Fixing down covers on under seating storage space

lumphammer

lumphammer

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As part of our preparations for the disaster we hope will never happen I am looking for an easy and quick way to fix the plywood covers over the storage areas under the saloon seat that just sit on a recessed lip in the grp moulding. I'm thinking of a bracket on one end of the panel to go under the recess and some form of latch at the other end. The main requirement is that it is easy to lock and unlock so it is more likely to be used.

Any ideas on what sort of latch could be used?
 
I have similar bunk bins and lids. I've thought about adding latches, but on the other hand it is quite convenient to be able to just slide them out of the way when grovelling under the cushions, especially in the forepeak. Also, on a coastal cruising boat in the Channel, I like to think that 180º rollovers are something to read about rather than experience :). So my plan (when I get that far down the list) is to make some simple provisions - a few strategically placed holes in the bunktops - for lashing the lids closed with a line or strap over the top, and add that to the precautions to take for rough weather.

Pete
 
On our boat where practical a hardwood strip (quarter round) was secured slightly above the back edge of each board. A line attached to a 2" x 3/4" x 1/8" piece of metal bar was run through the finger holes of the boards and through the front of the locker to a small clam cleat. Where this couldn't be done 2" seatbelt and 2" velcro were used to make pairs of straps, mounted inside the lockers, which lay over the boards. Both these approaches work for us, avoid any lumps under the cushions, and are cheaply done.
 
typhoonNige said:
On our boat where practical a hardwood strip (quarter round) was secured slightly above the back edge of each board. A line attached to a 2" x 3/4" x 1/8" piece of metal bar was run through the finger holes of the boards and through the front of the locker to a small clam cleat. Where this couldn't be done 2" seatbelt and 2" velcro were used to make pairs of straps, mounted inside the lockers, which lay over the boards. Both these approaches work for us, avoid any lumps under the cushions, and are cheaply done.
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That sounds very ingenious. I'd love to see a picture.
 
A lot of these suggestions protrude above the surface of what they secure, and would be pretty uncomfortable on a settee or bunk.

Pete
 
My friend Russell just made the suggestion of making a couple of finger holes near the edge of the lid then putting a wooden turn catch inside that you can work through the hole, or cutting a notch in the central hole and a piece of cord attached at the bottom of the locker that wedges tightly in that slot. The first option gives nothing to wake sleeping processes in the bunk and the other being the size of a pea would wake up only the most privileged of royal personages.
 
lumphammer said:
As part of our preparations for the disaster we hope will never happen I am looking for an easy and quick way to fix the plywood covers over the storage areas under the saloon seat that just sit on a recessed lip in the grp moulding. I'm thinking of a bracket on one end of the panel to go under the recess and some form of latch at the other end. The main requirement is that it is easy to lock and unlock so it is more likely to be used.

Any ideas on what sort of latch could be used?
Click to expand...

As you suggested a bracket on one end, drill a finger hole at the other end and fit an elbow catch underneath which can accessed through the finger hole.
Something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brass-Boa...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item2587161635
 
dunedin said:
I wonder. For ordinary sailing these probably just annoy and risk ripping the seat cushions. And if you did go offshore in conditions extreme enough to do a 180 I doubt these would hold much from moving. The weight of any contents would just rip these out - unless yo have a huge number?
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I suppose the fact we are talking about this implies we are thinking of a 180. Of course that usually means off-shore cruising but I have heard of it happen off Anglesey. I read John Vigor's The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat that repeatedly highlights being prepared for inversion. I am a long way from this still but secure hatches and cabin sole boards are the beginning. All the gear has to be fastened down if it is heavy enough to hurt you. So it depends what you keep in those under seat lockers but if it is too heavy for the hatch catches it would need to be fastened down somehow.
 
How about this - cut a couple of small slots into the bunk tops. Get some webbing (similar to the stuff used on bike carriers) sew in a small round bar and thread through the slot. Repeat on the other side, purchase a small buckle and tighten the arrangement (similar to backpacks?). All parts would be flattish under bunk cushions and very cheap.
 
prv said:
….. a few strategically placed holes in the bunktops - for lashing the lids closed with a line or strap over the top, and add that to the precautions to take for rough weather. ….
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+1 and it is simple too, which the OP is looking for. I worked for a charter company for a few years and to be coded the yachts had to have secure lids. For coding purposes the string was permanently attached to the lid (each side) and just threaded through another hole in the frame work and tied off. It wasn't very elegant and a flat strap and buckle arrangement would have been better.
 
BlowingOldBoots said:
+1 and it is simple too, which the OP is looking for. I worked for a charter company for a few years and to be coded the yachts had to have secure lids. For coding purposes the string was permanently attached to the lid (each side) and just threaded through another hole in the frame work and tied off. It wasn't very elegant and a flat strap and buckle arrangement would have been better.
Click to expand...

Or flat strap and velcro? Flatter than buckles and doesn't let go or loosen.........
 
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