By Heidi Ann Kotas

Cetus Hull # 71

With computers becoming increasingly popular for their many uses aboard a sailboat, the problem of how to mount and/or store them has been cropping up.  When we were looking for a way to contain our laptop computer on board our Fantasia 35’, CETUS, we looked at several options.  There are commercial products available that consist of a swing arm to push it out of the way and secure it, and we saw someone devise a board that could be strapped down to their chart table to hold the computer in place when needed. 

We came up with another option, which is working quite well for us, and may be a good solution for others.  My husband, Terry, designed a box with a slide out ‘drawer’ that holds the computer in place while it is in use, but folds up out of the way when not needed.  This stores the computer securely when it’s not needed and frees up the chart table space.  Yet it is easily accessible to fold it down and slide it out when it’s time to receive a weather fax or any other application. 

It is an attractive and convenient way to store the laptop whether we’re in port or out to sea.  The project cost about $60 to complete.  Below are sketches of the design and photos of the completed box are enclosed.

By Heidi Ann Kotas

Cetus Hull # 71