Companion Way panel storage

[britinusa]

Just wondering where you are storing the companionway panels while under sail.

We recently made the decision that we would rather have them quickly at hand to close the companion way if needed.

(we were caught in 30-50 knot winds in a 30 minute storm a few weeks ago - the boards were stored under the seat cushions by the cabin table - going down to get them was not an option)

I'm considering storing them either side of the top steps.

Other options?

Paul

[Steve McGill]

Port locker, just a thought.

[KWKloeber]

Paul to echo Steve's thought, on the J/120 the board (it's one piece plexiglass) fits into a slot inside the sail locker. Due to the length it's top edge is just under the locker cover so easily retrieved.
Think about a sectioned (and padded?) bag hung in the locker, held by screws or CS fasteners?

[scgunner]

     Paul,

       I normally store mine behind the seat back cushions in the table area, it's a nice out of the way place, however if you need quick access to said panels they can be stored on each side of the companionway steps on top of the engine cover. You can reach them from the cockpit without the need to go below.

[britinusa]

Sgunner, that's what I've been looking at. Just need to figure a way to stop them rattling.

Steve, that's a thought! they might fit in the port locker, I'll have a look on Thursday.

Paul

[mark_53]

I store mine in the port lazerette.  They fit upright nicely.

[Scott Hibbs]

Mine are stored adjacent to the steps, port side.  Quick, EZ access....and out of the way

[Steve McGill]

Scott,

Nice setup on your MK II, unfortunatly the set on Paul's and my MK I is different and there is not sufficient space for the boards in the bracket you have on the port side. With a little modification a board my fit on each side. I still think the port locker is the best solution. My thought.

Steve

[Stu Jackson]

from a search on hatch+board+storage

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6554.msg42868.html#msg42868

[Noah]

I had a custom sumbrella double bag made to fit them and they store perfectly solidly wedged between the companionway ladder and bulkhead. Never moves nor get scratched and easy to access.

[Jon W]

I store mine in the port cockpit locker. When they're needed they're right there, no running around. I currently use my old horseshoe throw to press them against the bulkhead so no rattling noises.

[Jeff Kaplan]

just put the panels in the cockpit port locker, then they are right there when needed. After I open the locker and take out the seat cushions, I put the panels in, easy and done.

[britinusa]

Thanks Guys,
I think the Port Locker option wins for the Mk 1.

Here's the pics from the post mentioned earlier




Of course, I'll have to totally rearrange the locker, it's kinda full of spare lines, fender, Dink Anchor, Water Filter, stretchy hose, more lines, crab pot, dingy ladder, 1gal gas can (plastic), 2 milk crates, dinghy seat, more lines. But doable!

Thanks.

[Stu Jackson]

Some port lockers end up fully stocked and stuffed.  This is ours after we completely cleaned it out before we started our trip to BC in 2016.  I call it our toxic waste dump.  I don't have a dock box...  Could still be room for the boards, though.  I keep them down below when sailing or motoring, and leave them up in the cockpit if I'm anchored out and not going anywhere, two less steps for putting them in the next night (down & up again!:D).