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floor boards and hiking straps


Hirilonde

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I want to be able to sit on the rail comfortably with the main sheet draped across my leg, firm footing to move in and out, a good toe hold at the ready, above that cup of water in the bilge that comes from nowhere, the hiking extension in my hand and a cool drink handy but secure.  Then, I can be really comfortable and enjoying a good breeze at the same time.

 

I wanted a nice non-skid surface and hiking straps:

 

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The floor boards slats are 5/16" thick and each is scarfed from 2 or 3 pieces.  I tested 9" centers for the sleepers and it supported me.  But when I thought about people stepping into the boat I concluded some might not be so light footed so I added some to the center where people would likely step in.  I wanted the units to be very low so as to not loose leg room and be light weight, even though made of Teak.  The pair weigh in at 12 pounds.

 

The Lapwing is a beamy boat for 16 feet, and I have short legs.  I designed an adjustable hiking strap and have been playing with adjusting the slack such that I can hike out properly and comfortably.  The shock chord holds it loosely up to make getting a toe under it easy and fast.  There is little tension in the chord, so you can step on the hiking straps and they go easily to the sole.  Still playing around with this before the final iteration.  The end hardware were made by bending the shroud tangs that came off the masts I robbed of their track.

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Dave,  Do you expect to use the straps while sitting on the seat or on the deck?  Lapwing does not have a permanent strap and I have used some line from the transom gudgeon screws to the middle thwart.  I am able to hook my ankles under the high strap from the deck.   Worked OK although it takes a ton of wind to need it with two aboard.  Sailing singlehanded is different of course.  When racing other less stable boats, a hiking strap was absolutely necessary to keep the boat on its feet and teh crew out of the drink.

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Looks great Dave.

 

What is the assembly behind the lazaret seat, the tray with the 2 pieces of pvc pipe.

 

 

Although I am not a racer I have not found it necessary to hike way out. With 2 in the boat the forward crew member sitting on the side deck seams to be enough, solo just my weight on the side deck is enough although I have slipped and scared the crap out of myself in a good blow and have added nonskid to the floor this spring. The boat tends to spill excess wind when heeled too far and if I am struggling to control the boat I reef. 25 knot winds, solo, with the third mast location in use is a walk in the park   :) .

 

Jim

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Tom:  I single hand a fair bit, so I sit on the rail a lot then.  We have good afternoon winds just about every day.  At least 10 kts. and 20 kts.is not uncommon.  I want something permanent that isn't in the way.  And even if I don't actually hike out much on many trips, having my foot under the strap is comforting.  You must be really out there using that strap set up you describe.

 

Jim:  Well, in my opening statement I mentioned I need to have a drink at hand, yet have it be secure.  That "assembly" is a fiddle sided tray with 2 drink holders.  It is secure from sliding by how it fits to the transom and the hinge of the hatch.  If I like how it works out I may add a hook or something to keep from losing it in a capsize.  I am leery of drilling holes until I know I want them.

 

Much of the time just having a non-skid sole would be enough.  But for all the dinghies I have sailed, hiking straps were in them all.  It is second nature to find it in place.

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I thought as much on the drink holder. You should insulate it to keep your coffee hot..wink wink..yes coffee. I built a wine rack out of pvc for my bride who finds the best way to live with me is to have a glass of wine daily.

Hmmm, I was contemplating a drawer under the center thwart to port, my cooler goes to starboard.  But if my wife sees this post of yours I will have to build a wine rack like yours for the boat!

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