Pilot berths v. U-settee?

[Richard]

Greetings, Does anyone have a boat without a U-settee? We are considering buying a 1976 Columbia 32 that has settees, but not the typical U shape/table configuration. The boat has pilot berths (good for storage, I assume?). We are wondering if we will be comfy without a U-settee down below. Is there adequate "lounging room" in a boat like this? Any thoughts? Thanks, Richard

 

[Debra B]

No classic boat will have a dinette

because they aren't very usefull if you actually sail the boat. I suppose a very large boat from the 60's or 70's (on the order of 45 to 55 ft.) might have something like that - only because it will also have adequate pilot berths.My boat ('79 Hunter Cutter - 37ft.) has 2 settees and a table that folds out from a central trunk. There isn't much room to mover around with the table leaves out, but plenty otherwise.Plenty of friends have converted pilot berths to storage. Anything from microwaves to book cases, to galley storage. A great place for a small TV.Don't go overboard. Pilot berths are a good place to sleep on an overnight sail - or on a long passage - when you are off watch. Settees work well too. You should have plenty of storage behind the settee and under the pilot berth.