Washboards 1 or 2?

[ripvan1]

Wooden boat fittings - I see your 3 washboards and raise you 1 - yes Macwester 26 with 4 w/boards and very smart and well made they are too

 

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

Hi, Mr Winkle. Any photos? I must confess that Sanderling would probably have been better off with four boards as well. I certainly wasn't bragging about having three -- they were quite large and heavy and not easy to store, even though there was space under the cockpit sole for them.

Mike

 

[Poignard]

My boat has mahogany companionway doors. Much more convenient than washboards.

 

[William_H]

This hread has shown that the number of washboards depends on your need if any to have partial closure, safety if you have a low bridgedeck to stop water getting in and stowage problems.
Regarding latches to suit racing requirements. I came up against this on the little boat. So I did it to meet requirements but I certainly hope I never need to put the wash boards in due to rough water. The wash boards them selves are locked in with a piece of cord from a saddle below the opening to a small palstic clam cleat with a "keeper" so a knot in the cord keeps the washboard tethered. . This can be reached from outside by reaching from above through the sliding hatchtop. The sliding hatch top is locked by a latch of 2 levers on a shaft. This goes through a hole in the frame of the washboards. It has a lever (handle on the outside) On the inside it can turn upwards to catch tye inside of the sliding hatch front down turn. It relies on friction to stay locked.
For security I still have the original hasp and staple with pad lock top sliding to top wahsboard.
For the front hatch I have an over centre type latch on the inside for security. I made again an axle through the hatch lid mounted near the front centre. The lever (handle) on the inside can turn to catch the inside of the deck so stopping the hatch opening. (front opening) The lever (handle) on the outside just (hopefully) sits close to the top of the hatch but still seems to get caught in ropes etc.
I find the lock on the front hatch useful as I need to keep it locked when sailing * but it can be unlocked from outside for things like sail change.

* One of my kind of boats was sunk in Melbourne when the front hatch was open and it was broached with spin up in rough water such that when on its side water enterred the open front hatch. Yes I have laid mine on its side several times with spin up fortunately so far no water inside. good luck olewill

 

[nigelmercier]

I like Perspex boards. As well as making it easier for those down below to keep an eye on the helmsman, it makes the cabin lighter, you can watch the world go by when in harbour and there is no varnishing to do...

I wouldn't consider anything else. With apologies to WBF, his picture in #8 tells me I'm right.

 

[coopec]

Thanks for your advice - the washboard worked out fine. I went for one as it is not large and I can hold it easy with my arm horizontal. It needs painting, the perspex bolted in and the plastic film removed. I will also round the corners on the timber to make it look less "harsh". ( A cam lock will be mounted on the sliding hatch and lock into the washboard."

Now for the companionway steps........................

View attachment 40651

 

[Andrew G]

Very neat - well done, Andrew

 

[coopec]

Thanks Andrew.

I've just been inside the yacht and fitted it. (I must put some wood block type handles on the inside of the washboard to make it easier.)