A WATERTIGHT ENCLOSURE

[Graeme K]

I came up with a couple of different ways to keep the water out. This method ticks all the boxes for me.
Here are the details that cover making and fitting rails for an enclosure.
I used stainless 302 RHS 75mm x 25mm. (316 was not available). The rail is rock solid, even if somebody stood on top of it.
Measure along the gunwale to fibreglass each end for rail length, then take off 4mm (2mm each end gap). Be sure to measure both sides - there will be a difference.
The brackets at the bottom of the rail will have a gap to the fibreglass. Pack with soft washers and screw home.
When using selftapping screws in fibreglass, I use a drill a whisker larger than the overall diameter of the screw thread. Then, while drilling, watch the outside edge of the drill bit - go just below the jelcoat. Then finish the hole with the correct drill for the screw used. Doing this prevents jelcoat chipping when the selftapping screw goes in.

Graeme K
2005 Albin 30 FC

[kathylsails]

Great job! Thank you for sharing.

[DougSea]

Very nice Graeme! Do you have any "overview" shots that show off the entire cockpit? Looks very well done.

(I liked the "bog the rest up" comment!)

[Graeme K]

Doug,
Unfortunately no, I wouldn't have a wide enough view with this camera. Maybe I should put a new camera on my Christmas wishlist! Graeme.