One of the problems with a CC can be the lack of shade in the cockpit. You can't run a joining cover from the back of the dodger to the bimini on the stern rail because the mainsheet runs to the traveller from the end of the boom halfway along the aft deck area. I was thinking it would be possible to install a frame just forward of the traveller so that I could run such a cover over the cockpit whilst underway. It would need an opening at the helm where the helmsman's head would stick out (my head comes to just below the boom when sail is down, traveller is centred and mainsheet cinched down). I have seen boats in colder regions do such a thing (eg. Drake on Paragon).

Has anyone ever seen a centre cockpit boat with such a setup? Is this stupid?


The mainsheet and boom would need not to interfere with the frame when running.
It could serve as a boom crutch type thing (though I'm not sure there's any advantage in that to a topping lift, which I have).
It could be ugly if done wrong but could be very useful and may look okay if done right.

Another pic. Not the best but may give you some ideas. She's all tied down Waiting for a cyclone!

Today I'm doing some engineering to mount my Aft self Taylor's for the Headsail....I will need to get the cover altered so I can have some zip up flaps for when I need to sheet, basicly I will be able to stay fully enclosed on all points of the wind! That's the good thing about a Aft cockpit binimi with forward mainsheeting the down side is I need to stand up to look forward over the cabin not like C/Cpit yachts!

Ambler said..
Hi Dr
I have an awning on yachtambler (google for various photos) it is mounted on 2 roll bars the aft is forward of my main sheet track. The forward is onto my hard dodger. All mounted via 4 flag pole sockets 32mm diameter, to allow for the slight off camber of dodger and cockpit combing. I added extra bar above aft one for boom to rest on when not underway. All pipe is 32mm stainless.
cheers

Might be better with a link to your photos. Google images has lots of yachts, none like yours.

Ambler said..
Hi Dr
I have an awning on yachtambler (google for various photos) it is mounted on 2 roll bars the aft is forward of my main sheet track. The forward is onto my hard dodger. All mounted via 4 flag pole sockets 32mm diameter, to allow for the slight off camber of dodger and cockpit combing. I added extra bar above aft one for boom to rest on when not underway. All pipe is 32mm stainless.
cheers

Thanks Wayne. Gee, you have some beautiful photos of some stunning places on your blog!

I'm wondering about your setup. The frame looks very close to the traveller. It looks as though the mainsheet would be wrapping around the base of the frame when the main is eased as far as it can go. Or do you ensure that you drop the traveller to leeward before easing the main (which I never do)?

Also, have you ever accidentally gybed with this setup and nearly taken the frame out?

Cheers,

Rog

Ambler said..
I do move the traveller out when running or broad reaching. I otherwise centre it. I havn't have any issues with gybes as the boom is longer and the 6:1 main sheet isn't vertical. The back roll bar is very thick about 5mm stainless that I found at a scrap metal dealer. The front is 2mm.
I hope you found some good piccs of the setup to study amongst the scenery

What design is your boat?

5mm thick - wow, that's serious.

Adams 31.

You mean like this? Installation on an Adams 40 Centre cockpit.

DrRog, centre Bimini is actually self supporting, independent of the rear targa. The infil flap is only zipped up when we are not sailing. When sailing it is unzipped, and tensioned down to the deck (clips on the bungie chord), the gap is sufficient for the main sheet to pass through.

the rod holders are really handy, when they are not holding rods, they are great for solar lights etc.