not sure I ever would've gotten the big, corroded pipe nuts off with just that little sink door to work through...
Yes, I have been thinking about that - but was worried about how much power consumption it would take.
I think a 1 or 2 burner stove and a microwave would do nicely.
I will also consider Corian counters - but I'm not sure if it will be worth the expense.
I was amazed at the amount of space available behind the stove - under that sliding cabinet.
Anyone have any ideas as to how we can make that usable?
I will also consider repositioning the sink if possible.
On Heather Ann (1977 CD30K #57) I cut mini hatches in the bottom of quite a few Galley cabinets, discovering volumes outboard and below the sink and outboard the stove. Outboard & aft of the sink one LARGE can goods locker was created (~6 cu.ft.)
The boat is currently in Pine Isl. Bay, Groton, CT. If you are interested in a look-see, I'll contact the current owner for a demo.
BTW: Is it "Mr. Jumping Flea" or is 'Jumping Flea' you first name? Or, some sort of nickname based on your exploits while in the service?
Fair Winds,
Leo MacDonald
Founding Fleet Capt., NE Fleet
Past Commodore, Member No. 223
A 'Cape Dory Board' supporting member ~1999 to ~2015
