Fulmar update

[DurkJan]

Hello all!

Here another update from a Fulmar in progress in the Netherlands. For more pictures take al look at www.people.zeelandnet.nl/djllagen (http://www.people.zeelandnet.nl/djllagen)

Unfortunately for all non-Dutch reading people, the English part has not been updated yet, so take a look at the pictures at the Dutch part of the site.

And than a new question: Wat should be the maximum size of the hatches? I would like to use the space under the fore-deck for storage, and I would prefer 2 hatches at each side of the upright.

http://people.zeelandnet.nl/djllagen/images/dekbalken%20voor%20en%20achter.jpg

[bheys]

DurkJan you have made considerable progress since your last picture posted on this forum! Your boat is looking very sharp indeed. It looks like you will be sailing this coming summer.
I chose 2 hatches in front and one in the rear. The front hatches measure about 9.5" x 12.5". The hatch in the rear bulkhead is 8" x 18". This size permits stowage of sleeping bags, tent, and sundry camping gear. We keep the heavier gear (i.e. anchor and rode, cooler, etc.) under the deck in front of the centerboard case. It can get pretty cluttered and chaotic along with the halyards. To help with containing the gear we have utilized a stretchy mesh that came out of our SUV. The intended use for this mesh is for grocery bags and such, but it works great in the boat. Many cars have a similar feature in their trunk.
At the stage you're at, you might consider how you are going to drain water out of your Fulmar. I debated installing some kind of tube going through the aft bulkhead and exiting the transom. Instead I ended up putting in 2 Elvstrom-type bailers through the hull. Having both would be handy.

[JimM]

Remember the front and rear compartments are designed for flotation if you swamp your fulmar. Fill the compartments up with stuff and they will be much less effective.

Jim