dry floor skin

[ahilde]

What is "dry floor skin" mentioned in post about "Southern Cross"?

[pocketyacht]

Apologies the term "dry floor skin" is a rather inaccurate term for a piece of the small open boat sleep system I have used on a number of small boats I have sailed/cruised. Not sure what else to call it........so how about "dry floor." The skin part comes from the need to have the thinnest, most flexible cloth possible that is also waterproof.

It's is a water proof cover or covers for the cockpit sole and seats.

The one I have just installed in my boat is the most complex I have developed so far, it turned out really well.

If I set anchor in the rain or have had a wet sail with the floor skin I can set my tent and have an instant dry cockpit. Works very well.

Would you like me to take and post a photo?

What is "dry floor skin" mentioned in post about "Southern Cross"?

[ahilde]

I would appreciate seeing your system.

[pocketyacht]

My tent system is essentially three parts. Mast boot, tent and separate floor.
I have used this system for many years in different boats with varying degrees of success. Cold wet nights can be annoying and in some cases even dangerous, if you don't sleep and have to make decisions, sail, etc. Good sleep is very important for a successful dinghy overnight or longer cruise.

The material used in the floor is important. Extremely light, durable and waterproof. I found some new material I believe will serve the purpose. To be functional on a day to day use basis the floor should be marked for quick orientation and to be able to tell which side is which. It will be stowed away wet on one side and has to be folded and unfolded accordingly. Sounds complicated but its not if you mark and manage the floor. I dry my floors out as often as possible, even when sailing I will spread the door out if the sun is out.

Ill post photos of the floor in its bag, it is very compact and very light.

If I sail in wet or in the rain: I anchor. Put up the tent (one of two boat tents I have aboard) and then standing in the footwell or sitting (depending on which tent I am using) I open the velcro in the middle of the floor. I then pull it over my head. I then place it on the the cockpit sole and seat tops spreading it out fore and aft. I drop my wet gear in the footwell, place feet up on the cockpit sole (dry floor) and either leave the dry floor flaps draping in the footwell as I cook or whatever or I put the two drop boards in and close the footwell and the dry floor flaps. Dry cockpit.

Dry Floor.jpg

**Simeon Baldwin adjusting the new dry floor. I think he likes the concept.

Dry Floor 2.jpg

Footwell drop boards in place.

Heres my gear and boat.

Gear-Southern Cross.jpg

I would appreciate seeing your system.

[ahilde]

Thank you. It is now clear.

[jhippe]

Hello Howard, what fabric did you use for the floor system?

[Brent65]

Howard, does the dry skin fasten to the seat sides in any way, or does it just lay there? I like the idea, just trying to figure out if it secures to the inside perimeter in any way. Also, what fabric material did you use for this skin?

[pocketyacht]

The dry floor is available for sale if anyone is interested, a friend of mine can make you one. I designed the floor to fit in place without velcro or fasteners. The ideal set up is two dry floors aboard. There are tents, hang bags, cloth doors, dry floors, boat covers, spar bags and covers, rescue slings I designed and use available. Just let me know and I will hook you up, a message will do.

[jhippe]

Thanks Howard. I am just starting my build so when I get to a later stage I will contact you about this.

[Brent65]

Howard,

Might you explain the benefits of two dry skin floors. I understand why one might be nice, but why might one need/want two? Your experience I'm sure will add many insights into the importance of this piece of gear.