V berth modificatios

[sailnoproblem]

I hardly use my V birth but when I do it is very uncomfortable. Where the reading lamp is, it is facing aft. Which means my head is going downward.
The Tartan 34C is not exactly the roomiest interior. So when I overnight with friends I let them use the main cabins double wide bunk, and I use the V birth. (I do like to read at night)
Any and all suggestion will be appreciated.

2013boat pcs 005

• sailnoproblem
• Aug 27, 2013

2013boat pcs 003

• sailnoproblem
• Aug 27, 2013

 

[Siamese]

Unless you have something else going on up there, it's "berth".

 

[sailnoproblem]

Please accept my apologies for not spelling correct. I tend to type and not proof read.

 

[Apex]

shim the bunk level, or move the light. then for comfort get a mattress topper or custom mattress

 

[Whatfiero1]

Remove that front cabinet. Storage area. Paint the exposed fiberglass anchor locker with white bed liner material. And open the space up as much as possible. Cut padding for New area so uo can stretch out and remove either port or other cabinet and add bedding there too

 

[jssailem]

Where the reading lamp is, it is facing aft. Which means my head is going downward.

What? Is your boat bow down when you are in the V-berth? Perhaps you need to adjust the balance. When you go to bed add balancing weight to the stern, maybe a dinghy or the extra fuel containers that ride near the mast. Reduce the amount of anchor chain. Move the anchor to the stern for the evening.

Your head should not be lower than your feet when you are in the V-Berth. All the images of the Tartan 34 has the bow a bit above level when in trim.
Here is a typical image.

 

[ggrizzard]

Not sure I understand you're primary problem.
You could install a battery powered, LED puck light from Home Depot (silver cased ones) that can be mounted with velcro or contact cement anywhere it fits and lets you read.
The sleeping part?
Is there a insert with cushion for the center of the Vee?
If not, you could make one, giving you more sleeping options.
Is your head at the bow or next to the bulkhead aft?

 

[sailnoproblem]

birth

birth

Berth

What? Is your boat bow down when you are in the V-berth? Perhaps you need to adjust the balance. When you go to bed add balancing weight to the stern, maybe a dinghy or the extra fuel containers that ride near the mast. Reduce the amount of anchor chain. Move the anchor to the stern for the evening.

Your head should not be lower than your feet when you are in the V-Berth. All the images of the Tartan 34 has the bow a bit above level when in trim.
Here is a typical image.
View attachment 155259

Sorry guess I didn't make my statement clear in the v-berth using the reading lamp my feet are at The bow.
The bow of my boat is above level.
To reverse my sleeping position means there would be little head clearance.

 

[jssailem]

Oh... That would be a horse of a different color.
What about altering the plywood base for your bunk. Get a 3/4 slab of plywood. Cut it to the bed dimensions. Then put in some shims to raise the head to the proper angle. Use a level to get your needed elevation. Or you could take your cushion to a upholstery shop and have them add some foam to the head end of your bed. Then it will be lifted and cushier.

 

[sailnoproblem]

I think I am going to take Apex advise and shim up the berth.
I did reverse my sleeping position once but kept hitting my head because of the low clearence.
Thanks for all the suggestions, and again for my mis spelled word.

 

[agprice22]

Use a wedge of pillows to raise your head, shoulders, and torso while sleeping. It will help stave off esophagitis as you age too!

 

[907Juice]

Why not the couch? Or midship benches. Or whatever the sailing lingo is for them...

 

[sailnoproblem]

Why not the couch? Or midship benches. Or whatever the sailing lingo is for them...

I always use the main cabin lounge\berth which turns into a nice comfortable and quite large berth.
I only use the V berth when I have guests aboard.
To be honest I have no idea what the nautical term for it is. I just call it the main cabin sofa.

 

[TomY]

I always use the main cabin lounge\berth which turns into a nice comfortable and quite large berth.
I only use the V berth when I have guests aboard.
To be honest I have no idea what the nautical term for it is. I just call it the main cabin sofa.

If you sleep on it in a boat, it's a berth: V-berth forward, quarter berth is under cockpit, settee berth (or just settee), is in the main cabin (usually called saloon), and pilot berth is outboard.

 

[sailnoproblem]

If you sleep on it in a boat, it's a berth: V-berth forward, quarter berth is under cockpit, settee berth (or just settee), is in the main cabin (usually called saloon), and pilot berth is outboard.

Thank you for the nautical definitions.
I will probably forget them though!

 

[Gunni]

A v-berth is an entirely ridiculous construction, it was designed as sleep space for paid crew and young lovers who don’t mind waking up on top of one another. At other times it was used as the ship’s brig where unruly crew were locked away...to suffer sleep deprivation I suppose. Get a headlamp and sleep with your head to the bow, don’t waste your time trying to fix that bunk.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

I have no problem sleeping in my V-berth. Feet forward.

 

[kloudie1]

As Les says, my wife and I sleep comfortably in the V of an H-34 (that berth has been much maligned by some other owners, but we like it) She is 5' and I am 6' so we both have plenty foot room.

 

[jssailem]

we both have plenty foot room.

I suspect, if the truth be told, the two of you are born snugglers.