Luggage rack??

deltaten · #1 01-30-2013

Well...mebbe not a luggage rack per se; but a deck/roof mounted rack to secure and stow gear atop the cabin. Something like a roof rack on an SUV or bigger 4X4? I have mebbe 4 feet unobstructed fore and aft from the companionway hatch to the region that would interfere with the boom vang..depending how the load gets piled.

I'd like the option of stowing items on the cabin roof; but don;t wish to place them on it directly. Mostly to keep the area dry and breating and somewhat due to a sorta soft portion of the deck. Plenty of width available and I'd likely use only half of the nearly 8 feet of it. A 4'X4' rack might be ideal?

Now to consider materials. Perhaps stainless. Mebbe teak? or even PVC?

Anybody use or come across anything similar?

Tim R. · #2 01-30-2013

Will this block your view forward?

I would use stainless tubing. Similar to liferaft cradles. GRP box on top of that.

Lake Superior Sailor · #3 01-30-2013

Anything on my deck blocks the view, so that won't be happening on my boat!...Dale

deltaten · #4 01-30-2013

If I remember right...
I have headroom and a bit, under the boom. There's close to 30 inches from the cabin top to the boom. SO, if I don;t exceed near at 24 inches OA, I'll be OK.

Thanx for the responses

HUGOSALT · #5 01-30-2013

Clearly a no go on my 30fter. as much as I could use the storage
space. Few things come to mind, really want a clear unobstructed view forward both near and far...summer temps of container, especially metal would/could deteriorate contents...as well as
being a hassle when comes time to uncover/cover mainsail.

copacabana · #6 01-31-2013

A lot of (traditional) boats have a deck box either behind or in front of the mast. If it doesn't obstruct your view or movements it could be a handy place for storage. The ones I've seen are varnished teak, but painted ply would work as well.

MedSailor · #7 01-31-2013

I've thought of this idea before. Why not use one of the "rocket boxes" that are so common on top of cars? They're designed for the weather, lock, won't fall off, etc.

MedSalor

PaulinVictoria · #8 01-31-2013

Tow a trailer

deltaten · #9 01-31-2013

"Rocket boxes"

Now that's funny...mostly 'cause I have a nifty, empty AT-4 container that would be prefect..if I can get a seal gasket!
I might even leave it OD green as a pirate discourager!

Nah! That would be a "USCG magnet" LOL

MedSailor · #10 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulinVictoria

Tow a trailer

YES!!! I had beers with the genius behind the "Port Townsend Beer Tender" this last weekend. Cool guy to be sure.

MedSailor