galley design

[RenMan]

greetings all.

I'm a rookie here and really not a sailor at all. I'm in the mental-exercise phase of renovation on a truck camper for a handicaped client (the LOML). At this time I'm doing a search for design ideas to make a compact area of limited floor space into a gally/kitchen cum multiple use area.

I know that boat designers have done some pretty remarkable things in limited space and you folks have some pretty neat toys in your spaces. I'd like to know more about them. Any suggestions are helpful

[Craig]

Hard to say anything right off. What kind of camper, how much space, desired capabilities etc. Any photos of the area? What is in there now? What level of handicap. We need a bit more information before we can be of much help.

[RenMan]

well, you have to visualize two cubic volumes, the larger sitting on top of the smaller. The first, a floor space about 4 X 8 feet around 2 feet deep under the larger being about 7' wide X 8 feet long and 4.5 feet high. This volume & shape, minus the queen size bunk area extending forward over the truck cab, is about what you are looking at when you see a truck camper on the back of a pick-up on the road. The interior overhead height is about 6.5' (+/-) and the camper sides extend about a foot and a half beyond the side of the truck bed on each side for beam width. Here are two links to mfgr's who happen to be high end units

http://www.alpenlite.com/html/alpenlite_lim_construct.html

http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-ltinteriorphotos/index.htm

Some variation in shape and volume is expected as many of these campers are 9 to 12 feet long and some even drop down behind the truck bed. But I can use the above for the moment. BTW, there are a number of truck camper manufacturers extant who have already packed many variations of kitchen's, bathrooms and living space into these units, but for my purposes none of them "fit" my present requirements and to have one designed and built is just too costly - which is why I'm doing it this way in the form of a remodeling retrofiting exercise of an older camper.

In addition to designing to accomodate my wifes (as well as my own) limited mobility I want to incorporate solar energy and diesel powered units into the mechanical systems. This is to eliminate the need for propane or a gasoline generator for 110 power. Shore power is another matter at the moment and is part of the converter I think. I've seen two burner range tops and water heaters from Europe that burn diesel as well as very efficient solar arrays and converter/battery storage systems for lighting, AC , refrigeration and small convection microwave units. I have a notion that these appliances have evolved out of the naval community which is why I am here, to learn how you fit all this together.

If you have ever looked into a truck camper a large part of the space is taken up along one side by a 4 place settee bench and table that converts into another bunk so the unit can sleep as many as 4 people. I want to fit two reclining Captian's chairs into that space in stead. If airlines can squeeze two reclining sleeper chairs into a small space why can't I? And, in the corner is a small head/shower stall.

Then there is the issue of storage that can be fitted in around other stuff later.

So that's a beginning. And I'm sure there are some items I have not yet considered that will give me grief later, but that's part of the learning of anything new. I have ordered a book on boat design suggested by a reader here and hope to begin my learning curve there. Oh, the mobility issue. Range of motion is the most problematic. Reaching overhead into storage for anything heavier than a can of soup might be a problem for her and with two artificial knees crawling into the forward bunk is a challange.

I am a visual learner for the most part. So referal to illustrations I can find on the web or in a good library would be helpful. Also, does anyone know if there is a boat salvage outfit that may market some of the items above from redecorated or salvaged boats?

Thanks for the interest and I'm hoping for a productive and congenial communication.

[Dave Fleming]

:?:

As far as reclining chairs goes you might begin with the Save The Back web site or Backsavers site.

They make a steel tubing framed recliner with the same seating configuration as the Space Shuttle uses. Several lenghts, a number of upholstry choices, to the best of my recollection they do not swivel but that is not a difficult thing to overcome.

I have been to the Earthroamer site as part of reading the Turbo Diesel Register forums. Those devices you mention are very expensive unless you can buy them from Earthroamer. Frankly ANYTHING that has the word Marine-Boating-Yachting in it appliance wise is going to be expensive.

One yacht I was involved in had Italian dishwasher, clothes washer/dryer all SS and built for marine use. Could have bought several domestic ones for what that setup cost. Most folks find a domestic product that will do the job and when it wears out and on a boat it will, replace it with another.

Refers, dishwashers, clothes washers are the worst in the corrosion failure catagory.

But frankly until you tell the Forum just what disablities you and your wife have it is hard to be more detailed in answering.

For example can you both negotiate getting into and out of the cab over bed setup? If not will the chairs be doing double duty. Bathing and toilet needs anything special? Entering and exiting ie: steps or a ramp. Height of cooking appliance? Folla?

[Nora Lee+]

I am a retired kitchen and bath designer, who has been boating since 1973, so have a bit of expertise, as well as time to tackle a project on paper!

Need to know limitations, as Dave said and dimensions of unit as well as a wish list of things you would like included.

[Craig]

There is your start Renman, Caution is advised with the wwood work. Most sturucture in these things are attachehed from the outside in. Be careful with any demolition. Wood work is straight forward and there are may laminates to choose from for the replacement tasks. Contack cement hold up very well in these applications. Now beyond the seats what do youw ant to do?,