Vberth Modifications

[michaelmrc]

Good day all on my Catalina 27 I am toying with the idea of modifying the vberth to allow a bigger more open space. Currently the vberth has a small open ing in between the bulkhead I was wondering if it's possible to cut out some of this and extend the berth to allow 2 adults to comfortably sleep up front thanks

[Ex-Calif]

I am considering a similar modification. I have googled for Maxi 77 photos (my boat) and I am torn between traditional with lockers at the v-berth or eliminating one or both lockers and opening up the view with a simpler bulkhead.

Here are a couple of shots of what I am debating with myself.

Understanding on this boat teh head is on the centerline right between the lockers forward of the centerpost.

I sorta give up any privacy here unless I figure something else out.

[michaelmrc]

i love the open look and feel of the dana 24 vberth we were anchored next to one this week and i got to check it out. i was hoping for suggestions on how to open up the vberth in my boat. thanks

[Ex-Calif]

That is certainly nice.

What specific suggestions are you looking for?

I mean - I have seen interior work go from a couple of weekends of touch up to a six month complete interior strip out.

Some considerations are if the boat uses insert pans like mine. This is not an impossible task but cutting and moving the pan can raise issues.

In my case I have also gotten some plan view drawings of my boat and have made a bunch of "blank" pages using white out.

Now I have blanks layouts that I am sketching designs on - I am a horrible artist. Wish I had acquired some of my mom's genes in this area...

[michaelmrc]

the c 27 does use a hull liner and this is where im not clear if i can cut part of it out without causing structural damage.

[Jaxxiam]

One of the main concerns is supporting the deck with whatever mods are you thinking about.

[michaelmrc]

Does anyone know if the forward bulkheads are structural I know the main cabin ones are but was hopin I could modify the vberth bulkheads

[Jaxxiam]

Does your C27 have a head on the starboard side and I think there's a closet on the port? If so I'm pretty sure the forward bulkhead is not structural.

The main thing to look for is the chain plate location, whatevery you do make sure the stresses from them are supported, along with the forward deck, you don't want to make them any less weak.

[Jaxxiam]

Okay.....My bad. I just looked at you pics in the OP. But what I said is still sound advice.

Cheers.

[michaelmrc]

Yes my c27 has head on starboard hanging locker on port the pic I posted is jus the type of berth I would like to achieve open and airy

[rtbates]

MOST, if not all bulkheads, are there for structural reasons... They tend to help keep the deck and hull stationary...

Take that bulkhead out and go to windward in a seaway and I'd bet your hull will twist like a pretzel...

[michaelmrc]

I've seen many c27s with dinette layout with only the starboard side bulkhead nothing on the port side in the front. The main salon bulkhead is still full

[Ex-Calif]

I looked at the photos on your blog. The interior is very nice but I see your point about getting forward.

If you look at the second photo I posted you can see the port bulkhead is C shaped. I think you could remove your forward bulkhead on port (the part that makes the forward wall of the locker) and leave the aft bulkhead modified as per my pic (C shape) and have no issues.

Of course you give up a hanging locker.

[steverowcliffe]

Hi,
I was thinking of the same thing ... I love the look of the Beneteau 26, and am interested in the possibility of removing the bulkheads on the Maxi 77. Does anyone know whether they are structural like in the Catalina 27 for example, or could just be taken out?
Thanks

[ssanzone]

i doubt this is what you want to hear but... as a general rule, if a bulkhead is anchored from sole to deck, it is there for a reason (and not usually to hide your sails).

if u can give up a few inches overhead you can, most likely, put in a conventional header but carrying the load in a house is different as houses dont flex and shift and twist the way a boat does.

gl
-steve