dinette to sofa
- Thread starter C-Hawk
- Start date
Pat Anderson
New member
Very cool, Roger!
Seeker-
We had the cushons custom made by our gal at Channel Islands Canvas, here in our harbor.
This was a project that grew from recovering the cushons.
As you know, the edge of the window frame can get a bit uncomfortable in rough water, and we had to have a lot of throw pillows to fill the space.
The new back cushons are wedge shaped to fit the contour of the hull, and tall enough to protect against the window frame.
We had the cushons custom made by our gal at Channel Islands Canvas, here in our harbor.
This was a project that grew from recovering the cushons.
As you know, the edge of the window frame can get a bit uncomfortable in rough water, and we had to have a lot of throw pillows to fill the space.
The new back cushons are wedge shaped to fit the contour of the hull, and tall enough to protect against the window frame.
Excellent, Roger! We use the bunk as a couch pretty often so the four of us can watch the TV. Your idea of making the cushion fit and fill up the shape of the hull is great. Stuffing pillows in there just don't quite work. I think I'll add this one to the list. Thanks!
Little Catelyn
New member
Sweeeeet! I had thought that after I had my boat awhile I might add some foam w/carpet along the sides of the dinette --- but not anymore!
Not only a great idea, but a nice execution as well. :thup :thup
Corwin
Not only a great idea, but a nice execution as well. :thup :thup
Corwin
canal charterguy
New member
I did a similar conversion on my boat. I had Dave @ King Marine in Seattle make one foam cushion to go over the dinette table and a one piece back cushion (bolster) with velcro sewn on back. Also had the factory drop the galley down lower and put a cushion and (bolster) back cushion with velcro sewn on back. Very happy with it as it allows for a variety of seating arrangements. Seats 5 passengers inside.To finish it off I am having two stainless footrails made to act as a footrest. I may face over them with a strip of teak later. We built the boat as a dual purpose boat to use as a family and it also will allow me to do some charters and scenic boat tours here on south Hood Canal and Lake Cushman. Can't say enough good things about working with the C-Dory factory and all the useful information I have gotten from the C brats website. We have a 6 year old son and for us I can't think of a more perfect boat for exploring the Pacific NW. I don't have any photos yet but have a web page at www.greatbendcharters.com Paul
GaryPalsgrove
New member
Fishtales":1sfxesa7 said:
I am awaiting the delivery (April '06) of my C-Dory 25 and already contemplating modifications. Your conversion of the table to a sofa looks like a good one. Where did you get the cusions made? I noticed they had the C-Dory name on them.
Gary Palsgrove
The cushions were made by the same gal that did our canvas. They are wedge shaped to fill the space against the hull. We took the canvas to a shop here in Santa Barbara to have the C-Dory embroidered on. We had the boat in the factory this past July and they were able to see how it was made, Jeff said that he has had several inquiries about adding the sofa as an option-- who knows when?
Wayne McCown
New member
We acquired a 1999 22' C-Dory Cruiser spring 2006. I did a conversion similar to those reported by Fishtales and Great Bend Charters. My goal was to provide accomodations in the cabin for four persons.
The old cushions were simply removed. With the table placed in the down position, the first task was to build "tops" for the two seat bins. I did so as follows. "Rails" were screwed to the inside of the boxes, matching those used to hold the table. I used three boards for each seat top, leaving an inch of finger space. This allows much easier access to these bins, as lifting/tilting the front board is typically adequate to gain the desired access.
The key to the project came next: building a "backboard" to fit across the entire port side, and "hanging" it. I made it out of 3/4" oak plywood, trimmed on all four sides with store-bought solid oak trim. I then finished it with several coats of stain, varnish and beeswax. It looks like a beautiful oak tabletop! After considerable experimentation, I was able to successfully "hang" it (using cabinet hinges) from the brackets into which the table fits in the up position. I also "tilted" it, which was/is accomplished by inserting a small cutting board along the top of the table and behind the backboard: as it reaches the back of the table, the backside "falls" down onto the extension leg of the table, creating just the right tilt. This makes for a considerably more comfortable seat than the original straight back.
My wife, who is good at interior decorating, wanted to add a little more color and interest to the C-Dory interior...and she thought we should be able to find outdoor (lounge-type) cushions that would work. After a day of comparison shopping, we bought some high end cushions from Sears. They are double-sided: one side has a floral pattern, and the other is striped. Two lounge cushions, facing each other, form the seat: the pillow ends turn up to form what look like the arms of a sofa. Four chair cushions form the back. We also got two "throw" pillows to round out the set. The whole looks like a real, if casual, sofa.
This backboard, since it is not "fixed," can easily be lifted out (and placed in the V-berth) to return to the gaucho/table arrangment, if and when desired. In that configuration, the two lounge cushions form the two facing seats (and the back cushions placed into the V-berth, or used elsewhere as desired).
