In favour of upright cabin sides.

[Wansworth]

This fad for sleekgo fast de k arrangements as if your weekend sailer is going to sail flat out to get to Bridlington.The old square cabin sides dictated by the material and for ease of build has many advantages chief of which an upright cabin side gives one something to lean against in the lee to read,pass the time or splice four strand manilla.Itallowes for proper portholes and can act as a breakwater.Lastly it gives a good place to jamb your foot .This fascination with curved surfaces came with grp but it lacks charachter and reduces headroom.There are many American designs that emulate the wooden upright coachouses and with the boldness of a four square cabin top add space inside.

 

[Poignard]

10 degrees off vertical looks better, I think.

 

[Wansworth]

Then v

10 degrees off vertical looks better, I think.

Then vertical rain gets in?

 

[AntarcticPilot]

This fad for sleekgo fast de k arrangements as if your weekend sailer is going to sail flat out to get to Bridlington.The old square cabin sides dictated by the material and for ease of build has many advantages chief of which an upright cabin side gives one something to lean against in the lee to read,pass the time or splice four strand manilla.Itallowes for proper portholes and can act as a breakwater.Lastly it gives a good place to jamb your foot .This fascination with curved surfaces came with grp but it lacks charachter and reduces headroom.There are many American designs that emulate the wooden upright coachouses and with the boldness of a four square cabin top add space inside.

I think that non-vertical cabin sides have a practical aspect - it's easier to get out of the mould. A dead vertical one would not be quite vertical in places, possible very slightly over-vertical, making getting it out of the mould much chancier.

 

[Wansworth]

I think that non-vertical cabin sides have a practical aspect - it's easier to get out of the mould. A dead vertical one would not be quite vertical in places, possible very slightly over-vertical, making getting it out of the mould much chancier.

Yes,it’s the only way

 

[DownWest]

Styling is the main motive. Any technical things about angles can be sorted.

 

[Supertramp]

I just visited some early (600 AD) churches in Ireland where the transition to stone building embodied the established features of wood into stone. I think the same happens with boats, where the features you need for wood building are reproduced in plastic (or steel). I learnt to sail in a 1963 Grp Westerly 22 which even now looks different. Ironically it was an update of the marine ply Westcoaster. The accommodation was amazing for the length vs folk boats, Halcyons etc.

The same happens today in search of maximum interior space. I have (near) vertical cabin sides with low cambered decks giving lots of sitting spaces. And keeping the freeboard low. Down below, the under decks area is used for storage and services rather than wide open spaces. Lot to be said for the traditional design if you aren't trying to fit in extra cabins etc.

 

[LittleSister]

Are these cabin sides upright enough for you?

 

[Wansworth]

Are these cabin sides upright enough for you?

View attachment 143120

?

 

[Poignard]

I just visited some early (600 AD) churches in Ireland where the transition to stone building embodied the established features of wood into stone. I think the same happens with boats, where the features you need for wood building are reproduced in plastic (or steel). I learnt to sail in a 1963 Grp Westerly 22 which even now looks different. Ironically it was an update of the marine ply Westcoaster. The accommodation was amazing for the length vs folk boats, Halcyons etc.
View attachment 143116
The same happens today in search of maximum interior space. I have (near) vertical cabin sides with low cambered decks giving lots of sitting spaces. And keeping the freeboard low. Down below, the under decks area is used for storage and services rather than wide open spaces. Lot to be said for the traditional design if you aren't trying to fit in extra cabins etc.

When I lived in Hong Kong I used to own a plywood Yachting World People's Boat which also had the cabin extended out to the sides like the Westcoaster. She was quite a good looking boat that sailed well, and the very practical design gave a surprisingly spacious, airy cabin.

Also it made the boat stronger, not having a coachroof.

I was very fond of her and even considered having her shipped back to the UK.

Unfortunately I can't find any photos or plans on the internet.

 

[Wansworth]

Are these cabin sides upright enough for you?

View attachment 143120

 

[Wansworth]

Might be surprise news?

 

[Supertramp]

I know it's thread drift as the starting point was upright, traditional cabin sides vs the space optimising modern designs, but there are some very pretty and effective designs that use the boats full width for the cabin and the benefits of space and strength. The Cape Cutter 19 is one (Dudley Dix?) and the Wylo based designs. When I compare changing headsails on the foredeck of the Westerly 22 to my experience now with a cabin roof to sit on, bulwarks and lifelines (and 36 feet of length), I would rather the traditional layout any day. I feel the same on racing boats doing foredeck work with moulded non slip and a 1 inch toe rail providing the security. But looks and volume sell new boats.