One of the design flaws of the CS27 is that the anchor locker drains down under the v-berth, and that area isn’t connected to the bilge. The result is that any rainwater that gets in the locker, and all the water that drips off the anchor rode just sits under the v-berth, and has nowhere to go. Also, the only access to the locker is by removing a flimsy plywood panel that is screwed into the end of the v-berth. We discussed the issue with a friend, and Calvin had a number of recommendations. He suggested adding a sloped floor to the locker, with a drain-hole off the side of the bow. We also decided the panel should be replaced with some stronger, and that could be opened without removing screws.

The first task was to install the floor, and a side panel to protect the hoses that ran through the space. Calvin coated the plywood in epoxy, and used thickened epoxy to fasten them in place. While Calvin worked on a new door for the locker, I used short-strand fibreglass filler to create a gradual transition from the hull to the new floor. Once that was in and smooth, I added fibreglass cloth to strengthen the joints. The whole floor is tilted starboard and aft, draining to a hole out the side of the bow.

Calvin then built a much stronger access hatch, with a rotating latch to allow for easy access.

Once the glassing was done, then we drilled the drain hole (a bit nerve-wracking, but worked out fine). Then Interlux 2000 2-part epoxy barrier coat, and a coat of paint of top of that, to seal it up nicely.