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 Post subject: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 10:11 am 
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:51 pm
Posts: 284
Location: Orange CA
I am building a walk around cuddy cabin fishing boat. The cat walk going by the wheel house is 8". I was thinking of indenting the bottom of the wheel house wall for a little more toe space. Does this make sense or should I leave as is. Thanks, I know some of you guys have been down this path before tell me what you think.

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 10:47 am 
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Joined: Sun Jul 02, 2006 7:10 pm
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Location: North Carolina
It really depends on how the house is installed on the hull now as to whether you are able to do so. You really need about eight inches minimum because of the natural step height if your toes are in the insert so that you do not stumble either. Pictures?


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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:17 am 
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Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:21 pm
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Location: tarpon springs fl
I would think it could be done,but there may be more of a chance of stumbling if the boat rocks and your toes are under the lip.

I wouldn't do it.

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:06 pm 
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Joined: Fri May 14, 2010 11:47 pm
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Location: Ogden, Utah-Jubilee build
you might consider a drop down on that is hinged or a removable like in the delta queen plans

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:51 pm 
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:51 pm
Posts: 284
Location: Orange CA
upspirate
There would be hand grab rails and also rails around the boat to a height better than waist high for the average guy. The wheel house panel is not yet in place, I can sidle by but it feels tight, maybe once the panel is in place there will de something to lean against, also the panel leans in so there is plenty of shoulder and beer belly room to get by.

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) Champagne dreams and wishes are possible on a beer budget. Just build the boat.
Nice curves are easy on the eyes.
Go sell crazy somewhere else we're all stocked up here."As Good As It Gets" Jack Nicholson.


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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:58 pm 
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Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:21 pm
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Location: tarpon springs fl
Pay for my plane fare out there,and we can drink some beer,listen to Marley,(have to pass on the ganja) and I'll give you my consultation assessment!!!LOL :wink:

I'm sure you'll figure out what you need...but we need some update pics!!

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 5:01 pm 
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Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 5:25 pm
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Location: Coastal Georgia
I think some designers call that a 'foot cove'. Very nice, it can let you 'belly-up' to a rail or gunwale while you lean over something (and feel safe while leaning over). Seems like it would be a lot of work to do in our wood projects, but very good design by nature & ergonomics.
This website is by a old-school salty fisherman, and speaks of the foot cove on this boat review. Surfing his website is cool to read the pros & cons of various boats in his survey reviews.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/Contender25.htm

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:34 pm 
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Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:06 am
Posts: 267
Location: BC coast
I assume everyone does this, but being big guy I don't walk one foot in front of the other when I'm going forward up a narrow sidedeck. I often get the chance to fish off a Grand Banks knockoff that has narrow side decks and a short foredeck (it's a 34). We put a snatch block onto the anchor lock and use the bow roller to bring the pots up.
The narrow side decks let you wedge your feet in so you can give the line a good heave with both hands.

Then again, those boats have knee-high bulwarks to brace against as well.

So I guess I'm a fan of narrow side decks. JMHO but the foot cove sounds like more of a hazard than a benefit: if the boat's rocking and rolling I do NOT want any important parts of me tucked into a recess. I'd rather go for a swim than fall over but be locked in at the feet and arched over the rail. In all fairness though, I've never been on a boat with a foot cove.

Sorry, what was the question again ?
:lol:

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:43 pm 
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Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:45 am
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Location: Birmingham, AL, USA
Solo

If you can sacrifice the cabin volume, why not make the walk that much wider? Then make the cabin side vertical for that distance.

(Just thought... Is the cabin side already vertical?)

Bill

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:45 pm 
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Joined: Sun Jul 02, 2006 7:10 pm
Posts: 4394
Location: North Carolina
On the other hand cabinets normally have the overhang for the toes. FWIW, I built my walkaround with 12 inches aft to 14 inch foward. This allows me a decent walk foward with the cabin top handrails and its a breeze to swiftly go foward with no problems. I also installed the short toe rail at the sheer and added the bullwalk foward. Is there any possible way to add even an additional inch or so to your rails which gives you just a wee bit more room? For some perspective I have added a shot. Looking at the shots of your boat on the other thread, it does look like you still can add a bit to the rails depending on the overall beam of the boat now. What I did also was to add a 3/8" piece of teak for a feature sheer plank and then decked over and added the rails to gain some width to the walkaround.


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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:58 pm 
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Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:45 am
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Location: Birmingham, AL, USA
You have me thinking! (Shut-Up). I was thinking about a rubrail and a seperate toe rail at the shear. What if you stack the toe rail on top of the rubrail? That could add an inch. Nine is a lot more than eight.

Bill

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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 4:59 am 
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Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 4:46 am
Posts: 295
Location: Coldwater Michigan
Most of the WAC's have this narrow space, it is intended to give you passage to the bow not to stand in and perform some activity. If you think it is a problem why not go to a boat yard and walk on one and get the real experience?


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 Post subject: Re: Walk around catwalk
PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 9:45 pm 
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:51 pm
Posts: 284
Location: Orange CA
Took your advice went to a boat yard, did not like the feel of these production boats, I guess that is the reason I am building my own. I read a lot from Kens' link to Pascoes surveys I am
going with the foot cove .Thanks for all the input.
Denzil

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) Champagne dreams and wishes are possible on a beer budget. Just build the boat.
Nice curves are easy on the eyes.
Go sell crazy somewhere else we're all stocked up here."As Good As It Gets" Jack Nicholson.


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