Limited stowage space on the early GD28s

Summary:

There is a marked lack of stowage space on the dinette version of the GD28, limiting it's use for blue water cruising.

Limited stowage space on the early GD28s

AkkeB 20 Aug 2014 13:50

Which underutilized nooks and crannies can be put to more productive use on the dinette version of the GD28? A certain lack of stowage space in the original interior arrangement somewhat limits the useability for real blue water cruising.

Re: Limited stowage space on the early GD28s

Anthony Barbagallo 07 Sep 2014 18:12

A couple of places we use on Ishmael are under the dinette seats, behind the drawers. There's space there for me to store the sail repair kit and some other materials. It doesn't seem to interfere with the drawers function. I'm sure you also utilize the space behind the false drawer under the stove? We used to stow canned goods there. We also make use of the space under the pilots bunk, the after section, behind the battery storage. Finally, we also kept some stuff under the floor board between the head and hanging locker. These need to be waterproof things, because in blue water we'd get some water over the bow down the chain line into the anchor line locker, and that drains to the bilge under the floor.

Be careful about weight. We were shocked the first time we stowed up for a long open water cruise. Despite how heavy the GD is, the added weight really put her down in the water and we lost at least 1.5 knots speed. I think our issue was ample fresh water and that is heavy stuff.

Re: Limited stowage space on the early GD28s

R1ck 10 Oct 2014 17:53

I've utilised all those spaces mentioned. Also, screwed thin plywood sheets behind each set of drawers beneath the dinette table to stop goods fouling the drawer operation. Screw into the end grain of the drawer runners. If cans are stored there I put a mat of cheap closed-cell foam against the inside of the hull to stop abrasion - as a cushion. For behind the battery, I would like another separator - foam mat might do - to avoid stuff colliding & shorting the battery. The companionway hatch - 'garage' roof, on deck - is another area to stow stuff externally —- a liferaft? The previous owner built 'seats' / platforms : one suspended across the pulpit. Another platform above the tiller/transon. A tubular steel gantry above the transom would be advantageous for solar panels, radar, etc. As said, adding to the weight is a problem.