Dakota cartoon, new layout
Bruce,
It is an interesting layout. The helm location has room for a very
comfortable "fightin' chair". However, comparing it to the original
layout, it looks like you would lose more than you would gain.
Here is what is lost:
1. at least 1/2 of the galley counter space and undercounter storage
2. about 1/2 the volume of the icebox/refrigerator
3. the dresser w/drawers
4. a place for the passenger/first mate to sit up front alongside the helmsperson
5. a forward cockpit large enough for a couple of deck chairs if desired.
6. day use of the berths for comfortable seating w/ backrest
The first mate and I didn't like the idea of the aisle coming between us
either, so I moved the starboard berth forward exactly opposite the port
berth. This reduced the size of the dresser, but gained us a second
locker starboard aft. I have built the two berths so that they flip up
for easy access to underberth storage. They also slide inboard
(cantilevered) with stops so each one can only slide to the centerline.
The backrests are piano hinged to the berth and drop down to fill the
outboard space left when the berths are slid inward. The backrest
cushions will fill this space. The result is a king sized bed like the
one we are used to at home.
As far as making the bed up every day is concerned, it's not much
different than our routine at home. If you have a good way to attach the
bottom sheet at the corners (I'm thinking grommets) to keep it stretched
smooth, the rest is easy. The boat can, of course, be underway without
bothering to put up the bed if the skipper wants to get started while
the mate catches a few more zzz's (or vice versa).
I don't know if you have seen the original Dakota layout or not. My scan
is not the greatest, but you can see it at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/files/Dakota/Dakota%20Layout.jpg
Vince Chew
It is an interesting layout. The helm location has room for a very
comfortable "fightin' chair". However, comparing it to the original
layout, it looks like you would lose more than you would gain.
Here is what is lost:
1. at least 1/2 of the galley counter space and undercounter storage
2. about 1/2 the volume of the icebox/refrigerator
3. the dresser w/drawers
4. a place for the passenger/first mate to sit up front alongside the helmsperson
5. a forward cockpit large enough for a couple of deck chairs if desired.
6. day use of the berths for comfortable seating w/ backrest
The first mate and I didn't like the idea of the aisle coming between us
either, so I moved the starboard berth forward exactly opposite the port
berth. This reduced the size of the dresser, but gained us a second
locker starboard aft. I have built the two berths so that they flip up
for easy access to underberth storage. They also slide inboard
(cantilevered) with stops so each one can only slide to the centerline.
The backrests are piano hinged to the berth and drop down to fill the
outboard space left when the berths are slid inward. The backrest
cushions will fill this space. The result is a king sized bed like the
one we are used to at home.
As far as making the bed up every day is concerned, it's not much
different than our routine at home. If you have a good way to attach the
bottom sheet at the corners (I'm thinking grommets) to keep it stretched
smooth, the rest is easy. The boat can, of course, be underway without
bothering to put up the bed if the skipper wants to get started while
the mate catches a few more zzz's (or vice versa).
I don't know if you have seen the original Dakota layout or not. My scan
is not the greatest, but you can see it at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/files/Dakota/Dakota%20Layout.jpg
Vince Chew