Updating

[Gordonmc]

Some thoughts on bringing some modernity to a classic.

I have been thinking about doing an internal refit to a 30 foot Hillyard to make her a bit more user friendly. I appreciate the warmth of old mahogany and period fittings, but the use of space is hardly efficient.

The config. has the main cabin with single berth/setees either side with cooker and sink either side midships. V berths in the fore. Locker and heads either side between. The port berth had a trotter beneath the sink. That's gone, replaced by a 12v fridge, shortening the berth which is still OK for our 7 year old.

The plan was to bring the cooker over to the port as well, sacrifice the berth, but then build a U shape dinette on the starb'd converting to a double berth.

Is it worth it? Don't want to go back to a floating GRP caravan, but would character be sacrificed for more comfort and efficiency. BTW, I used to restore classic cars, wherever possible taking them back to the original, but that didn't stop me using modern rust preventers and cataloy instead of lead loading.

Any views?

 

[Plum]

Gordon, anyone who asks such a question are likely to be a person that will do the job tastefully. It is your boat so the decision is yours, but as you asked, I will give you my thoughts:
1) don't do anythink that will affect the structural integrity of the boat. I know this is largely obvious, but don't forget that it is possible to attach structures to the hull frames that are too stiff which will lead to locallised higher stresses that will damage the hull.
2) use the best possible materials and fasteners so that your good work will live on and be enjoyed by future owners. If future owners enjoy the boat there is more chance that the boat as a whole will be cherished for many more years.
3) ensure that any structure you build into the inside does not restrict the circulation of air inside or behind such structures otherwise you will initiate rot.
4) do not glue any part or internal structure to the hull structure. This will ensure that any future modifications can be made without damaging the hull structure.

I hope this helps.

 

[rich]

if it works,leave it as it is,it's a classic boat.