Forepeak
The overhead was black with
mildew yet attempting a thorough cleaning would be foolish without a better
drainage system. Cleaning the forepeak would send the grime on a journey
across the cabin sole on its way to the bilge. I had read that a common
modification made to the Tritons large forepeak is the installation of
a bulkhead running fore and aft on center. However, this would not improved
my drainage problem. I elected instead to install an anchor rode
shelf with an overboard drain allowing the forepeak to be separated into
wet and dry stowage.
I built the shelf in two parts.
The frame is 1/2 inch ply about 3 inches wide and glassed to the hull
above the water line. I used closed cell neopream between the frame and
the hull to reduce the possibility of printing. The shelf is also 1/2 inch
ply that sets inside the frame and attached with four 1/4 inch SS bolts
and SS T-nuts.
Both the frame and
the shelf were covered with 6 oz glass and resin before installation for
added protection. Wet item's can now be stowed on the shelf while a large
space is available below to stow dry items.
For me there are several advantages.
1. Eliminates the anchor rode from becoming tangled with other items stowed
in the forepeak; 2. Drains undesired water and moisture overboard rather
than inside the boat (keeps my feet dry); 3. Allows the cowl vent to remain
installed for maximum ventilation; 4. Adds a small area for dry stowage.
For the thru-hull, I started
by drilling a 7/16 inch hole in the hull at the lowest point of the shelf.
Time and experience will dictate the correct size and weather to install
an actual fitting or not (to date I have not found it necessary to enlarge
the hole or add a small bronze through hull.) After the hole is drilled,
I simply buffed the area with a light abrasive polishing compound which
tented the edges of the hole with the hull color.
Once the anchor shelf was
completed, I scrubbed the overhead with a biodegradable solution and rinsed
with fresh water. My eco compatible cleaning solution drained overboard
as planned without making a mess of the rest of the boat.
The foc'sle side of the bulkhead
was covered with satin white Formica and closed off with a birch and cane
hatch for maximum ventilation.
