Accommodations

This is the layout that I have proposed to Graham for my P28. The V-berth and seats will be at the same level with minimum bulkhead between which will make the interior feel spacious. The back of the Settee/Sea berth will swing up for more room when sleeping and access to some storage.

There will be no sump or bilge. With no prop shaft there should be no water coming aboard. If there is a leak, it will be immediately evident since the cabin sole will be the lowest point in the boat.

I like having the head handy to the companionway. The head/shower compartment will be tight but should allow for a sit-down shower and a place to hang wet foul-weather gear. A non-slip rug at the foot of the companionway will absorb drips from a wet crewmember and keep the rest of the cabin dry.

Four or eight batteries will be heavy but actually weigh less than an inboard diesel and fuel tank. They will provide one to four hours run time depending on the speed and conditions. Longer runs will be by sail or by trailer.

I doubt there will be much usable space between the countertop and sidedeck. It would be nice to have a little space, maybe for a couple of drawers. I'll have to wait for Graham to draw up the interior which will be in the next few weeks so I can calculate weights. I told him no hurry since it will be a while before construction. (But I am anxious to see the drawings!)

Yes, I am planning electric drive. I wanted to do this on the boat I completed back in '85 but chickened out. I haven't worked out all the details yet. Could be anywhere from 4 to 8 batteries for 48 volts, 6 if I go 36 volt. I'm hoping to get by with solar panels on the cabin top and bimini. For more range I would have to go with a compact diesel-generator set.

I like your layout, Gary. Three things I like close to the helm: the head, the galley, and the nav station. It does seem to have concentrated a lot of weight in the aft end of the boat: batteries, engine, helmsman, other human ballast, water, and storage. Perhaps the water would be better under the forepeak area?
I also am a little concerned about the weight aft. Although the aft sections are a LOT wider than the bow sections so I imagine the stern is less sensitive to weight under the cockpit. One negative factor though is the loss of flotation from the motor well. I plan to work on the motor well design to minimize its size and resultant loss of flotation.

The lazarette area would be reserved for the propane bottle on one side and lightweight stuff (fenders, life jackets, etc) on the other. I haven’t decided if there will be four, six, or eight batteries yet. Will need to study up on charging systems etc.

The bow will probably have an anchor on the anchor platform with chain and rope in the anchor locker. There will be normal type storage under the V-berth. The bow sections are fairly narrow and I definitely don't want to weigh the bow down and have it stuffing into waves instead of rising over them. I'll probably keep a second and maybe third anchor under the cockpit seat lockers.

Part of my job is to calculate weights for everything. Graham will start me out with a spreadsheet with columns for weights and locations (x, y , and z) to calculate the center of gravity. That will help make some decisions on placement of the weights.