Reconfigured Galley

Minnow · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:48 pm Post subject: Reconfigured Galley

This past winter I decided to make a new galley countertop so that I could move the Wallas forward and have room for a microwave to the rear. The sink was in the standard location, and the Wallas was centered on the remaining space. It worked OK, but didn't make the best use of the space.
While in my shop drinking beer and playing with cardboard templates, I had an epiphany. I realized that it had taken me two years to figure out that the sink had been installed sideways. I knew that it was awkward, but just thought that's what you get with a small sink.
A sheet of Formica, (antique white) over plywood and new teak trim made it look and work much better for me. Now I can get both my big mitts in the sink at the same time. I cut down a plastic cutting board to fit in the recess on top of the Wallas. A pull-out, single-lever faucet and a soap dispenser finished it off.
After living with it for the past season, I can say that the project was well worth-while.

oldgrowth · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 6:16 pm Post subject:

Minnow - very impressive looking. You did good.

416rigby · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 6:19 pm Post subject:

Very very nice. Looks great! Wonderful job! Thumbs Up

Jim Gibson · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 6:27 pm Post subject:

Minnow-

Beautiful retrofit job! I have had my 22 footer for six years and I now finally realize that my sink was put in sideways along with everyone else. Brillant on your part to figure this out.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:07 pm Post subject:

Minnow-

Beautiful refit job! Looks teriffic!

I can sure see how it would be easier to use the sink in the side to side configuration ergonomically, big mitts, or little!

Wonderous insight on the original sink installation, though I doubt the sink comes with up, down, right, left, forward, backward, or any other definite directions, and could be installed as one chose for the application needed.

I think the original C-Dory design was probably choosen to get some space forward along side the stove and between it and the sink to have some kitchen working room, albeit so small to be useless, hence the cutting board cover for the sink.

Best solution to that problem is to fold the helm seat down and add a table top on it to work from, as many have done.

Joe.

Little Catelyn · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject:

Just think how long it took for someone to get hit in the head with an apple...

I ordered our boat with the Wallas installed further inboard like you have to provide more space behind. Works great! But I really have to hand it (or should I say 'mit it') to you for the sink! Should we all refer to this as the 'Minnow Sink' now?

I have to think that this would be on the 'must do' list for many, now that we have all been enlightened.

Thumbs Up

Corwin

Jeff Brigner · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:01 pm Post subject:

Wow, I like that !!!

Knotty C · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 3:33 pm Post subject:

Very nice, quite an improvement!

Minnow · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 3:51 pm Post subject:

Joe, I've seen and heard about others using the folded down helm seat for a table base, but mine only folds to about 45 degrees. Are the fold flat models stock or aftermarket? If the latter, I'd love to replace mine with something a little more cushy and adjustable. Maybe even armrests. Any suggestions?

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:07 pm Post subject:

Minnow-

My much older '87 has a seat that folds virtually flat, and goes flat with just the weight of a few pounds of pressure. Could be that the newer seats are padded more and don't fold down as far.

Can't remember who, but know that several members have upgraded the helm seat to a more "cushy" model. Hopefully, they'll chime in.

Unfortunaely, the more comfortable models may be thicker, and not work as well as a table base.

Like your ideas and work!

Joe.

timflan · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:08 pm Post subject:

This is really encouraging. One of the very few things that bugs me about the C-Dory (22, not 25) is the galley arrangement. It just seems a little...awkward. It's great to see what you can accomplish with a little ingenuity. That's one thing I find so charming about these boats.

By the way, anybody who has not looked through Minnow's album of interior enhancements is really missing out: http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Interior-details&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Byrdman · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:17 pm Post subject:

Sweeet. I like the wallas that was in my 2003 TC24. Saw some newer ones, and they may be better for heating....with a new angled top... although I found that flat surface on top of the wallas with the lid closed very handy and often used.

Great Job Minnow!!!

Let's see.... forward facing seat in CD22, now standard
Minnow sink with spray head gizmo...and room for small microwave coming soon to a dealer near you!!!

Great work and ideas.

acustis · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:56 pm Post subject: Beautiful Work!

You definately did a very nice job on that countertop. One thing I have seen with the seats is that a of removeable hinges were attached to the front of the captains seat that was you can pull it completely off. I believe Les at Eq. Marine does that with all of his helm seats. Creates a flat surface to use when cooking or eating is in process.

Little Catelyn · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:53 pm Post subject:

That's how Les did mine! It is a really simple arrangement -- two nylon pins along the underside of the forward edge of the seat allow the seat to simply fold forward, or release them to remove the seat. Clean and simple.

Corwin

Wayne McCown · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 12:50 pm Post subject: Flat-Folding Helm Seat

In redoing the interior decor of our CD-22, I replaced the helm seat with a fold-flat model purchased from Cabelas. A butcher block (or the insert from the alcohol stove top) set on the backside (when folded flat) extends the galley countertop perfectly (see photos).