Floor to roof posts

aitchem

aitchem

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For the experienced sailors among you.

I am reworking some furniture to fit a cooker.
I was thinking of having a post from floor to roof.
The cooker in in the usual place, next to companionway steps, portside.
The post would help stabilise the side panel supporting the cooker.
The galley slave can hold on to this post while preparing my cock au vin.


Bearing mind this is a narrow 26 ft yacht.
Would this be considered useful, or a hinderance.?

thanks
Howard
 
I like having this kind of post. You don't see them so much on modern boats as it detracts from the wide-open, loft-living, boatshow look. At sea you don't want wide open, that's just an opportunity to fall further. Can't comment specifically on your boat without seeing it, but if the ergonomics work then go for it.

Might be worth making a temporary mockup with a bit of 2x2 and checking that it doesn't stop you getting into one of the seats, or opening one of the lockers, etc. Also try leaning to the side, to simulate the situation where the boat is heeling over and you're standing vertically. Do your head and shoulders need to move through a space which the pole will block?

Pete
 
It's always good to have a post within an arm's length of the companionway steps. You can sling an arm round it whilst you unburden yourself of the things you were carrying before moving on to the grabrails. My own boat has one either side and she's a rather pointy 27 footer. If they're incorporated into the corners of structures they don't impinge on available space.

Rob.
 
We've got posts either side between galley and saloon area AND a mast compression post in the middle of the saloon table.

However Westerly made boats in a labour intensive and expensive way and open plan and light and airy is not its strongest suit.

Provided its not going to make things cramped, a post to hang onto has got to be a good idea? In calm weather the cook could practice their dance moves whilst attending to your Coq etc.

I'm going to get banned soon...
 
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Very good idea. Have one on my 26' in exactly that position. Used a turned stair spindle. Biggest problem is fixing the top end to the coachroof, but for me, as it is a proper boat with substantial deck beams, was not difficult.
 
It would likely be considered useful. My Rival 41C has a large bulkhead just forward of the galley shaped like a keyhole and was not originally fitted with a vertical post of any sort in the circular part of the keyhole shaped opening. On my own and on another I know of, vertical posts have been added to provide handholds either side of saloon walkway. The original design had a couple of hand holds about waist level but they are insufficient. I would recommend the post over a single handhold if the gap is quite big as it gives a bigger target to grab onto.

I would consider not installing the post in a manner where it is tight between the floor and the underside of the deck if that is the only place the top of the post can be attached to. Instead, I would leave about a 1 cm gap between the post top and cabin roof. I would then box in the top of the post from the underside of the cabin roof to support the post securely all around. It is possible that your boat will flex when sailed hard which may cause star cracking in the gel coat on the roof if the post was butted up hard between the coach roof and cabin sole. Just a thought.
 
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BlowingOldBoots said:
I would consider not installing the post in a manner where it is tight between the floor and the underside of the deck if that is the only place the top of the post can be attached to. Instead, I would leave about a 1 cm gap between the post top and cabin roof. I would then box in the top of the post from the underside of the cabin roof to support the post securely all around. It is possible that your boat will flex when sailed hard which may cause star cracking in the gel coat on the roof if the post was butted up hard between the coach roof and cabin sole. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

+1 - this seems to be the way Sadler fitted them. They have a round wooden disk about an inch thick, with a square hole cut out of the middle. The disk is fixed to the deckhead, and the top of the post fits into the hole.

Pete
 
OK Guys,

As there is no reason not to, that will be the plan then, a good thick post.
I hadn't thought of allowance for flexing and was already considering a thick timber socket in the roof.
The panelling for the cooker will be fully supported, instead of a waggely side board.

thanks
Howard
 
Very useful addition, I have one as seen here on a 28 footer and it's saved me from taking a tumble more than once :)

null_zpsc811786a.jpg
 
This is going to be fun,
Iroko should be re-named banana-wood.
Last night I ripped out a 2inch square 60" long on the saw, and it's gone squiffy already.
It actually closed in on the blade and stopped the saw.!

Oh well I will try another lump of Iroko tonight.
 
aitchem said:
This is going to be fun,
Iroko should be re-named banana-wood.
Click to expand...

Yep. Well known for it. There's tension locked into the fibres somehow, so that when you cut it it springs out of shape. Also blunts tools quickly.

I used Sapele for my interior refit, but I guess you've bought the iroko now... :)

Pete
 
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