Pipe Cot

[Guest]

Can anybody give some advice on how to build a pipe cot? The type I have in mind is a full loop of pipe supported on one side on brackets fixed to the ribs of my H28 (so that it will swing up by day) and hang on straps from the deckhead on the other. I know that some modern boats still use pipe cots but can't find any information on the web, or in the usual books, about the size of pipe, material, wall thickness or whether bending or joining the pipe is the best method of changing direction.

I originally planned to follow tradition and simply lash a canvas hammockto the frame but it occurs to me as I write that there may be more modern or sophisticated fabrics and/ or fixing systems that may be easier to rig or more comfortable to sleep on.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Trevethan]

Best system I ever saw looked like an oversized roller blind.

It comprised a roller mechanism, some nylon canvass material and a wooden pole (looked like an old boom) sewn into a tunnel along the long edge.

To open you pulled the spar out and the fitted it into a pair of angled u-shaped pieces of wood screwed to the bulkheads. seemed to work a treat

hope it helps

She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like the sound a dog makes just before it throws up

 

[Jacket]

When I was small my parents had a caravan with a berth rigged in a similar way. It was increadibly comfortable.

 

[snowleopard]

in the good old days..

they generally used 3/4 in or 1 in galvanised steel water pipe. on the Lord Nelson they have aluminium pipe of around 2in dia and i recently saw a hi-tech version on an Around Alone boat with 3in dia carbon fibre tube.

key factor is the bend along the long sides when your weight is in it.

they are quite comfortable as long as you have at least 3in of foam mattress.

a related alternative is the root berth where one edge of the canvas is attached to the hull and a straight tube is fitted throught a sleeve on the outer edge. a series of u-shaped sockets on the bulkheads at either end allow different angles to stop you falling out. any pre 1970 book on cruising will have pictures.

 

[Twister_Ken]

An idle thought

Few people know as much about what gauges and qualities of ali tubing there are, and how much strain each can take as framebuilders of bikes. Custom frame builders are usually small businesses and would probably be happy to advise and even quote and make-up something. If you want to go that route, PM me and I'll look up a few names.

 

[yoda]

And if caravans use them they are probably cheap. Spent many weeks sleeping in one such device. 2 poles. canvas between like a stretcher, u shaped wooden blocks for pipes to fit into. Now think of all the other emergency uses for poles like that ..............