Aft cockpit storage opening

[Lisa G.]

Has any one added any type of cut out and door in the aft part of cockpit ( next to the manual pump ) to gain access to the space for storage?

Lisa

#194 CD30c Pochade

[Maine_Buzzard]

Lots of empty space back there- It would require fabbing a fiddle or compartment to keep things from sliding forward and into the rudder/quadrant. At some point an opening will reduce the strength of the well and possibly distort the cockpit floor. I'd wonder about an opening large enough to pass fenders through that way.

Significant weight that far back will affect trim too.

I did fabricate a platform to hold two milk crates next to the fuel tank, and that has been superb for mooring lines and small gear. Will post a picture later.

BTW, Guppy is #193, with the cabin tray molded Dec 2 1980, if the date tag is to be believed.

[Keith]

I've been considering going down through the back rear deck between the rear stay and the rear cockpit coaming board. I figure I can get approximately an 11 x 14 hatch in there. Then create some kind of barrier to keep everything from sliding forward into the steering gear and beyond to the flywheel. Defender and others have hatches that would fit the bill. Still in the thinking phase will let you know is I do any thing with pictures of course.

Keith

1979 30 C hull #134

[Steve Laume]

Raven has an inspection port there (the vertical portion of the foot well). I believe it is an 8" one. I can reach all the fasteners for the wind vane, bilge pump, shore power, cowl vents, back stay and the new pad eyes I installed last week to hold a small gas jug.

I cut it in when I installed the wind vane because I just wasn't going to be able to do it otherwise. I also felt like it was essential to be able to remove the bilge pump while under way and without a helper. I can reach in there and get at all the fasteners and clamps. I am not able to get the pump out of the hole but I can pass it far enough around the corner and into the cockpit locker to reach if from there.

I have considered making up a locker for a stern anchor rode but there just isn't that much room in there.

Some might not like the look of a white plastic cover but it matches the cowl vents and I feel access is far more important than esthetics in this case. I don't think it has effected the strength of that area at all. I have not noticed any crazing cracking or sagging, in that area, in the last 8 to 10 years it has been there.

I would encourage everyone who has a boat with a manual bilge pump, back there, to make this modification. It is easier to do than removing the bilge pump, even once, without it, Steve.