Making the doghouse benches
An essential element in Duracell's transformation from a racing sailboat to a comfortable cruiser, the doghouse provides the ideal shelter for keeping watch under cover. The two cabins fitted out in previous episodes take their place under two benches, creating both a lookout station and a sort of deck saloon.
Taking up the ergonomic elements seen for the exterior cockpit, Matt makes the composite seats from the offcuts of the vertical bulkhead, which he then laminates.
Empirical sizing
The benches need to seat 4 people. Aided by his naval architect friend Evan, Matt didn't carry out precise structural calculations, but relied on experience for an empirical dimensioning of the number of worm plies required. Well reinforced, each piece still weighs 12.2 kg. To ensure that the transverse bulkhead, weakened by the open access to the cabins beneath the benches, is not damaged, reinforcements are laminated around the holes.
A functional layout
Once the benches are in place, Matt and Joni can test out the ergonomics of the new layout. Visibility from the benches is good, and the length makes it easy to lie down. Matt will soon be making a dummy to test the installation of a central handrail to accommodate a table and footrest, as the benches are high.
Under the benches, cabin space retains a reasonable headroom, especially for berths intended for use at sea.
