After 21 years ..... opened v-berths today on 22' Angler

[cemiii]

Glad I did. There was nothing in there but the bottom of the boat. Also there were areas that I could see daylight along the connection with the base of the cabin, so any flotation it might have once provided was probably quite temporary, at best.

No evidence a drop of water was ever in there either. I put (2) 10 5/8 x 14 1/2 cut out (13 x17 3/8 finished) tempress double cam lock waterproof hatches in about 6" back from the cabin and 5" in from the edge. One on each side and a good location. Easy to bend up the rear of the cushion and access hatch and mostly in the head/shoulder area if you were laying on them. It could probably use a third hatch up in the bow point for things you would not need often (as it would be somewhat more difficult to lift the single cushion there).

I like the ideas of others to add styrofoam blocks. Hope it doesn't squeak! I have numerous extra life jackets and a couple of those big foam pool floats we often bring to the lake that can go in there too. Might absorb some of that hollow drum sound as well.

NOTES.

The top of the birth is balsa core 1/4 balsa sandwiched beteen a 1/8 top and 1/16 glass boottom. I used 3/4 x 14 SS tap screws and 4200 for the install. To do again I'd probably try to use 1/2 or 5/8" fasteners as the 3/4 just went through enough to leave a sharp point, that i may go back and dab with sealant. I don't think the screws will do much holding more than squeeze it down until the sealant cures. Don't over tighten.

There is about a 2" gap at the bottom of the well where the front cabin floor free floats above the hull (easy for small stored stuff to roll under and be a big pain to retreive). I solved that by squishing a couple of pool noodles into that gap (light and Float). I think filling that under floor with 2 part foam might possibly be another good solution but i still like that it can breath and flow if it needs to.

Provides quite a bit of extra storage.

chris

[Rob & Karen]

Chris,

How about posting some pictures.

Rob

[cemiii]

I will try to take some pictures and post to the album, but it's so tight in there and my camera is not so good on dark wide angle close ups. Will post again if I get anything worthwhile.

Suggest you cut a piece of newspaper to size to make a form for your cutout. Mark the 4 corners on the v-birth where you want your hole. Then use a straight edge to connect the dots. I used a drill and a 2 1/2 inch hole saw to start the cutout, then a fine tooth jig saw to do the big work. The hole saw left a hole that I could see into with a small flashlight and I wanted a small enough hole that I could patch easily if I didn't like what I saw. But if your model is of my vintage there should not be a problem.

I bought the hatches from Great Lakes Skipper off E-Bay [enter: boat hatch] he has a big inventory and he was a quick shipper and they seem to be a good product. Mine are light grey and were around $70 for the pair delivered. I bought the first at min. bid and then wrote him and he sold me 2 at the same price with reasonable combined shipping. They look nice, are quite thin and the lid and cams work smoothly and the lid fully covers the screws when closed for a nice clean look. (not that they'll be seen much under the pad).

Had another thought on floatation if that's important to you. What about automotive type inner tubes. Could be inserted before inflating, light weight no uv concerns and should have good ability to withstand changes in elevation? Though if you go that route it is even more important your
screw points don't protrude.
chris

[cemiii]

a few pictures posted in album

[Rob & Karen]

Chris,

They look good. I have been thinking of the same project. I think my v-berth may be filled with styrofoam. Thanks for posting the pics.

Rob