I wrote this article last year, but then I got busy and forgot to post it. Galley storage isn’t exactly required to splash the boat later this year, but I wanted to clear out the draft folder before I forget about it again.
Behind the port side galley bulkhead is a good storage spot
Behind this panel is one of the compartments I made when I reconfigured and strengthened the bow seat. Eventually, the panel will be glued and screwed in place, then covered with mahogany veneer. But first, I need to make the storage inside. After cutting and installing the 1″ x 1″ mahogany cleats that will support the top and side panels, I cut the panels themselves.
Good looking mahogany panels
4th coat of varnish
Once the varnish cured, I flipped the panel over and sealed the back-side with epoxy.
Sealed with epoxy
I’m leaving the edges uncoated because I’ll epoxy that area to the cleats, and I want the epoxy to really soak into the wood. While the epoxy was still wet, I applied a layer of insulation.
Buffalo Batt R-3 insulation should help control condensation
First panel installed, along with overhead insulation
Overhead panel installed
It was around this time that I decided tambour doors would be really cool here. Tambour doors have been around for centuries. You’ll see them on antique roll-top desks as well as “appliance garages” in modern homes. I believe Hatteras used them, too, though I’ve never seen a Chris Craft with them. I need to work out the details on the doors before I continue. I can buy a set, but mahogany from a door maker may not match what I’ve got already. From what I’ve read they’re not hard to make, so I’m tempted to DIY them. I’ll stew on that for a while and get back to this when other priorities are out of the way.
Next up on our 1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Reinforcing the Exhaust Parts
1969chriscraftroamer46 