Fitting a desk instead of a bed?

[drfeelgood11]

Is that possible on a catamaran of 39+ feet?(given that you keep the weight equal)

As im planning on a catamaran liveaboard, the extra bed seems pointless if its never going to be used.
It would be of far greater utility to have a small room with desk for work and such, while keeping the catamaran's balance and sailing ability/seaworthiness.
Can this be done?
Thanks!

[s/v Moondancer]

Yes, but you need to ensure that the bed can go back in easily or it might affect resale.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by s/v Moondancer

Yes, but you need to ensure that the bed can go back in easily or it might affect resale.

I agree. ... Most boat builders are proud about how many sleeping locations they can pack into a boat. It's part of their marketing strategy.

Lucky me. My boat came with a desk.

[Cavalier MK2]

You should make sure the bunk isn't doing anything structural. A berth in a bow or stern could be reinforcing against wave impact etc...in this case leaving a perimeter shelf is a good idea.

[44'cruisingcat]

On the boat we're repairing, we're converting a queen bed into a workshop. Making a roll up slat system so it can also still be used as a bed if the occasion arises.

[Barra]

The difference in weight between a bed or a desk in one hull is not anywhere near enough to be a consideration in a 39 foot plus cat so go for it. Agree that being able to convert it back to a berth for extra crew would be a plus too.

[drfeelgood11]

Thank you for the feedback!
I wouldn't need extra crew so that's not an issue. If we ever need extra sleeping space we could just roll a bed in the same room.
I don't think that I'd be able to keep the bed so i was thinking that if we come to resell (lagoon) , maybe i could order a new one from the same company so the boat would be back to it's original look.

[Rohan]

Dr. Feelgood,

I think it's a great idea. That's one of the ideas I am mulling over at the top of my list: buy a 4-cabin cat out of charter because it's cheaper, and then converting one of the cabins to an office. The Leopard 46 would be a great candidate for that. What kind of catamaran are you converting?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it affecting the resale value -IF it looks like a professional job. In fact, if the desk looks exceptionally nice it should only increase your boats value! You are not the only one that needs a workspace more than he needs an extra cabin.

[Cotemar]

Live aboards have much different needs than from what a charter boats needs.
It's common for cruisers to modify their boat to suite there needs.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post699886

[tamicatana]

Originally Posted by Rohan

I wouldn't worry about it affecting the resale value -IF it looks like a professional job. In fact, if the desk looks exceptionally nice it should only increase your boat's value! You are not the only one that needs a workspace more than he needs an extra cabin.

I'll second that.

When purchasing my boat, I looked at another which had a bunk taken out and replaced by a workstation. The concept was good, but the work so half-assed that it put me off the boat

[drfeelgood11]

Well that's good news. Yeah I'd definitely do it professionally, bolted on, sturdy, all that.
Right now we're looking at the lagoon 39 , but I'd like to wait for a used one or by the time maybe the us made alpha 42 if it turns out good.

[Bunt]

No need to build a desk with a Lagoon 39, the owners hull has a desk built-in.
There's a layout for two owners hulls as well (that's our one!) so you get one desk e.g. one for computer office and one for mech/elec. work.

http://www.cata-lagoon.com/albums/l3...39_NCL1065.jpg