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This is a line drawing of the modifications done to our
Cheoy Lee Clipper 36. The drawing was done to scale, and
errors found in the original prints were corrected as they
where found. In the old layout when the starboard berth was
pulled out and in use we had limited access to the head or
V-berth, and the small galley with counter-space at the base
of the cockpit opening motivated us to make these changes.
Floor space was increased by about four square feet, which
makes it makes it easier to walk through the boat even when
others are sleeping.
Click Here for Full Size
Image of Line Drawing (80,000KB file size)
Note: full scale mark = one inch
Port
modifications
The
port side berth wasn’t very useful. We did not have a table
to sit and eat at – the table may have been removed before
we bought the boat. We changed this berth to a settee that
converts to a small double berth with storage under the
seats. Storage space under the forward seat is used for a
four-gallon hot water heater tank for the shower and sinks.
The head was also changed - the old sink and counter were
removed and replaced with an off-the-shelf “Home Depot” type
that was cut to fit. It is held down with trim boards which
can be removed to allow access below to the Electra-San
waste treatment system, hoses, and seacocks. Port side aft
the old galley sink and stove area were converted to a pilot
berth with storage underneath. Our guess is that we
increased our bulk storage space by five times. Down under
the floor aft, a tank that used to hold stove oil now holds
sink and shower water so we don’t fill the bilge with gray
water. Aft of that, we have a chain locker for extra anchor
chain which holds 300 feet of 3/8” chain. Access to the
engine was improved by this change also, by opening up two
large areas to the engine compartment. The lower ladder is
easily removed to gain access to the front part of the
engine to check belts, turn on the seacock to the raw water
pump, and check oil level. The upper ladder makes it easier
to exit the cabin, and all of this can be removed to gain
total access to engine area.
Click
on images for full size shots
Starboard
modifications
The
old “wet locker” furthest aft in the cabin is now home to
the frig compressor. The compressor was better ventilated
to increase performance and sound deadens the unit. Above
that, we installed a new electric panel and inverter –
they’re close to the batteries and the original wiring for
the mast lights and cabin, etc., which were long enough to
be rerouted to the new location. The frig is now more
useable with the separation of the frig and freezer - it’s
still top loading and a drawer would give more counter space
– a modification we’re thinking about now. The improvement
also let us better insulate and separate the frig and
freezer. The entire starboard berth was removed, and a 9”
deep double sink was placed thwart of the boat. It takes up
less space and we still get the use of both sinks. Storage
under the sink gives us a place for pots and pans; and we
sound-deadened the fresh water pump that is located below.
Further forward, the stove has a bar in front to grab onto
and connect the cook in a seaway. Next over is a new
navigation area, which is big enough to be useful, is out of
the way of people going topside, and is protected from
in-coming water. The locker next to it is now used to store
charts
Click on
images for full size shots
Exterior
modifications
The
steering system was replaced. The pedestal was moved aft to
allow for an emergency tiller backup with an extension from
the rudder post through the cockpit floor. The steering was
upgraded to rack-and-pinion which gives us finger touch
control most of the time. By moving the pedestal back,
there is a place to sit while at the helm, and the cockpit
area is opened up to allow guests to sit around our new
cockpit table. The old propane locker is now used to hold
four six volt batteries - that’s 400 amp hours @ 12volts.
Some may argue that the weight needs to be down low but
drowned batteries down low under water will do you no good
at all.
Click on
images for full size shots
We also re-did the teak deck in the
cockpit, using an adhesive mastic from Simpson to adhere new
2” by 7/16” strips to the underlying fiberglass. No screws
equals no leaks – and the forward deck will be re-done this
year. All of the teak trim, boards, etc. were re-used to
make new trim pieces. The goal was to improve the boat and
preserve her looks by blending the interior remodeling with
existing woodwork. We hope this helps others with their
thoughts to improve your own boats in the future. Brent and
Sue of Dream Quest, 1969 Cheoy Lee 36-foot Clipper #2178.
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