Pearson Yachts Forum

Pearson Boats - Common Systems => Sails and Canvas => Topic started by: Scott on January 31, 2020, 04:43:02 PM

Title: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Scott on January 31, 2020, 04:43:02 PM
Hi, Just wondering if anyone has ever made a full enclosure for the cockpit of a 323 ? Scott
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Rusty Pelican on February 01, 2020, 07:50:18 AM
Yes, when needed, it is AMAZING. Not a drop in the cockpit ever! Completely dry.
We did not enclose the stern, not necessary on a mooring.
Be prepared to spend Ridiculous $$$ cash $$$, nevertheless worth it in the long run.
In 1983, a year after I bought the Rusty Pelican, my girlfriend (now wife and mother) and I spent 7 days of total rain in Martha's Vineyard cooped up down below because we had no canvas at all. We learned that lesson!
There is no such thing as too much canvas on  a 32' boat
I got pics, will post when I find them
P323 #174 38th consecutive seasons

Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Rusty Pelican on February 01, 2020, 09:07:59 AM
Here are some pics
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Scott on February 02, 2020, 08:09:40 AM
That’s great. Thanks for the pics. I was wondering how a person would deal with the length of the boom and the main sheet. It would be nice to be able to sit out in the cockpit even when it’s raining as you say. Great job. Now to put this on my list of projects LOL
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on February 03, 2020, 02:34:01 AM
Another idea for you to consider if you have a dodger:  I have a matching sunbrella length of canvas that attaches to the Dodger and then to the back stay. The aft section has a sleeve that I slip in an expandable rod. The sides have bungee cords that hold it in place. It’s not totally dry but works fine. The beauty of it is that it take 2 or three minutes to assemble or take off. It cools off the cockpit off a lot when the sun is beating down on you at anchor or in the slip. I will try to send some pictures later this month when I am on the boat. I don’t remember it costing that much but I try to mentally block out the real costs of boat ownership. Ha ha.
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Scott on February 09, 2020, 09:02:23 AM
Hi, Do you have any pics of your set up Robert ?
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on February 10, 2020, 01:11:11 AM
Scott, I will get some pics later this month when I am on the boat and post them when I get back on the 7th of March
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Rusty Pelican on February 10, 2020, 07:56:40 AM
Attaching a awning to the dodger to the back stay is a solution, we did it for 25+ yrs.
You will get wet in a rain, blocks the sun though
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Bill1188 on February 15, 2020, 10:23:24 AM
I have a normal dodger. I have a Bimini that zips to the back edge of dodger. It has a sleeve at the rear the I slide a stainless rod through, keeping the rod aft of the rear shroud. Have an acrylic window in rear of Bimini so if it is up while sailing, I can view the vane at the masthead. I also have zippers running the length of the three sides of the Bimini that I can zip panels on to. These panels extend down to the lower life line. In a downpour I can sail and keep pretty dry underneath.
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Scott on February 17, 2020, 03:52:43 PM
Hi Bill1188,
Do you have any photos of your enclosure you can share ?
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on March 05, 2020, 12:46:29 AM
Here are some pictures of my Cockpit cover I use at anchor or in the slip. It keeps us pretty dry if raining and works great to cool off the Cockpit in direct Sun. Made with sunbrella
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on March 06, 2020, 04:20:52 PM
pictures
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on March 06, 2020, 04:45:16 PM
more pictures
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on March 06, 2020, 04:48:04 PM
last pictures
Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: Scott on March 12, 2020, 05:29:22 PM
Thanks for posting the pics. They certainly give me an idea of what I can do to get some shelter in the cockpit.


Title: Re: Full cockpit enclosure
Post by: rbrtfeld on March 13, 2020, 01:06:35 AM
Works great for me. Let me know if you have any other questions. My Canvas guy came up with this Idea 10 years ago and it still looks like new when I use it. Sunbrella fabric is really the best. Good luck on yours