Open up C-22 berth?

D

Doryman

New member
I have yet to actually sleep in the berth of my new-to-me 22 but I can see that it is much more of a cave than the berth on my Tom Cat. I am curious as to whether anyone has enlarged the access, perhaps in a way similar to how David modified his 16, which you can see HERE.

Thanks,
Warren
 
I've wondered about something similiar; opening up the deck, above the berth entry, on the bulkhead on our 25. I can't tell you how many times I've JUST hit my head on it. (I'm not as flexible as I used to be) In a perfect world it would slide forward, but I may just hinge it to simplify the job.
 
Those photos of Gypsy are interesting. Gypsy was/is a 25, am I right? Also, the seats are entirely different. On my 22 a 2007/8, the seat is a sliding reversible seat and the bulkhead serves as the backrest when the seat is set up as a dinette. I could go for the more open feel if only the backrest issue could be solved. Also, it would still be nice to have a privacy curtain.
 
Love my '85 Classic for the reason in this post. It is so easy to enter and exit the berth and note how the "dash" area follows the window line. Check the Elk-Tenn album.
Ron
 
The port side of the bulkhead betweent he main saloon and the V berth is "floating"--pop rivets, screws and lag bolts--there is no structural component. You can also get the same type of edge trim at most marine suppliers. Have at it.
 
Hi Folks,

I also have a 1983 Classic Angler and one feature I love is the access to the berth area. On the last Erie Canal trip I started to sleep across ship and found it easier to get in and out of my sleeping bag and easier to get to my "stuff" which was in various bags. Also I had a much better sleep.

Another feature is that it is easier to get to the head. I saw one 22er having to use a 13" porti Potti because of head room problem.

If also makes the cabin seem bigger.

Fred
 
We love this project. It was great fun. Quite possibly the best thing we've done. Great airflow as well as access. I wanted to round off the corner more but was pressed for time and will do it later on. I have to figure out exactly how do the trim to get the look I want.

Go for it!

Rick
 
One additional enhancement to this mod might be to add a sliding curtain, as on the Tom Cat. Lori closes the curtain often when taking naps during the day.

Warren
 
Yeah, I have to agree. Opening up the v-berth area greatly improves the air circulation and does not affect the structural integrity at all. Ours has been open now for two years and other than small gel coat crazing has shown no sign of problems.
Wider_v_bert_opening.sized.jpg

I haven't been able to get around to putting a nice trim on it though. The trim material that is still on the starboard side is not available in wide enough widths to fit over the cutout portion because of the 3/4 plywood that is used as a core. Ours is a 25 so a 22 bulkhead may be different thickness.
Go for it.
Ron
 
Yep... have to agree that Brother Mike's boat GYPSY is much more open as is Foggy Dew....from my "Coasty" brother Rick and Donna. I like the change on both boats. Like Bob said....go for it!!!

Byrdman
 
To the skippers of Foggy Dew and Gypsy,

Really like your mods. Am looking hard at doing the same to my 22 Cruiser this winter. Would like your thoughts on removing the entire port side bulkhead and shelf and the entire shelf over the entryway to berths. Result would look something like the opening in the Classic Angler photos. Understand that it'll drastically reduce shelf space. However, I'd like to have the area above my face/head on the port berth open. Any other issues you'd anticipate? Thanks Bill
 
Offhand I can't think of any big issues to removing that much of the shelf. You'd obviously have to re-route wiring and fabricate the supports, but the big thing is get in there and think, think, think!

Think about all the various ways you may get the result you want before you start cutting. I spent a lot of time just lying in the berth and sitting on the deck going over ways to do it.

Keep us posted and take pics...I forgot to do that during the process.

Rick
 
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