Aft Berth Storage

[Concerto]

The aft berth on the 310 is full width starboard to port. It seems to me that the mattress could be shortened to approximately 7 feet and the remaining space on the port side, behind the head, could accommodate a home-built locker or drawers for additional "dead storage". The access door for the steering cables, linkage and rudder post would have to remain accessible, but this mod would give me much needed space for my "stuff" and give the Admiral back her locker, drawers and storage under the settees. One thing we miss in the transition from our C30, "Polaris", to "Concerto In Sea", is the relatively abundant storage space.
So far, none of our overnight guests have exceeded 7 feet in height so it seems to me that this space on the port side could be better utilized.

What think ye?

Alan
C310 #189

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

To me that's the wrong side of the boat. There is already too much weight on that side of the boat. We just use totes that we can move around to either make room for guests of move the weight to the other side of the boat for sailing.

 

[Concerto]

Thanks for the input JK.
I thought the 25 gallon water heater and the fridge compressor on starboard would offset the fuel and waste tanks on port. Forgot about the batteries, (2 banks of 2 750 CCA Optima Blue Tops, total 3000 CCA, which are lighter than the two monsters that I took out at the end of their useful lives).
My "stuff" isn't heavy, just bulky, a compact tool kit, extra lines and spare parts, water balloon sling shot, super soakers, fishing gear, "guy stuff".
The totes seem like a better idea, just how to convince the Admiral. She has mentioned putting a plank onboard, and something about "keel hauling" ... ARRH

 

[gpd955]

We started using the totes this year since the drawers in the forward cabin just don't seem to cut it. My wife, my son and I each have a small tote for clothing and we have one large one for the shop vac, dremel and some other things that don't fit in any of the spaces. The large one fits between the steering quadrant cover and bulkhead and the small ones stack nicely on the opposite side. The small cushions (stern rail and cockpit) and the helm hump cushion fit under the cover. Because they are situated aft from port to starboard, their relatively insignificant weight is distributed evenly and everything is easily accessible. They don't look to bad either!

 

[Concerto]

Thanks Jack. What do you do with the totes when you have two people sleeping in the aft berth. In that case, I leave the cockpit cushions in the cockpit overnight and wipe them dry in the morning.
Also, if you get a chance could you please attach and send a pic of the totes. I have an idea what they look like but I want to be sure.

Alan Schaub
s/v Concerto In Sea
Oyster Bay, NY

 

[gpd955]

Here's what we do. If we have guests, which is rare because the aft berth is my son's cabin, everything stacks up nicely on the port side as JK describes.

 

[Concerto]

Thanks Jack, we just got back from an overnight dinner cruise with another couple. Left the cushions on the cockpit lazarettes and everything else fit nicely on the port side at their feet.