28 TE modifications

[Nancy]

We're getting pretty excited as the closing date on our 28TE draws near. As I've mentioned, we're coming from a Trojan 32, so we have some, er, space challenges.

I love seeing how people use boat space creatively. I've looked through the forum and have seen some projects and ideas, but not too many.

What modifications have you made to your boat to make it more spacious, accessible, organized, convenient, etc.? For example, there are big storage compartments under the dinette seats, but you have to lift the cushions to get to them. Has anyone installed access doors in the vertical face of the fiberglass? Same thing at the forward-most compartment under the quarter berth.

What about the horizontal surface in front of the mate's chair? Fiddle boards? Chart/drink rack?

What about the fiberglass pedestal beneath the captain's chair? It has two drawers up high. What's in the bottom half of that structure?

[RobS]

Great enthusiasm. You will find that those spaces are used for the not needed every day items so the current means of access works. If you plan to do new electronics, inverter, A/C, etc. installations I would recommend doing that first because most of that space will come into play. With these new MFD dash units they have quite a few black box type components, processors, etc. that need homes too. Once you get your installs done and your "hope I never need these" type items stored and put some time on using the boat only then will you truley know what space mods are really practical.

Under the 2 drawer unit at the starboard helms chair is quite the void. Other voids are just to the right of that space along the starboard pilothouse wall, under the speaker and side vent area. Also above the aft bunk ceiling panel is quite caverness as well, especially for longer items.

[Pitou]

Above the Quarter Berth on the engine box model. I grabbed this picture off of Yachtworld .... someday . I first saw this type set-up at a NE Rendezvous in Essex, CT aboard ENDURANCE .... Garth really got it right with a much finer finish for a long drawer. Others have utilized this space for fishing rod storage. As Rob has stated the space is cavernous and under utilized. Enjoy your exploration of small & larger spaces!

drawer.jpg

[Nancy]

Rob and Kevin, thank you! Great information. The challenge is that there's lots of space for things we never use and not much space for things we use all the time while leaving space clear for sleeping without half an hour of rearranging. You know - dishes, food, tool box, blankets, clothes, grill, drop curtains (without creasing/scratching/denting clear vinyl), etc. etc.

We're in good shape on systems - electronics, AC, etc. An inverter might be nice, but not with the present battery setup (two SRM27's, 10 amp charger), which seems inadequate. I think I'll start a separate thread on that.

Where do you put a trash can?!

Kevin, that drawer is great! It looks like that owner might have reconfigured the galley sink. Doesn't that look like a faucet handle at the bottom right?

[jcollins]

Hi Nancy,
My previous boat had a lot more storage space than the Albin. The first thing I learned is that I didn't really need all that space. Our motto is look at what we need, then cut it in half and cut it in half again. That seems to have worked for us with no problem.

Where do you put a trash can?!

We keep ours in the head. If I'm on the hook I'll move it out to the deck. We don't spend much time below anyway.

[Nancy]

Hi John -

The contents of the Trojan are in our spare bedroom. You know - the junk room. I've sorted it into what's moving to the 28 and what's staying home. I think I've got it about in half. Now you tell me I have to cut it in half again??

The trash cans are a funny example - four (flybridge, salon, galley, head) to one.

[gerber30]

I have done several modifications including a seat back on the engine box to allow seating for 4. I also did the drawer above the quarter berth which is great for bulking stuff. The horizontal rod holders under the hard top are great and inexpensive.

[Nancy]

Gerber30, nice!

What about companionway hatch screen for nights on the hook? I can envision making a framed screen to slide into the overhead portion...no idea where to stow it of course - lol... Screening the doorway itself looks challenging especially if I don't want a hack job and also want to be able to go in and out of the cabin without an Act of Congress.

[DougSea]

Gerber30, nice!

What about companionway hatch screen for nights on the hook? I can envision making a framed screen to slide into the overhead portion...no idea where to stow it of course - lol... Screening the doorway itself looks challenging especially if I don't want a hack job and also want to be able to go in and out of the cabin without an Act of Congress.

I'd look for one of those flexible screens that draps over the companionway and has lead weights on it's rim to hold it in place. WM has them: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/products/ ... reens.html

[jcollins]

I think I've got it about in half. Now you tell me I have to cut it in half again??

You sound like Sharon. My answer is always..Yes Dear.

[RobS]

..It looks like that owner might have reconfigured the galley sink. Doesn't that look like a faucet handle at the bottom right?

Likely at teapot.