Converting to U-shaped Dinette

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Roland Forsman

I have a 1985 Catalina 30 with the standard interior (L-shaped settee, large table). I would like to convert this arrangement to the U-shaped type by adding a forward settee and installing a smaller table on a telescopic pedestal. I saw a picture in the photo forum (Ron Chandler), but this picture did not show any details. Can anybody give me some tips on the best way to do this conversion. I want to still be able to lower the table to use the dinette as a large bed, but I don't know where to find a pedestal that extends/retracts sufficiently to be able to do that. I plan to use the space inside the added settee either for batteries or an air conditioning unit. Any recommendations or pictures of a conversion like this would be appreciated. Roland
 
R

Roland Forsman

I have a 1985 Catalina 30 with the standard interior (L-shaped settee, large table). I would like to convert this arrangement to the U-shaped type by adding a forward settee and installing a smaller table on a telescopic pedestal. I saw a picture in the photo forum (Ron Chandler), but this picture did not show any details. Can anybody give me some tips on the best way to do this conversion. I want to still be able to lower the table to use the dinette as a large bed, but I don't know where to find a pedestal that extends/retracts sufficiently to be able to do that. I plan to use the space inside the added settee either for batteries or an air conditioning unit. Any recommendations or pictures of a conversion like this would be appreciated. Roland
 
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Bob

I Have the "U" Dinette

Roland. Good choice. I had seen so many "L" shaped dinette setups when looking for a Cat 30. that when I came across the "U" dinette it was a surprise and one that I liked. Their is more seat room and more storage. The bulkhead now opens up and makes way for hanging a large piece of art and the table is easier to deal with for the berth arrangement. Although the "L" offers more foot space and does make the dineete area look roomier with the table up, the "U" dinette, at least to me provides more room dining with guests and a provides a sturdy square table that has plenty of room. The installation is pure factory. The plug or extension piece attached to the bulkhead is a partially formed finished glass storage unit that screws into the bulkhead and adjoining bench seat. Their is a covered access board to allow full access to the nice storage space below (all my tools, cleaners, spares)similar to the settee setup. This space is well suited for my AC unit that will go in this spring. The bottom (floor attachment) is trimmed with an off-white beaded vinyl piece, but any trim, even a teak strip would add to the clean install look. The table is pedestal mounted, (came painted light cream color)so any pedestal would do; however, the table is perfectly square. The pedestal table support must be removed to fit the table in for the large berth. The added seating piece by the way is moulded with a lip to support the table at that end. I highly recommend contacting the factory and inquring about this fiberglass extension piece and pedestal/table setup. If you were to fabricate one, it would probably be more cost effective to just buy the units. It cannot be much. Only one disadvantage to this and that is the piece covers the forward bildge inspection board that would make hand cleaning or mast compression post inspection tough. You can reconfigure the bildge access board by cutting it smaller to be removed through the storage bin access before attaching the seat extension piece. Its a great set up and the family loves it. I would think that Catalina still offers this as an option on the existing models. Hope that helped. Regards Bob 88 Cat 30 Lake Lanier, GA
 
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Bob

I Have the "U" Dinette

Roland. Good choice. I had seen so many "L" shaped dinette setups when looking for a Cat 30. that when I came across the "U" dinette it was a surprise and one that I liked. Their is more seat room and more storage. The bulkhead now opens up and makes way for hanging a large piece of art and the table is easier to deal with for the berth arrangement. Although the "L" offers more foot space and does make the dineete area look roomier with the table up, the "U" dinette, at least to me provides more room dining with guests and a provides a sturdy square table that has plenty of room. The installation is pure factory. The plug or extension piece attached to the bulkhead is a partially formed finished glass storage unit that screws into the bulkhead and adjoining bench seat. Their is a covered access board to allow full access to the nice storage space below (all my tools, cleaners, spares)similar to the settee setup. This space is well suited for my AC unit that will go in this spring. The bottom (floor attachment) is trimmed with an off-white beaded vinyl piece, but any trim, even a teak strip would add to the clean install look. The table is pedestal mounted, (came painted light cream color)so any pedestal would do; however, the table is perfectly square. The pedestal table support must be removed to fit the table in for the large berth. The added seating piece by the way is moulded with a lip to support the table at that end. I highly recommend contacting the factory and inquring about this fiberglass extension piece and pedestal/table setup. If you were to fabricate one, it would probably be more cost effective to just buy the units. It cannot be much. Only one disadvantage to this and that is the piece covers the forward bildge inspection board that would make hand cleaning or mast compression post inspection tough. You can reconfigure the bildge access board by cutting it smaller to be removed through the storage bin access before attaching the seat extension piece. Its a great set up and the family loves it. I would think that Catalina still offers this as an option on the existing models. Hope that helped. Regards Bob 88 Cat 30 Lake Lanier, GA
 
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