Bulwarks and higher cabin sides

[Wansworth]

Yacht design has developed from the humble working craft and to achieve accomodation of a small flat in forty foot the topsides have become the north face of the Eiger.With the bulwarks and higher cabin sides headroom is still maintained where it’s wanted in the middle of the boat and the deck is approximating the height of a dinghy floating alongside or a pontoon plus a nice cabin side gives one a place to sit or sit against on the windward side and a place to put portholes,a win,win?.........Doesnt have to be gaff rigged!

 

[Seajet]

The Anderson 26 was designed partly on the results of the 1979 Fastnet Inquiry, partly from a questionnaire sent to all then A22 owners; one of her best features is the bulwarks, far superior to the usual toerail.

 

[johnalison]

I believe that modern boats are the result of the RCD and that older designs such as my HR34 no longer comply. However, I enjoy the lower freeboard and moderate bulwarks of about three inches, if only because I don't get grey streaks down the side. the additional space inside under the side decks of modern craft is not particularly useful in any case.

 

[Laminar Flow]

Bulwarks, 'bout a foot deep at the foredeck, 9 or so inches along the side decks.
Foredeck: best place to sit while at sea with a nice sense of security and a comfortable lean against the cabin front, flared bows keep off the water, even when doing 7.5kts. Perfect place to set up an easel or a comfy chair while at anchor or in port.
Sailing "in" a boat, rather than "on" a boat.
Forgot: leaving the deflated dinghy or lines rolled up on the deck without them falling over board or losing the screw driver (or your wedding ring) if you drop it.

 

[Wansworth]

View attachment 97798

Bulwarks, 'bout a foot deep at the foredeck, 9 or so inches along the side decks.
Foredeck: best place to sit while at sea with a nice sense of security and a comfortable lean against the cabin front, flared bows keep off the water, even when doing 7.5kts. Perfect place to set up an easel or a comfy chair while at anchor or in port.
Sailing "in" a boat, rather than "on" a boat.

A fine vessel?

 

[Laminar Flow]

Thank you, a fine cruiser, we think.

 

[Seajet]

I believe that modern boats are the result of the RCD and that older designs such as my HR34 no longer comply. However, I enjoy the lower freeboard and moderate bulwarks of about three inches, if only because I don't get grey streaks down the side. the additional space inside under the side decks of modern craft is not particularly useful in any case.

I think it's more the case that the ' biscuit tin lid ' join is cheaper and easier - on my 22' the space under the vestigial side decks makes a huge difference to the interior, allowing one to sit back comfortably - and the wide coachroof gives buoyancy in a knock down, as in the Arun lifeboats.
I doubt the RCD would snag an HR34 !

 

[DownWest]

It was Phil Bolger who said you can't have too much freeboard

 

[DownWest]

View attachment 97798

Bulwarks, 'bout a foot deep at the foredeck, 9 or so inches along the side decks.
Foredeck: best place to sit while at sea with a nice sense of security and a comfortable lean against the cabin front, flared bows keep off the water, even when doing 7.5kts. Perfect place to set up an easel or a comfy chair while at anchor or in port.
Sailing "in" a boat, rather than "on" a boat.
Forgot: leaving the deflated dinghy or lines rolled up on the deck without them falling over board or loosing the screw driver (or your wedding ring) if you drop it.

And your wifes name is???

 

[Resolution]

The Anderson 26 was designed partly on the results of the 1979 Fastnet Inquiry, partly from a questionnaire sent to all then A22 owners; one of her best features is the bulwarks, far superior to the usual toerail.

Seajet
Nice to have you back and still talking a load of bulwarks about the Andersons.

 

[DownWest]

It was Phil Bolger who said you can't have too much freeboard

Edit/ But I like bulwarks, just on smaller boats they are difficult and expensive.

 

[Wansworth]

It was Phil Bolger who said you can't have too much freeboard

Freeboard is great in survival conditions but in the general run of things high freeboard doesnt assist with getting back on board or getting off........I also happen to like bulwarks and boats you are in as opposed to on?

 

[DownWest]

Freeboard is great in survival conditions but in the general run of things high freeboard doesnt assist with getting back on board or getting off........I also happen to like bulwarks and boats you are in as opposed to on?

Agree and that is why I am moving from a tippy lightweight (easy to get into off a pontoon..) to an 'in' boat with decent ballast. ( and high freeboard for it's length) I don't want to rely on being quick to avoid a swim, having twice got a bit close (albeit in 12 yrs since I have had her) to needing outside help, something I have always not expected to need, or be available.

Nice to see Seajet posting, I was wondering..

 

[Wansworth]

Here in Galicia we have some really nice small fishing boats built in the traditional manor with proper bulwarks on 30 footers,the addition of a cabin over the fish well and a gaff rig would make a fine little coastal boat,maybe with the addition of an iron ballast keel.Obviously not with a shower and in-line galley but sleeping space a prim us cooker and a bookshelf.There is too much space on boats given over to making them look and feel like a small house?

 

[DownWest]

Here in Galicia we have some really nice small fishing boats built in the traditional manor with proper bulwarks on 30 footers,the addition of a cabin over the fish well and a gaff rig would make a fine little coastal boat,maybe with the addition of an iron ballast keel.Obviously not with a shower and in-line galley but sleeping space a prim us cooker and a bookshelf.There is too much space on boats given over to making them look and feel like a small house?

You are getting a bit 'Maurice Griffiths' Not a bad thing, but very trad. I am a bit in your camp in this, but not what the current buyers are led to expect as 'normal'. Starter boats at over 30ft, with all the delights of a suburban semi..

 

[Iliade]

The traditional boats with high bulwarks at the front and low or nothing at the back would help with both boarding and comfort. Sadly bulwarks are not helpful for windage.

Personally I love 'em, but cannot afford to berth a 50 footer, which is about the size that, IMHO, their advantages outweigh the windage.

EDIT - W.R.T. crossed posts: Despite the day to day realities of family life, I want to be able to live aboard in both cold and hot climates and Time is doing his best to debilitate, so creature comforts are de rigeur.

 

[Wansworth]

Interesting to use modern methods and modernize traditional work boat features ,escape from the tyranny of domestic bliss,who needs a double berth with a forepeak full of sails?

 

[LittleSister]

My Samphire 23 has bulwarks around the deck (as does the Samphire 26 and 29). I really like them.

 

[DownWest]

So, a Falmouth oyster boat with roller furling and in mast reefing?? Tch Tch, You need to be dragged in for re-training. Big Brother is def looking at your case.

 

[Lucy52]

Iliade said: "Sadly bulwarks are not helpful for windage."

Then again the high topsides on AWB's don't do much for windage either. The more sporty models are much lower in the pursuit performance with the accommodation reduced so that you can't even stand up.

For a small cruising boat it is much more sensible to take the accommodation out to the sides as in MG's designs not forgetting A22.