New cockpit

[Scarboroughsloop]

I am about to redesign/rebuild the cockpit on my 30' scarborough sloop. As I have very little freeboard aft I do not want to make it self draining. What is the general concensus on a) a deep cockpit with a bilgepump to empty overboard. b) a deep cockpit draining into the bilge or c) a shallow (almost flush) cockpit.

Any other suggestions would be welcome.........

Thanks
Andy

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[ccscott49]

b) is out, unless you want to sink, a) possible, with tall washboards. c) now your talking! IMHO.

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[Scarboroughsloop]

Thanks ccscott49,

Exactly what I was thinking.

b) was there as that is what she has at the moment

a) was a possibility

c) is my preference..........

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[Peterduck]

The concept of a deep cockpit is a peculiarly British notion. Here in Australia, cockpit seats are at deck level, and the cockpit sole is 2ft lower. This gives a lot more room inside the boat, as well as usually raising the cockpit sole above sea level. The helmsman also has a better view over the cabin house. My bunk in my boat is a quarter berth under the Starboard cockpit seat. A non-self draining cockpit or a cockpit without a bridgedeck would be considered a feature of a lake boat, and not one to be taken to sea.
Peter.

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[Mirelle]

My father and I did this to an 18ft 2 1/2 tonner twenty years ago; it worked well enough even on such a tiny boat.

Mirelle was built with a shallow well and seats at deck level, and when we rebuilt the cockpit we made the well narrower, allowing us to get a quarter berth in.

I like this system, but it does leave you exposed to the British Weather!

One thing is for sure; a self draining cockpit is a world class rot pocket. I favour good quality marine ply, well radiussed (filletted) corners and a pronounced slope down to the drains, which must be flush with the sole. Then cover the lot with glass cloth and epoxy. Classic Marine have some nice bronze cockpit drain fittings from the USA with integral ball valves to stop water rushing back when heeled.
This might save the need to cross the pipes under the cockpit.

Your deep pumpable cockpit is perfectly practical, I think, and may be better, provided that

A) you leave a cockpit cover over on the mooring (rain water!)

B) you can get to the bits of boat behind it for maintenance.

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[Peterduck]

I would agree with Mirelle's cockpit construction with one proviso: that it be removable if necessary. I can dismantle "Swallow"s cockpit footwell in about half an hour if necessary, and remove it to have access to the gearbox, propshaft and gland,and , of course, the structure of the hull. I have been very glad of this on occasion, although I do not look forward to doing it. As we are glad of any rain we get, rot is not the same problem for us Down Under.
Peter.

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[ccscott49]

Good idea to have the floor removable! Not too difficult to arrange a seal of closed cell foam or rubber strip. You can use those natty little brass inserts for the screws, then they don't destroy the plywood everytime you remove it. The floorbaors can be sealed in epoxy and glass, then it will be very rigid, just the jobbie!!

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[Richard_Blake]

It strikes me that perhaps the self-draining outlets don't have to be in the bottom of the cockpit, but could be a little distance up the sides. You would get wet feet - but at least a large part of the weight of water would still drain away after you get pooped. Emergency solution only - 999 days out of 1000 you still have to pump or sponge out....

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[Spinnaker]

Sorry to be coming to this so late. You may have done it in which case it's the right decision. But consider this: Scarborough sloops enjoy a deep cockpit design which is very safe. They have high foredecks which shoulder aside a sea and are well known as dry boats. Most of them are still around so it's that's a plus for their design too. Why not leave the cockpit as designed? You're only talking about rainwater in the bilge and a diddy cover over the cockpit, hooked up in the middle to the boom will stop any getting in. Don't have the drain holes high because water will collect in the cockpit and it will find a way to rot it out.
Deep cockpits are great and warm in the winter; you won't need a dodger to cheat the wind. John Ley knew what he was doing and the deep cockpit is a great feature of the Scarborough sloop. But have those washboards in case you're caught out in a storm; a gale won't hurt.

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