Sling your Hook! using a hammock anybody

[dharl]

Is anybody using hammocks afloat these days?

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/trekmat...mock-p110711?gclid=COS0-7KcjrkCFXLLtAodoXQAuA

My new 'drive' is an ex Tyne Class Lifeboat. Great for going through Force 12, bit light on the amenities. (See my thread about cooking with hot water only....no hob oh and the heads area bit basic too....) Accom wise there are two bunks in the fwd cabin, and 4 in the aft cabin. We have been able to sleep 10 on board by making use of sleeping on the deck when alongside...with sleeping bags and roll mats its ok for a nights sleep, with two additional in the fwd cabin and two in the wheelhouse, but obversley not possible when at sea or when it comes to winter and is a bit cooler on the steel plates!

One option is too build additional cots up forward and also down aft, but this will reduce usable space and access as well as increase the weight of the boat. Other option is to use hummocks! Found the enclosed link at Go Camping (which a store is close to where I live and I use from time to time!), has anyone had experience of using hummocks afloat and in particular the ones in the link?

Any views much appreciated!

David

 

[Seajet]

dharl,

my Father was subjected to hammocks in the WWII aircraft carrier ' HMS Unicorn ', he has a variety of naughty words to describe what he thought of the experience !

However I have found berths with leecloths very cosy and secure when the boat is being rolled in a swell, the idea is to hold the occupant against the side of the boat, just snugly not too tight to prevent escape in emergency though.

 

[dharl]

have enjoyed the use of lee cloths my self on a few occasions, and at sea that's what we will use for the 6 berths, however when in port and not on passage we need to sleep more......

 

[KellysEye]

We had to use hammocks at a camp near Angel Falls in Venezuela, they are the most uncomfortable thing we've ever slept in and would now avoid them at all costs. Sleeping with a curved back and difficulty turning over is a nightmare. I suspect the one that have a wooden strut at each end might be slightly better because the hammock is kept open but still a curved back.

 

[Poignard]

My first RN ship, HMS Gambia, had hammocks for the lower orders. I slept in one every night for 2-1/2 years (except for the few weeks leave we were generously allowed during that period, and a night in cells after a birthday celebration). Very comfortable, especially when the ship is rolling heavily.

To judge from the number of people regularly punished for not turning out promptly, other people found them comfortable as well.

Make sure your hooks/hammock bars are very strong - there's a large 'swigging' strain on them. Hammocks might also come in handy if your boat is shot at, or needs fothering.



Another solution to your problem might be to use 'pipe cots' that fold up against the boat's side when not in use.

 

[Talbot]

........... I suspect the one that have a wooden strut at each end might be slightly better because the hammock is kept open but still a curved back.

Called a stretcher. If you dont use one, the hammock closes in on you and can be a bit claustrophobic. The stretcher at each end stops that happening, and also makes getting in and out a lot easier. Last warship I served in that still used hammocks was HMS Scarborough, and all used a stretcher.

 

[Oscarpop]

We have one which we sling between the mast and forestay ( shackled to the jib sheet/clew).

Works a dream and we are able to sleep/read on deck