Update Table to Bed - Time for modifications

[Virginia]

Well thanks to those who provided us some information (especially Andy). Turns out the reason we could figure out how to convert our table to a bed is because it doesn't.The table is mounted to a squared bracket. The mast pole has another squared bracket welded to it that the table bracket screws into. I can tell that the table will come off completely. If it comes off, we surely can make it moveable.There are no teak pieces to rest the table on. That's simple enought to fix. Then we started thinking, rather than re-rigging something on the pole we could attach teak pieces to the fiberglass that form an "L". Then when we removed the table, we could just rest it against the pole & the L-bracket would make it stay put. Unfortunately, unattaching the table would still be a pain (2 screws & a bolt as I recall), but we wouldn't have to reattach it until we were ready to make it a table again. We wouldn't use it very often, but it would be nice to have the option in case we wanted to invite someone to stay overnight on the boat.Can anyone point out any obvious flaws with this idea or make any suggestions?

 

[Andy Falls]

Take it out

Thanks for the acknowledgement Virginia. Now I'll give you $.03 worth of what I would do in your situation. First, take out the table, brackets and all!(place in storage in case my idea doesn't work) Replace it with teak trays for each member you expect to be on board for meals and snacks (5?). In nice weather you will find yourselves eating around the table in the cockpit anyway.Secondly, (and for me, I would draw it out and take it to a pro woodworker); get some light marine plywood and cut it to fit the horseshoe (like the pad). Rip it down the middle so it folds like the pad-except bottom to bottom rather than top to top. Now make some bracket-boards that attach to the plywood so that it will not fold when they are placed on the bottom side.My idea is that when the braces are out, the board folds in half and can be stored in or order the v-berth. When you have company, pull out the monster, put it in place and have a nice nap!Let me know if it works!

 

[Virginia]

Put it off

Thanks again Andy.So far, we seem use the table a lot, so I'm not sure I want to completely give it up. For instance, in the evenings, we actually play board games with the kids - proof to my children, that one can survive without a television.I think we're going to give it a full season & assess how we really use that area & how often the extra bed would be nice to have.Besides, now the weather is gorgeous, & I can't get motivated to work on the boat. I wanna play!

 

[Andy]

One or two more berths

Glad to hear things are going well for y'all. Isn't it fun to turn off the TV and connect with the family! But later when you want to disconnect-here's 2 suggestions-1. The Hammock. A cheap nylon hammock (from WalMart)hung between the mast and the forestay makes a nice starlight bed for one.2. Sea-Berth extension. See the articl in May 2002 "Cruising World" in the workbench section. It shows how to widen a settee. That may be all you need.