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Two cockpit locker ideas

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:53 am
by RadioZephyr
I finally implemented a couple ideas that I had for making the enormous cockpit locker on my F38 easier to manage, and I figured I'd share them with the forum.

First, I attached a small LED flashlight to the underside of the locker lid:
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The flashlight is just a generic one from Amazon. It's super bright. I paid $18 for this two pack. The bracket that's holding it is made for vertical storage of brooms, and attaches with 3M Command strips. The fit is nice and solid, and it pops in and out easily. I got this four pack for $23.

Here's a closeup of the bracket:
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I had the idea for this after my shift cable broke a couple weeks ago as I was coming into the marina after dark. I was stuck in forward, idling towards my neighbors' boats with no room to turn around, and I had to jump into the locker and shift into reverse on the transmission. However, I needed to find a flashlight first, which took way too long. I was able to get it done just in time, but I realized that I need a dedicated flashlight that I know will always be there.

The second idea is a bit more esoteric, but I've still found it quite useful. I mounted a 32" grabbing arm just inside the locker, so I can retrieve things from it without having to climb down in there.
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I've been meaning to do it for a while, but until I found the broom holders I didn't have a way to affix the grabber to the inside of the locker. I got the grabber from a janitorial supply place called Marko. It's the only one I could find that was mostly plastic, and thus wouldn't inevitably rust and fall apart within a season. We'll see how well the steel spring and actuating rod last.

Re: Two cockpit locker ideas

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:59 am
by RadioZephyr
Here's a full shot of the grabber:
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A shot of the grabber in action, as I effortlessly retrieve my binnacle cover after last night's sail, illuminated by the flashlight in its mount:
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Re: Two cockpit locker ideas

Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2018 11:06 pm
by drcscruggs
I like your ideas, especially the locker lights. Thsnks