TOO SMALL

[anneharris]

We have just brought our first boat which has fitted a spray hood, when sailing I find it difficult to see where I am going as the spray hood is too high for me. Has anyone got any ideas, is there somthing that can be fitted to the deck to give me height ???

Anne

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[Davy_S]

High heels? /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[Rigger]

Take it down.I had been sailing for several years before someone pointed out the benefit of actually collapsing the sprayhood .It only takes a minute and instantly improves visibility and decreases windage/leeway. Now I only sail with it up if it is actually raining or heading into a sea with possibility of spray.I think raising your height in the cockpit is likely to lead to instability,and is probably not a good idea.

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[chasroberts]

Thought about having a window fitted in it. Not perfect as the visibility is never as good as dropping it but it might help keep out those odd bits of spray that seem to find their way stright down your neck. The window material can be got from a number of places (I have a phone number if you need one but search back and you should be able to find something in this forum)

You could always just make one of your crew sit up front and keep watch whilst you stay dry in the cockpit? Depends on how nice a skipper you are.

Good luck anyway.

Chas

<hr width=100% size=1>Semper in excretum sum. Sole profundum variat!

 

[jerryat]

Hi!

Totally agree! Have only used the sprayhood on rare occasions when sailing for exactly the reason of poor visibility - and we have brand new clear panels. When it rains or there's a LOT of spray about, up it goes.

I very much doubt the ability of most sailors to maintain a proper lookout with one up without actually standing up to look over/around it despite what is claimed.

Good sailing!



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[William_H]

I suspect you are saying you can't see over the spray hood when it is folded down and possibly not easy to see over the cabin. Try a cushion on the cockpit seat. tied down preferably. You may also need to fit some foot rests on the cockpit floor as you should be firmly seated when it leans and it gets rough. I sit on the gunwhale (is it called the coaming?) with feet on the seat. Here straps of webbing screwed down to the seat to tuck toes under really makes you feel sevcure. Don't stop experimenting anything goes as long as you are safely attached and comfortable and of courase you must be able to see all round. regards will

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[cliff]

Small water resistant video camera and a little portable TV.
Mount the camera on the pulpit and tv on the cabin roof below the dodger great for seeing where you are going (The tv mounted within sight of the chart table is great when below "playing" with the charts - one can keep a look out without jookin the head up every so often.

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