| SJ23 Tech Tip C09, (Issued 1999-07-05) Bob Schimmel | |
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Companionway Storage Box. |
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wanted to quickly stuff something valuable (keys, tools, binoculars)
somewhere out of the weather? In the never
ending battle of finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place, I
made this storage box from teak plywood and installed it behind the
companionway ladder so it is conveniently close to the cockpit. Shown below is the storage box with the companionway steps removed for clarity.
CONSTRUCTION - The box is 18" long by 4" wide and 6" deep. It is made from 3/8" teak plywood and the edges are sealed with iron on teak veneer. The hinge is solid brass to withstand corrosion. All three compartments have drain holes to keep stuff dry and a form fitted piece of water breathable cloth to protect the bottom. The left compartment has a lid for weather protection and to keep snooping eyes out. You could add a hasp to lock it for security but I have found this to be unnecessary. When I tell a guest to put it in the storage box, it takes them forever to find it. I figure a crook won't do any better! The middle compartment holds a multi-tip screw driver, crescent wrenches and other tools I might need in a real hurry. The spark plug socket comes in handy every now and then. The right compartment holds a couple of winch handles and odds and ends that filter down to the bottom. Better here than under the settee!
The steps shown are solid teak and were original equipment on the early SJ23s. I can't bear to part with it. I've modified the hinge you see here in Tech Tip C11. The teak cabinet doors are set in a solid teak frame which in turn is screwed to the fiberglass. It does a nice job of blocking off an unsightly hole under the cockpit. |
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Despite what it looks like, the box is quit accessible from
the cockpit even with the steps in place. More often than not I just drop the winch handle or
tools in the box without looking. The correct sound tells me which
hole it has dropped in.