The Cratch Cover

Our ideas for the design of the cratch cover have been slowly evolving.  Initially the criteria revolved around product durability and being weather proof.  Then we realised the foredeck needed to be a multi-functional area.  A relaxation area in the summer and almost exclusively a storage area during the winter.  The climate will likely range from warm and sunny with no wind through to a blizzard.  Well that word might be somewhat strong but after 20 years of Australian sunshine any cold weather we’re likely to classify any cold weather as a blizzard.

During the summer we will probably want the cratch cover sides open to cool the area.  We will also use the area in the spring and autumn but may need the sides down to protect us again the wind and occasional shower.  Natural light will still be required so clear plastic windows seem a logical requirement.  During winter we will want to protect the plastic windows which means an outer flap.  The outer flap will also provide some visual security for anything left in the foredeck area.

If it gets quite hot we might sleep with the front cabin doors open in an attempt to allow air circulation.  However if we leave the cratch plastic windows open it’s likely we will attract insects into the boat.

All of this has resulted in us deciding on the following design for the cratch cover.  There will be an outer roll-down flap either side with vertical velcro fastening to hold the flap closed.  When rolled up there will be two velcro straps to hold the flap in place. A plastic window will be stitched into each side.  The window will be able to be opened using a double-ended zip.  It too will be able to be rolled up and held in place with velcro straps.  The interior circumference of both window ‘frames’ will have a vercro strip around them.  This will be used to secure a flexible insect screen.  For security reasons we will only require one insect screen as we will only open the ‘canal-side’ flap and window when sleeping at night.

Now we need to confirm if all of this is feasible.