I also came up with a couple of other uses for the "backboard." Laid flat and extended into the aisle (and supported by screw-in legs) it is used to create a double (48" wide) bed in the cabin. (One can still sqeeze down the aisle!). At dockside, it can also be laid across the battery boxes and used as a large cockpit table (I placed all the hardware on the backside to fit between the supporting battery boxes).
I carpeted the floor with a coordinated runner. (Note: the cut-to-length carpet runners at Home Depot and Lowe's are exactly the right width for the 22' C-Dory aisle! And it's bound on both sides; I fit the ends very tightly, so there is no need for underlayment or carpet tape!)
The total cost of this enjoyable project was less than $200. [/img]
The old cushions were simply removed. With the table placed in the down position, the first task was to build "tops" for the two seat bins. I did so as follows. "Rails" were screwed to the inside of the boxes, matching those used to hold the table. I used three boards for each seat top, leaving an inch of finger space. This allows much easier access to these bins, as lifting/tilting the front board is typically adequate to gain the desired access.
The key to the project came next: building a "backboard" to fit across the entire port side, and "hanging" it. I made it out of 3/4" oak plywood, trimmed on all four sides with store-bought solid oak trim. I then finished it with several coats of stain, varnish and beeswax. It looks like a beautiful oak tabletop! After considerable experimentation, I was able to successfully "hang" it (using cabinet hinges) from the brackets into which the table fits in the up position. I also "tilted" it, which was/is accomplished by inserting a small cutting board along the top of the table and behind the backboard: as it reaches the back of the table, the backside "falls" down onto the extension leg of the table, creating just the right tilt. This makes for a considerably more comfortable seat than the original straight back.
My wife, who is good at interior decorating, wanted to add a little more color and interest to the C-Dory interior...and she thought we should be able to find outdoor (lounge-type) cushions that would work. After a day of comparison shopping, we bought some high end cushions from Sears. They are double-sided: one side has a floral pattern, and the other is striped. Two lounge cushions, facing each other, form the seat: the pillow ends turn up to form what look like the arms of a sofa. Four chair cushions form the back. We also got two "throw" pillows to round out the set. The whole looks like a real, if casual, sofa.
This backboard, since it is not "fixed," can easily be lifted out (and placed in the V-berth) to return to the gaucho/table arrangment, if and when desired. In that configuration, the two lounge cushions form the two facing seats (and the back cushions placed into the V-berth, or used elsewhere as desired).
I also came up with a couple of other uses for the "backboard." Laid flat and extended into the aisle (and supported by screw-in legs) it is used to create a double (48" wide) bed in the cabin. (One can still sqeeze down the aisle!). At dockside, it can also be laid across the battery boxes and used as a large cockpit table (I placed all the hardware on the backside to fit between the supporting battery boxes).
I carpeted the floor with a coordinated runner. (Note: the cut-to-length carpet runners at Home Depot and Lowe's are exactly the right width for the 22' C-Dory aisle! And it's bound on both sides; I fit the ends very tightly, so there is no need for underlayment or carpet tape!)
The total cost of this enjoyable project was less than $200. [/img]
Wayne McCown
New member
Dear Greg:
I don't think you want to cut the seat height, because that will put your passengers below the viewline.
Here's my solution (which I did not previously mention): I bought two folding stools at Camping World for $9.99 each to use as "footrests." (They also can be used out in the cockpit as "end tables"!) I often use one when at the helm, so when I turn sideways to talk with guests I have a comfortable place to put my left foot!
Even without folding them, these stools fit easily and nicely in the space under the table in the down position: this way, they are always quickly and conveniently available.
This solution requires no customization of the seat boxes, and thus preserves the table/gaucho setup. Moreover, it works well, and is very comfortable.
I am going to get some pictures up soon, but I have to find time!
I don't think you want to cut the seat height, because that will put your passengers below the viewline.
Here's my solution (which I did not previously mention): I bought two folding stools at Camping World for $9.99 each to use as "footrests." (They also can be used out in the cockpit as "end tables"!) I often use one when at the helm, so when I turn sideways to talk with guests I have a comfortable place to put my left foot!
Even without folding them, these stools fit easily and nicely in the space under the table in the down position: this way, they are always quickly and conveniently available.
This solution requires no customization of the seat boxes, and thus preserves the table/gaucho setup. Moreover, it works well, and is very comfortable.
I am going to get some pictures up soon, but I have to find time!
Wayne McCown
New member
I now have a photo album! It is labeled Little Mac.
I am putting pics of the dinette to sofa conversion into a sub-album (which is currently located at the end). There are only three photos in it to date; there are more to come!
I am putting pics of the dinette to sofa conversion into a sub-album (which is currently located at the end). There are only three photos in it to date; there are more to come!