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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Looking for some ideas

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Mark Maxwell
Captain

Member Avatar

USA
329 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/11/2003 : 13:23:15

Hi all,
I would like to make the cabin in of dinette layout a little more open. I'm considering making some type of change to the backrest that separates the galley and the aft sette(sp). I am thinking of making a vertical cut flush with the stove cabnet (more like the traditional layout) and then horizontal with the top of the seat cushion. I know I would have to make a new back rest pad but I think this would really open up the cabin. My motivation for this is that I need more sleeping space.

I know about the 'queen bed cabin' idea, infact I did that on my C22 and it worked great, except that it cuts off the access to the head. The table makes for a great bed for someone 5'or less. With the backrest removed, it becomes much more open. (I've tested this by first removing the piece as a whole so that I can put it back without change)

My thoughts are, I could make the cut as described and remove the piece completely or, hinge it in a way that it can be positioned down or up as needed. Down would lay it aft, in front of the stove so that it can be used as counter space for the galley. (I also really like this idea http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2654 which would make the fold down idea a mute point.) With it up it really only serves as backrest.

Sitting at the table is...well...shall I say tight<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle> to say the least. With the backrest out of the way, atleast the aft sette is more accessible. I'm also considering trimming the table back about 4". When down it sticks out into the walk way, so this would help with that. When up it would be just that much more out of the way.

Anyway, I know it may sound as though I've made up my mind but I really haven't yet. Any input is welcome. I've found this forum to be a great sounding board. So let the ideas flow <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle> Thanks

<img src="http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/usflagwav.gif" border=0>
Mark-
'Impulse'
C25 #533 DINN/FIN ~_/)~
Bakersfield, CA.

Edited by - Mark Maxwell on 02/11/2003 13:31:13

Edited by - Mark Maxwell on 02/11/2003 13:33:03

Edited by - Mark Maxwell on 02/11/2003 13:41:02

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2003 : 13:57:16

Sounds like you need an L-shaped Dinette model.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df26b3127cce93d6d55e501e0000001410" border=0>

Since your motivation is more sleeping space, how much more space will this idea give you? I haven't been to the boat in awhile, but it would seem that the aft seat backrest can only be about 2 feet from the front of the stove cabinet to the end of the bench. This doesn't seem like a whole lot of room for more than one person to stretch out in while sleeping.

As for removing the backrest entirely, I would think twice about this option. On my last boat, the aft bench seat didn't have a backrest and it was somewhat uncomfortable. It was like sitting on a stool, which is okay when your leaning on a bar having a ginger ale, but uncomfortable when eating your morning breakfast.

I would consider the relatively simpler idea of using the starboard settee backrest as the fill-in cushion and allow the person with the weakest bladder to sleep on the head side of the bed.

<img src="http://c25c250.best.vwh.net/restricted/ny!bed.jpg" border=0>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie