This just keeps from sliding the crib boards too far aft out of reach. I closed the aft ends of the channels by cutting a flap with fastening tabs at the end of the channel, then bent it into place and secured it by the tabs with aluminum rivets. By cutting next to the webs on the inside of the rail, it produces two channels. I ripped the edges from the rail on my table saw. The channels are fabricated from the edge of a 6″ vinyl fence rail about 42″ long. The thickness of the channels is close to the thickness of the stacked crib boards so that there’s a tension fit. You slide the crib boards in between the channels like drawers. They are positioned a little more than the width of the crib boards apart, the lower channel opening upward and upper channel opening downward. The design is basically two PVC channels mounted horizontally to the lower cockpit wall. I found a solution that’s almost effortless, meaning it’s likely to get used more often.
I’ve seen variations on canvas bags used there but they seemed clumsy to use. The best location that I’ve seen is stored vertically in between the galley in its stowed position and the cockpit sole. They’re in the way practically anywhere you set them. They’re a pain to remove and replace but they’re more of a pain to store safely when the companionway is open. I like their classic functionality and love the look of well-finished natural wood.
I have a love/hate relationship with crib boards.
