Modifying dinette table and seats to convert to berth

[Ken O]

I remember reading a post or viewing photos a while ago showing how a C-Dory owner had modified the dinette table and seats to be easily converted to a berth. I can't find it now. Does anyone remember where this info is or who posted it? Thanks.

[garyf]

[hardee]

Some are some are not. IF your C-Dory has what is known as the "Barber Chair" (where the forward passenger seat converts from forward facing to aft facing, by sliding forward and moving the backrest cushion), then I believe the table is set so that it can be lowered onto the rests on the seat upright, just below the cushion and the backrest pads go on the table to make it into a bunk/berth. Some came from the factory set up that way, and then with owner changes, it got left out for a while. Might also have to do with the change from the plywood and seaboard to the molded fiberglass cabin interior.

Harvey
SleepyC

[ssobol]

My '08 22 cruiser has the factory reversible front seat. With the chair in the forward position (facing aft) you can release the table from the wall and use a shorter center post (the boat comes with two posts) to put the table even with the fiberglass part of the port side seats. Rearranging the seat cushions (bottoms and backs) allows you to make a flat berth on the port side of the main cabin.

The two drawbacks of this is you have to use all the cushions plus the one used when the barber chair is facing forward. This means the berth is made of 5 cushions that are separate. Even then, the cushions do not fill the entire space so you have to deal with a gap and cushions that shift around as you sleep. Also, there isn't any sort of rail. A good waking (i.e. a boat passing by at speed) in the middle of the night could deposit the sleeper on to the cabin floor.

When we first got the boat my wife wanted to sleep on the convertible berth. Only tried it once.

Haven't used it since. FWIW, putting the table top back in the dinette position is kind of PITA too.

[Ken O]

Thanks for all the info. I think the post I was thinking of was that of an owner who created their own design, fixing the faults of the factory design. If anyone can find this one, please post a link.

[thataway]

Another way of doing it is the way our current boat is rigged. The table down, there is a special cushion for the bottom, and another for the back, so the previous dinette can become a sofa like seat. This means carrying an extra set of cushions, but makes a very comfortable bunk.

[Wayne McCown]

See photos in my album.

[Ken O]

Hi Wayne, I think it was your photos that I was thinking of. Nice work! I may have some detail questions when I get working on this. Thanks for sharing.

[Montana Kev]

Hi Ken,

You can view photos of the seat conversion I did on our 1998 22. It worked well.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album1399&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[wolfman]

I too was thinking about the benefits of a revers-able seat. But after thinking about it I simply bought a West Marine Go anywhere high back (reclining) seat. I use all the cushions and put the seat in the back (port) corner where I am quite comfortable glassing for tuna. This seat is the same over all width as the cushions so it is quite stable and it has arm rests. I also plan on using it on the deck/dock etc. model # 10967917. port supply $107

[ssobol]

My '08 came with the factory reversible forward seat. Have never used it on the forward position. Don't think the PO did either. Kinda wish I didn't have it because it reduces the storage space under the seat. Admiral typically sits at the aft end of the dinette when inside the cabin (more comfortable ride there).