v-berth middle section length

[jingram]

So as we have been looking at various boats. I have noticed that on some of the 22' cruisers, they have a full length middle section on the v-berth and on some this is recessed. On the 23' Venture, every one I have looked at is full length. Is this something that owners have done after the fact or did the factory change things up through the years?

If this was something that people have taken on after the fact, how troublesome was it?

As we are shopping for boats, this is one of the things my wife is putting her foot down about. I am 6'2" and although I fit angled in the berth, she can't cuddle up next to me. On the 23' this is a non issue as I can sleep in the center section or at an angle on either side of the boat.

[Sea Wolf]

jingram-

The CD-22's all have the full length and width v-berth.

What creates the appearance of the cutout and divided v-berth is this:

1. The Porta-Potti for the 22's is situated in that cutout area, sitting on the floor.

2. A removable cushion with a rigid plywood backing spans the cutout area to complete the full width and length v-berth. Removing it allows the Porta-Potti to be used, replacing it completes the v-berth bed again.

What you are sometimes seeing is the v-berth with the cushion removed, and, also, very possibly with the Porta-Potti removed as well. (Some folks move it to the cockpit, or simply don't use it, so remove it from the boat entirely.)

The v-berth is used a lot for storage during the day, and removing the cushion allows greater access to the far reaches of that part of the cabin to retrieve things, especially with the toilet removed as well.

I can't speak for the Venture 23's , but imagine the situation is the same with that boat as well.

Hope this de-mystifies the v-berth paradox.

Joe.

[JamesTXSD]

Cuddle-time in the v-berth is an important issue! Also, how you sleep makes a difference: if you sleep on your side or back, the berth length shouldn't be an issue. I am a belly-sleeper (not sure I've revealed this fact on the forum before ), which means my toes are extended and one arm goes across the top of my head... at 5'10", I am cramped unless I sleep at a diagonal.

For those who aren't cuddlers, footsies is good, too.

That's right, we aren't afraid to tackle the important issues here!

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[jennykatz]

I think this is what he is refurring to on the cc-23 there is a2-3 in gap a lot of c-brats have remade another cushion


there is a larger gap on the cd-22[img]

[ghone]

This is a pretty simple fix. I just did it yesterday. First I put vinyl siding soffit material cut to shape to give a 3/8 inch airflow space under the bunk cushion. Then cut 2 round 3 inch holes in vee berth bulkhead fronts with grills to add ventilation to lockers and up thru bunk bottom. The porta potty lives in the front section where the cutout is and my partner also wanted that area filled for cuddle time. Easy. I got a piece of 1x10 pine 22 inches long. Covered with 2 layers of memory foam and linen cover. This sits on the bunk edges and up against the bunk entry to come up to the cushion height for level. I then got the best recommended mattress foam cut full size for the berth area 3 inch thick. ( not memory foam) was not recommended for heat retaining issues. The vee berth is now filled strait across the back. Plenty room to cuddle. We kept the original cushions and put the new matress on top So have about 6 1/2 inches foam up there Comfy!!! Also the potty comes strait out to the floor then goes back. The board over is just a wedge fit. Take it out if wanted. Total cost. Board to fill area $12. Had memory foam on the old topper to make a cover. $250 for new mattress. For weekending perhaps overkill you wouldn't need the new matress for full time liveaboards make first mate happy I will put pictures in album soon. George

[ghone]

got some quick photos in my album, an hours work nice mod for comfort and interpersonal relationships.

[jingram]

Thanks for the info guys. Jenny was spot on with the photos posted and it was good to see ghone's fix.

I guess I had simply noticed in the venture we looked at that this appeared to be as full length from the factory whereas on the 22s it seemed to be all over the place. Guess most of those that have full length must have done it themselves.

[thataway]

George, interesting "fix" with the ventilated vinyl!

Not all of the C Dory 22's have the full length bunk. My 1992 did, the 2006 is a bit short--the head is further forward, but there is about 6" (boat is at Powell, so I cannot measure exactly). I find it a little easier to get in and out of the bunk with that cut out. So we are not doing a filler or over lay mattress as we have in some other boats.

I won't comment on the "Cuddling" factor....

But I was 6'2" (a bit less now) and can sleep comfortably on either side of the C Dory 22. As for as the "footsie" factor--that seems to be in Angel's department (poodle) and so where she is sleeping determines where out feet go....

[Wandering Sagebrush]

[416rigby]

When I did our bed extension 5 years ago, I never dreamed someone would call it an orgy board. I like it!

Seriously, though, it really does make a huge difference in comfort. One of the best mods you can do especially if you're tall like me. The soffit is a super idea, George!

[ghone]

Orgy board is a new one to me. Orgy and cd 22 maybe not! I'm liking the mod though! Easy to get out. The vinyl soffit was one I scratched my head over for a while. Almost every store I went through I kept an eye out for something to create a space that was light, easy to shape and rigid, with channels and airspaces. And then I was in Home Depot and saw "attic ventilation". I thought soffit is made to ventilate spaces. Only 2 nights aboard since install but no moisture. Will see how it performs. George

[bridma]

Hi George,

The soffit was a good idea, I'm sure it will work well. With your soffit and extra thick mattress on top of the original mattress, isn't it a bit tricky getting into the v-berth lockers?

Martin.

[ghone]

Hi Martin, the lockers even with factory mattress and bedding was never really easy to get into. I tend to store seldom needed stuff under there. Spare prop, spare shore tie line, gumboots, rain gear, etc. we try to pull as much stuff off the boat as we put on as we go along, we are getting better at what we really need. Won't be needing any suits or ties aboard etc we have hammocks and drawers under deck now so can store a weeks worth of clothes without going under the bunk. The drawers at the foot of the bunk are really great. Socks and under, no rummaging in the hammock. I felt a really comfy bunk is an absolute requirement for full time.

[Yellowstone]

Made a filler to extend the gap. It is two pieces - plywood piece stained teak with velcro on bottom to rest on bunk floor edges, then cushion which snaps (bottom side) to the plywood. This accomplishes two things: extends the bunk into a super length and provides an additional seat when multiple people are aboard, even if seating is facing the cockpit. Also, a handy place to place the left leg for us long legged folks at the helm. Yellowstone John

[Sea Wolf]

If you're concerned about difficulty in ingress and egress into the "orgy pit", for any of several possible reasons after adding a filler (if your boat model didn't come with one), you might consider the cutting out of the port side of the inner cabin bulkhead between the passenger seat and the v-berth as described in another thread. There are several additional advantages to this modification as well.

Helm Bulkhead Cutaway on the 25

Opinions on widening V-berth opening


Anna Leigh's Modified Bulkhead


Joe.