Galley - Leisure L23 Owner's Manual

General
Both the earlier model, and the SL version are, in principle, very similar in construction below
decks. The differences essentially reflect the different design of the windows and coach roof, the
latter giving an an additional 40mm headroom. In both models, the cabin wall and roof have an
air-spaced inner grp skin, which merges with the outer grp skin into a single wall at the join of
the superstructure and hull; they also have a thin teak ply lining screwed to the ceiling inner skin.
All the berth mouldings are single skin GRP, and the cabin sole is a moulded sheet of grp screwed
to the berth and galley mouldings. It is worth lifting this occasionally because water from any
substantial leak tends to accumulate here.
Galley Facilities
The water supply to the sink unit was originally provided in the L23 by a 55 litre built-in grp tank,
which utilised the hull and locker side in the fore peak. The 23SL had a separate steel tank in the
fore peak. Both tanks fed a hand-operated pump mounted on the sink unit. Some boats now have
either a foot pump, or an electric unit, operated by a micro-switch within the tap unit, and
perhaps an in-line filter such as a
sink outlet is not known. Suffice it to say that if you haven't got one, you should fit one.
Cooking facilities were provided by a two-burner alcohol cooker – a gas-fired cooker was an
optional extra. There is some discussion below about the best fuel to use in an alcohol cooker.
Whilst there are articles below concerning gas, it has to be stressed that any work done on a gas
installation should, ideally, be carried out, or certified, by a 'Gas Safe' technician. Three of the key
safety points about gas installations are
gas bottles, both in use and any spare, must be stored such that any
•
escaping gas drains overboard (picture is of an installation in the
lazarette)
when not in use, the gas supply must be turned off at the gas bottle
•
• a working gas alarm should be fitted, and used, such as one of the
Pilot models.
Heads
A chemical toilet was the standard fitment, with the option of a sea toilet.
Many boats now have the latter; the picture shows a standard bowl Jabsco
neatly fitted into the toilet area. The usual problem with such arrangements
is that the outlet sea cock, if it is of the traditional type, is either too stiff to
turn, or that it leaks. There is detailed advice on the
paragraph 3, about correct adjustment of their valves. Because they are
not environmentally friendly, a prohibition on the use of sea toilets in inland
waterways would not be unexpected.
Berths
Although expensive, a complete reupholster is a very effective way of enhancing the appearance
of the boat below decks, as well as providing an increased level of comfort. Costs vary
considerably, depending heavily upon the choice of covering material; circa £2,000 should not be
unexpected for new covers and foam. It is generally true to say that it is false economy to re-
cover the old foam; this will undoubtedly will have lost its elasticity and its shape, and it will not
meet current fire prevention standards.
Section 9
Cabin Interior
Jabsco unit. Whether a stop valve was originally fitted on the
:
22
Blakes website,
Issue 1
April 2012