Hi All-   I am considering some changes to my v-berth to make the boat a bit more comfortable for a couple.  My boat was originally set up with a second desk area across from the head, like Warm Rain, but I am moving the drawers and hanging locker into that spot.  At the same time, I am considering making the v-berth one large bed.  I am potentially going to drop the surface a bit lower, losing a bit in width but gaining in accessibility.  Has anyone done, or seen, a 32 like this?  Any pictures?  Thanks.

John.....

I did this modifaction some years ago on Tamzin as part of airconditioner installation project.  As I recall I lowered the berth about eight inches and generally used the measurements of a full size mattress as a guide.  The re-do was not difficult other than cramped working quaters and I did lose a substantial portion of the starboard cabinet.  The interesting part was reforming (if that's the correct word) the full size inner spring mattress to fit the curvature of the hull as well as the space constraints.  In the end it was well worth the effort....sleeps like a dream, just like you're at home only you get rocked to sleep.................

I sent John a picture and description of the lowering of the forward berth.  If I knew how to upload a picture to this forum, I would do it.

I would suggest sending it to Jay since he seems the only one able to post photos here.  

Bud Taplin - from his manual and photo collection.

Image of an extended W32 V Berth

LOWERING THE FORWARD BERTH IN THE W32

There is no structural problem in lowering the berth. 

 

Some owners have lowered it just the height of the mattress.  That lets the mattress come up to the bottom of the wood slats that are on the hullsides, and saves having to make new slats.  You could lower it more than that, however you would have to let the bunktop overhang the front face of the cabinet below in order to obtain enough width to make it useable for two people.  You may want to let it overhang anyway if you just lower it the thickness of the mattress, and that way you should be able to use your current mattress.

 

For the maximum width and comfort, the new plywood berth top starts out at the corner of the left opening in the bulkhead of the forward stateroom, and extends to the starboard hullside forward, with the line approximately parallel to the port hullside to make the berth about the same width all the way.  It will overhang the face of the cabinet below it, but that is OK.  It allows more foot room to get in and out of the berth.

 

A searail is then attached to contain the mattress.

Thanks to Bud Taplin for the use of the above image and information.