Over under question?

  • April 28, 2012 10:18 AM
    Message # 905144
    Deleted user
    Hello Group,
    My wife and I sailed our Pacific Seacraft 25 across the Pacific for 3 years. We now have two very new members in our family. We are looking at the Westsail 32 as an option. While researching different boats we have come across an "over under" staggered bunkbed option for the port or starboard sea births.. Others have the "over" as a storage area. Would it be simple to convert a boat with designated storage space to the "over under" style? Thanks for any and all thoughts. 
  • April 28, 2012 3:22 PM
    Reply # 905255 on 905144

    Since all of the interior furniture in a Westsail 32 is plywood, there is no reason you can't cut out the existing plywood, and build anything you want.  Make some drawings, and take careful measurements to make sure what you design will fit. 

    Also try to use some of the existing furniture as a starting point.  Such as cutting a shelf back to within about 2" of the hullside, and laying the new plywood on top of it and screwing them together.  A lot easier than bonding the new plywood to the hull.

    I have lots of pictures of different layouts owners have done on their boats.  Let me know if you want some.  btaplin@westsail.com

  • April 29, 2012 4:53 AM
    Reply # 905690 on 905144
    I think I have what you mean by over/under.  The over pilot berth pulls out to make a double.  That's where my wife and I sleep, leaving the V-berth available for company.   That, plus the folding table, make an extremely comfortable and practical living arrangement.  

    Our W32 is factory built, but I can't say for sure if the table and pull-out berth are factory or not.

    In 2010, I posted a blog article on he cabin arrangement, together with photos with the table/bunk in various positions.   Read it here.
  • April 29, 2012 9:09 AM
    Reply # 905984 on 905144
    Deleted user
    Aaron Norlund built a rather neat fold-down upper berth over the settee that can be folded down for use, but folded back up to restore the lower berth as a settee.   This would give you two bunks at night and a settee by day.  As soon as time allows, I intend following his plan as I find lowering the table top a royal pain.  You will find his approach described with a couple of photos somewhere on this site.
  • April 30, 2012 8:53 AM
    Reply # 906801 on 905144
    That pull out pilot berth is interesting.  I too have a factory built boat but it is my bottom (stbd) settee that pulls out (not the pilot berth).

    Actually I think my slide out bunk is fine in theory but not that practical since the cushion has to slide under the seat back locker and thus cannot be thick enough to be comfortable to sleep on.  Maybe good enough for those extra unexpected guests though I imagine. On top of that IMO when it is 'closed' it's really too narrow to sit on comfortably.
  • April 30, 2012 7:39 PM
    Reply # 907226 on 905144
    Deleted user
    Mike,
    I personally like the adjustable options of the narrow setee opposite a dinette. 
    And I feel the cushion plenty comfortable for sleeping.
    Besides it makes a great daybed.