rudolph_hart
Well-Known Member
Cockpit Enclosure, not boom tent
Our Dehler 35 came with a cockpit enclosure, which was a new experience for us, and it's proved to be a boon.
It zips to the back of the sprayhood and is supported at the aft end by a permanent s/steel hoop (square-ish) over the helm area, which folds down to stow on the aft coaming. The sides secure on the outside of the cockpit coaming and top of the transom.
It provides a weather-proof enclosure that protects the whole cockpit area while on the mooring. We have occasionally used it while at anchor, when it starts to rain when we're having a meal in the cockpit.
It has all the advantages that Kacecar talks of, but none of the asthetic, deployment, or stowage disadvantages.
It doesn't look like a carbunkle, because it's low-profile (sitting headroom only). It can be taken down & stowed in about 3 minutes (2x zips and 20x Minax clips). It breaks down to 3 pieces (Top/back & 2x side-panels) which share a - quite small - cockpit locker with an inflatable, warps, buckets etc.
It was made in Holland, and as recommended by Agent Leman, it's made of lightweight white vinyl-coated cloth. Yet it's been deployed over 16 summers and probably 12 winters afloat & ashore, and the material's still in pretty good nick.
Hovever, the stitching and one zip are going now and I'm thinking of having a new one made. Perhaps we could combine our buying power
If you want to have a look at it to get some ideas, the boat's on Fullbrige Wharf, Maldon with the enclosure deployed.
Our Dehler 35 came with a cockpit enclosure, which was a new experience for us, and it's proved to be a boon.
It zips to the back of the sprayhood and is supported at the aft end by a permanent s/steel hoop (square-ish) over the helm area, which folds down to stow on the aft coaming. The sides secure on the outside of the cockpit coaming and top of the transom.
It provides a weather-proof enclosure that protects the whole cockpit area while on the mooring. We have occasionally used it while at anchor, when it starts to rain when we're having a meal in the cockpit.
It has all the advantages that Kacecar talks of, but none of the asthetic, deployment, or stowage disadvantages.
It doesn't look like a carbunkle, because it's low-profile (sitting headroom only). It can be taken down & stowed in about 3 minutes (2x zips and 20x Minax clips). It breaks down to 3 pieces (Top/back & 2x side-panels) which share a - quite small - cockpit locker with an inflatable, warps, buckets etc.
It was made in Holland, and as recommended by Agent Leman, it's made of lightweight white vinyl-coated cloth. Yet it's been deployed over 16 summers and probably 12 winters afloat & ashore, and the material's still in pretty good nick.
Hovever, the stitching and one zip are going now and I'm thinking of having a new one made. Perhaps we could combine our buying power
If you want to have a look at it to get some ideas, the boat's on Fullbrige Wharf, Maldon with the enclosure deployed.
