Total refurb - want to build a raising foredeck/cuddy

4AEG · 04 October 2014, 21:19

Ok, so this winter I'm undertaking a total refurb

One thing I'd like to do if possible is to raise the foredeck higher (sort of tube height) to form additional storage at least but my real aim would be to have it so the whole foredeck could then be raised to around 1.2m so that (with the aid of canvass sides etc) a cuddy can be formed, does that make sense??

What I really need is the mechanism to do the raising, preferably powered.

A scissor lift perhaps? 4 telescopic posts? Something else?

Anyone with ideas or preferably knowledge or products to a complies would be fantastic!

Cheers in advance

jyasaki · 05 October 2014, 17:49

One thing to think about is that most mechanical lift mechanisms are not made for the marine environment. Anything made of mild steel (which will be most of it) won't last very long.

Some sort of hinged PVC or aluminum tube arrangement should do; lightweight, and should support some canvas in all but the nastiest weather.

jky

4AEG · 05 October 2014, 18:15

Good point!

I was looking for something out of stainless if possible.

It's really to provide a sleeping area for a bit of Island hopping really without the bulk of building a cabin (they always look too big to me too)

Poly · 05 October 2014, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4AEG

Good point!

I was looking for something out of stainless if possible.

It's really to provide a sleeping area for a bit of Island hopping really without the bulk of building a cabin (they always look too big to me too)

Have a search for some of Alystra's posts he has a kind of tent he builds on the deck. I'd guess if you have an 8m boat you could probably find an off the shelf tent that would fit on your deck!

4AEG · 05 October 2014, 19:41

I could put a pop up tent on I know, but I want to have a raising foredeck really (petulant child and all that! Lol)

I've got a boat builder coming to see me tomorrow now and fingers crossed he will come up with something, we'll see eh

cptsideways · 05 October 2014, 21:53

Maggiolina rooftent is what you need

4AEG · 05 October 2014, 21:59

Right sort of idea yeah, just want it shaped to the foredeck etc, make it look like it's not there at all until it's used.

Does the magnolia just have a basic hinge to pop up? I've had Eazi Awn roof tents I. The Landy before but a basic fold over affair.

If I get a "lid" made as such to act as the foredeck then I can have seating and storage formed under it.
The canvass is clearly a simple affair, what I'm struggling with is the mechanism to lift or pop it up high enough.

I've looked at electro hydraulic actuators but I'm limited to less stroke than the height it must be housed in, so some 300mm
I'm looking to lift around 100mm if I can. Something telescopic is a scissor lift I think, and preferably at the flick of a switch (I know, lazy bugger!)

Poly · 05 October 2014, 22:22

The idea kind of makes sense although has all the makings of being a giant compromise. Its in a very wet/vulnerable part of the boat when underway - do you think you'll be able to keep it dry inside? I can think of nothing more depressing after a long day in rough conditions than popping up your tent to find it sodden inside.

Something along the lines of the Shearwater giant console might be a better compromise?

4AEG · 05 October 2014, 23:16

I think with the right seal and clamps to keep tight it should be ok

We've all got storage that stays water tight haven't we? Or we should have lol
Same principle on a larger scale I guess

Seeing this chap tomorrow that assures me he can make the deck for me and get it tight, it's really raising it high enough for comfort that is proving the issue at the minute.

Scissor lifts are looking most likely at the minute. I've got stainless threaded bar readily available and think I have someone to water jet some bracketry for me, just getting the right arm length now I think (hope)

Got a little time to sort, I'm looking to drop the boat to the builder mid to late November (still plenty of play time left yet this year!)

4AEG · 05 October 2014, 23:16

I'm just googling the console now though, cheers

4AEG · 05 October 2014, 23:19

Can't find anything stock but not difficult to fabricate really

4AEG · 06 October 2014, 21:09

Now looking at an interlocking edge so that a seal can be fitted to keep all water tight and then having 4 heavy duty gas rams to raise (and lower of course) the foredeck to some 1200mm

Should have the final designs sorted over the next couple of weeks and then she's being collect and off to the builders yard to have everything done over the worst of the winter