Opinions on widening V-berth opening

J

joefish

New member
Have you widened the V-berth opening on your C-Dory? Are you glad you did? What are you finding are the biggest advantages and disadvantages? If you had it to do over would you do it differently? If you haven't done it, and I know there are many long-time C-Dory people that haven't, why not?

I pose these questions because I'm about to saw into my V-berth bulkhead. Having recently read Writer_Ron and Anna Leigh's posts I am supplied with good plans and photos as well as technical advice. It's clear that the bulkhead is not a structural requirement. It can be done nicely by most DIYers with the right tools and the finishing supplies are available. It's a popular project and the new Marinaut comes that way.

The advantages I foresee are 1) my feet could stick out of the V-berth for more comfortable sleeping 2) better air circulation (fan in the summer and heat from the stove in the winter 3) more inviting and easier to get in an out of

Disadvantages 1) less privacy for people and for hiding stuff you'd rather not look at

Comments appreciated :D :D :D
 
I think it makes a difference on what boat you own. I was going to open the bulkhead on the 22 I currently own, but after sleeping on it for 5 weeks, and seeing how it would affect the aft facing (no Berber chair conversion) I decided against it.

We went from the first 22 to a 25 to get more room in the bunk, and considered it enough room after we got the boat. You would have to be over 6' 4" to need more room in the bunk (My son is 6' 4" and found it fine--I am only 6' 2" and find the 22 to be adequate.

With the setup of the 25 it makes more sense than a 22 however.
 
The best mod we've ever done. Makes getting in and out of the berth much easier and increases airflow. I used a dremel, but if I were to do it again I think I'd use a jigsaw. It probably would be faster and less messy. Also, I would leave a few inches of the original bulkhead for support instead of building the shelf support out of wood. That would also have been less work.

Overall it works great for us. I still have a few adjustments to make, like rounding off the corner, but it's low on my priority list.

Pics in our "Projects" album.

Rick
 
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