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Outboard brackets on the Bluejacket


Tom Lathrop

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We talked, some years ago, about lengthening the 28 on either side of the engine, providing a little more flotation, and easing entry from a dinghy or the water.   I noticed De De had a little problem with cockpit flooding when loaded down for cruising and extra people on board.  Have you given this mod any more thought?

 

Thanks,

Duane

 

I thought this topic deserved its own thread so brought the reply over here as well.

 

Duane,

 

I have developed some plans for a couple types of extensions or brackets that make boarding much easier and also add buoyancy.  These are included with the plans if wanted.  We had 4 Bluejackets of all lengths at Georgetown and Charleston last October and did not have any water entry problems through the scuppers even with the cockpit loaded with people.  I have seen this issue though and have suggested that the cockpit sole be raised.  There is only one negative to doing this.  That is that the step down to the pilothouse will be greater and the headroom for entry will be reduced unless the pilothouse top is raised.  I consider this a good thing.  Henry plans to raise the cockpit sole when they get back home.  

 

One mistake that is often made about outboard brackets is that they offer more cockpit space.  This is wrong because the boat is as long or as big as it is from stem to the end of the outboard.  They do offer more space if the bracket is added to an existing hull but in a new build, making the boat as long as the end of the bracket will always give more cockpit space.  Still, the boarding/swim platform advantage can be attractive with an easy entry door in the center of the transom.  The plans show this version also.

 

A further advantage to raising the sole is increased fuel capacity, which has also been an issue for Henry for one of the long legs of the trip that he has taken care of with an added temporary fuel tank.  I recommend in the plans than a custom aluminum fuel tank be part of the building process.  This offers  a lot of additional fuel volume because the off-the-shelf tanks from Moeller don't make good use of the available space.  When properly installed and protected, I consider aluminum tanks to be a good deal even at the added expense and they will have baffles that prevent fuel sloshing about.

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Tom,

 

Thanks for the reply. I am pleased to learn the pilothouse top can be raised,as I thought that CG/Windage problems might be a problem. I would like to extend the pilot house top, and a little more headroom would be nice, even though I'm only 5'-10" tall.What are your thoughts on on increasing the camber or curvature of the roof?

 

I am in full agreement with your ideas for a custom tank.

 

I will try to include a photo of a rough (very rough) sketch of some of my ideas.

 

Duane

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De De did have the PH top raised 4 inches and I belive that it has worked well for several reasons.  

1. added space above front windows for radio mounting.

2 . allowed aft copit cover to extend streight back and not be raised for copit head room

3. added head room  in PH for taller individuals. 

4. I also raised the galley top to 35 inch, more like standard 36 inch kitchen counter or work bench height.  Thus enough head room for captain in seat above galley top.

This was accomplished by adding a four inch piece of wood above the window frames on which to mark the cabin roof curve.  

 

I do intend to raise the copit sole by 2 inches for the mentioned reasons .. I also am going to investigate custom fuel tank,  it does not have to be filled when going out for a few hours or a day.. just for extended range when fuel stops are limited... I will admit to being over weight when loaded for a one year live aboard capability.. but the crew does have to eat.  I will also be investigating added house battery capacity .. As Tom has said weight is crucial.. pay attention when building.  

 

Just my two cents.. by the way the Loop is still a thrill on top of the building process.  Cruising on the Tennessee....

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Tom, this is certainly interesting.Is this a modification to an exsisiting hull or a new hull? Being close to launching, I will not be changing course at this point, however a future modification may be considered.

As I see it the advantages would be, easier boarding and disembarkment to a dinghy or floating dock and increased hull speed.

Disadvantage, addtional trailer length and docking space.

I am sure there is a lot more to this proposition.

Thanks

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Jim,

 

There is a lot more to this and the plans include detail of structural modifications.  The smaller bracket in the center would be much easier to retrofit while the full width extension would not be a big deal to fit to a new build.  One other extra is that a kicker can be added to either type easily if that is wanted. 

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