MOONSTRUCK - On Deck - Stern
On deck - Stern:Run your mouse over any red dot on the photograph for more information, click on any link for a close-up picture and more details.
The decks of many cruising boats are a nightmare jungle of gear lashed to every conceivable space. When we commissioned Moonstruck we decided that we wanted a crisp and clean look, despite having all the necessary gear for our adventures ready to hand. Moonstruck is equipped with an integral custom-made and installed stainless steel stern arch by Wells Marine, Fort Lauderdale. The stern arch provides a safe and stable platform for a ton of gear including electronic antennae, life saving gear, dinghy storage, outboard post, gas barbecue, stern seating, fishing rod holders and more. Thus the rest of the boat is free and clear of gear.
The stern arch is
exceptionally strong. With
four attachment points
on deck and
welded into the stern
rails at 12 separate points it is strong enough to support a large
dinghy/outboard combination (much larger than our current Caribe C9X dinghy & Honda
9.9hp).
Every
cruiser's constant challenge is managing the clutter of bulky
gear on deck. Moonstruck's stern arch solves this problem. The arch allows
most gear to be stowed securely outboard of the stern rail, keeping valuable deck
space uncluttered and clear.Life raft:
A Top of the line Winslow 6 person liferaft is stowed outboard off the stern in a custom stainless steel cradle. The liferaft can easily be deployed directly overboard from this location by releasing a single pin, with no lifting or man-handling required. Thus the weakest crew member would have no difficulty in releasing and deploying the raft.
Throwable
life ring: The Life ring is stowed outboard of stern rail for quick deployment and is connected to the automatically inflating man-overboard-pole stowed in the white cannister adjacent to it.
Antennas:
The following antennas are mounted on top of the stern arch
~ GPS Antenna
~ Sirius Radio Antenna
~ Satellite Phone Antenna
~ External powered WiFi antenna
Stern Light:
The stern light is extremely visible from a distance thanks to being located 10' above water level at the top of the stern arch.
Floodlights:
Two directional floodlights direct light down onto the stern steps or into the water to attract fish. The lights switch on automatically for two minutes when the remote boat alarm is activated/deactivated, allowing time to board/disembark.
Fishing Rod holders: Two
stainless steel fishing rod holders are installed, one on each side of the
stern arch. Can also be used to store boathooks.Davits:
Two davits mounted on the stern arch, each with a block and tackle led to the primary (electric) winches allows for effortless raising of the dinghy into stern arch. They perform a dual function as they are also be used to secure the passarelle when deployed (as shown in top photograph).
Passarelle:
Essential for cruising in the Mediterranean. 6'6" Passerelle shown in the top photograph allows easy ingress and egress via the stern while Med Mooring stern-to. Moonstruck also has a fitting to allow for the passarelle to be used off the bow for bows-to mooring if shallow water at the pier prohibits stern-to mooring). When not in use, the passarelle is stowed high on the stern-arch, above head height, away from the deck and completely out of the way.
Barbecue: Stainless Steel Gas barbecue. Supplied from a dedicated propane/butane tank stored in the locker/seat below the barbecue. Barbecue is mounted on the centerline of the boat and can be used in most conditions while underway.
Ice-box/Seat/Propane Locker/Table:
Mounted
directly beneath the barbecue is a 26" storage box that is secured to
deck. It performs multiple functions. When using the barbecue with
the seat pad removed it is a convenient table for resting cooking
tools/trays etc. It has performed as a fish-cleaning station. With
its custom sunbrella seat-pad cover it makes a great seat with a commanding
view. The interior can be used as an on-deck icebox. It is currently
used for the storage for toxic chemicals we do not want below deck (bleaches,
acetone etc) and as a propane locker for the Barbecue tank.
Folding Stern Seats
(2): Stainless Steel and Varnished teak Stern Seats fold up and out of the way when not being used, Can be detached and stowed below as needed.
Third anchor:
The Stern arch provides a secure location for a third stern anchor (not included) and 300' of rode (Useful in Spain, France, Croatia & Greece) which can easily be deployed from this location.
Stern
Steps: The Hylas 49' features large stern steps/seats with an integral folding stern ladder and a hot/cold shower. The steps provide easy access to the water, the dinghy, to shore when moored stern-to as is typical in the Mediterranean and to the shower cabinet. They also provide a relaxed comfortable seating area while anchored. The arch davits allow the dinghy to be stowed sufficiently high that these steps remain fully functional even with the dinghy stored in the stern arch (something that is not possible with davits).
Lazarettes:
The stern area contains three large lazarettes. One is under the stern steps and the other two are on either side of the aft deck. Each is watertight and equipped with hydraulic lifts, an interior light and two locking bailey latches. All deck lazarettes have overboard drainage and stern locker has a dedicated bilge pump. There is also a dedicated propane/butane lazarette located midships which supplies the Galley.
The net result of all this organization is a stern section that is clear and free of gear, allowing plenty of space for sunbathing, relaxing, fishing, whatever while retaining the safety element of having all necessary gear within easy reach. (photo needed)