310 Berth Conversion Update

[Kurt]

Hello friends;Well, we closed on our brand new 310 yesterday, and while the boat is still being commissioned, we did get a chance to spend some time on it and see, among other things, the table-to-berth conversion we had installed at the factory. In a word, it's GREAT! The big table sinks down onto the one foot leg and the factory installed two little stopper bars (one on the seette front and one on the bulkhead) that the table rests on to keep it from wobbling. Then, they made a custom fit cushion for it (which folds in half for storage or can be used for other purposes).I'm 6'1" and I could sleep on this berth no problem if I lie on a slight angle. But it should definitley work for one small adult or teenager or even two small children!I recommend the customization highly! It turns the 310 into a whole new boat and at $325 is well worth it.Kurt

 

[Jon]

310 Bunk Conversion

Kurt,I want to add that the Sailnet 320 list has had some recent info on converting that boat's table to a bunk using metal brackets with removable screw-in legs at all four corners. But you definitely have a good deal with the custom cushion. Is it hard backed or soft on both sides? I was worried that the table finish would get damaged by the stock setup.Glad to hear you got delivery of your new boat. Keep us informed about how it's going.

 

[Kurt]

Cushion is soft

Dear Jon;The custom cushion for the bunk conversion is soft-backed and is in facted hinged so that it can easily fold in half.When not in use as the berth cushion, I'll probably use if as a headrest/head prop in the front berth for reading and lounging.Kurt

 

[Malcolm]

Conversion sounds great!

Kurt,Glade to hear you've closed on your 310. Thanks for the information on the table conversion it sounds like Catalina have done a neat job. I have been chasing my local dealer to have the same converion done to our 310 which is currently being built, so this will give me some more leverage. I hope you're sailing soon.Malcolm

 

[Kurt]

Write gerry Douglas at Catalina

Malcom;I spoke with Gerry Douglas at Catalina (the boat's designer)myself directly. Eventhough my dealer is great, I don't think I would have gotten this done without putting a lot of pressure on. I suggest an E-mail directly to gerry Douglas referencing the conversion they di on my boat (hull #51). He's a nice guy and I'm sure he'll accommodate you on this (at a cost of course). By the way, the other thin we added to opur 310 which is not standard, is the dish rack in the galley that's suspended from the ceiling. I have no idea why this isn't standard on the 310 (it was on the very first test model they showed at the Atlantic City, NJ boatshow in February 1999)but it's great because it frees up a lot of cabinet storage I would have used to pile up dishes.Good luck in all!Kurt