Vee-birth

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 527 Photos: Thistle

I am 6'2 and comfortably built at 265 lbs. I suffer slightly from Claustrophobia. My wife is somewhat shorter and lies than half the girth. Will we be happy together in the front berth or will we find splitting up to be a more rational thing? We are interested in anything from the 22-25. If we can't sleep well it certainly affects out sharpness.
Best,
Don Tyson

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 1:14 pm Post subject:

That is hard to answer. I think the berth is fine in the 22 and the 25, but it isn't huge. I always wish it had more leg room, head room, and was easier to get into and out of. But with that said, it is doable, and solo it's great. The tomcat? It checks the boxes on all my wishes, but I don't go out enough any longer to justify that sort of price tag for a few days of fishing and boat camping.

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 2:04 pm Post subject:

The port side "bulkhead" between the V Berth and seating can be removed. In the 22, if the boat has the sliding forward seat, then the port side of the V berth can be extended with a couple of cushions. In the 25, there is a foot well of almost 2 feet, so it is very easy to expand Thus giving significantly more room. I was 6' 2", but 180#--always had enough room, but removing the bulkhead gave significantly more room. I put some gear on the floor, then a cushion to bring this area up to the level of the mattress topper; Works very well.

This without a cushion in the foot well--and a memory foam topper on the bunk. Also we put foam pads to insulate the mattress from the hull and prevent condensation.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 527 Photos: Thistle

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 5:09 pm Post subject:

Tom Hruby · Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 5:27 pm Post subject:

When I first looked at the 22 ft cruiser I had the same concerns about the V-berth. I am 6'1" and have a bad back. Getting in and out of the berth was an issue for me, so when I ordered my cruiser from NMI, I had them modify the main cabin so I could put two berths in it. The port side berth using the dropped down table was OK and was 75" long. However, on the port side I had NMI eliminate the sink and cooktop. Rathe,r I had them extend the 9" high platform under the wheel all the way back to the aft bulkhead. I then constructed a berth on top of that with a removable panel under the wheel and four holes into which I could put a helm seat on a frame. I have posted some pictures on this conversion in my album (WATT NOW).

After several days of trying to raise and lower the table using the table leg that was provided, I decided to look for a stand that can be raise or lowered automatically. I found and electric lifting column that works really well ( Progressive Automation).

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 11:08 pm Post subject:

Sometimes napping I have slept athwartships, usually, feet toward the bow--and I have owned boats with V berths since 1964--about 60 years.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 527 Photos: Thistle