VBerth restoration questions

[PeninsulaPaul]

Hello,

Haven't been on in a while. Lost my job last year and couldn't do anything with my boat. Got hired in Jan as a Corrections Officer so things are looking up again!

I probably know the least of any member about restoration but am learning quickly. My boat is a 1969 Whitcraft 37'. The VBerth is large, about queen sized. The previous owner was going to restore the compartment and stripped all the wood out of the Vberth compartment. My questions are:

Is there a certain type of paneling or wood product that is good to use to attach to the vberth area?

What about a mattress? I have seen some advertised as "custom made" but way out of my price range. I was wondering about some more affordable ways to build a Vberth bed.

Thanks for your help, it's good to be working on her again.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: VBerth restoration questions

Pictures would help.

"Is there a certain type of paneling or wood product that is good to use to attach to the vberth area?"

Marine grade plywood is the best out there but I am not sure what you mean by "attach"?! Attach what to what?

 

[PeninsulaPaul]

Re: VBerth restoration questions

The berth area is now just the plain fiberglass, do I paint the fiberglass or use a laminate type cover to finish the walls?

 

[BWT]

Re: VBerth restoration questions

Lots of options; mostly depending on budget and what you want it to look like... I've done some that were planked in T&G ash, another with teak, mahogany, etc. A classic look (herreshoff) is painted white with nice accent trim (typically mahogany, but any dark contrasting wood would look beautiful). The last is probably the most cost effective. Found an old post of yours with some interior pics (no v-berth), a fairly inexpensive way to go would be ply painted white with inexpensive solid wood (pine, birch, etc) stained dark like a walnut. Seems like it would fit the boat... Just thought I would throw it out there.. If you could post some v-pics it would help for ideas on how this stuff could be mounted

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: VBerth restoration questions

Mine is the same condition. I am planning to put a hull liner on the ceiling all the way down to where the cap meets the hull. This is important becuase this fabric helps reduce the noise inside the cabin. Under the seam line, I am planning to paint or gelcoat, I did not decide yet. The choice is yours but in either case make sure that your preparation is thorough. If you decide to paint, use two parts paint like Interlux Perfection or Awlgrip. Again, I can?t stress enough that your final results will only be as good as you prepaired the surface before you prime and paint. If you have any questions don?t hesitate to ask

 

[PeninsulaPaul]

Re: VBerth restoration questions

Thanks everyone for your great input. I think I am going with the more affordable option that DeepBlue2010 mentioned. I have a friend who is a great seamtress who has done some cabin projects. Money is a concern and that seems like the cheaper option that will still result in an attractive result.

 

[PeninsulaPaul]

VBerth Restoration question

VBerth Restoration question

As I stated before my VBerth area is taken down to the bare fiberglass so if I am going to make major changes I should do them now. The Vberth area is HUGE, big enough that I could put a double bed mattress sideways on the first four feet of the bottom of the "V" so to speak.

Here is my idea. What if I made a dresser and TV stand for the tip of the "V" portion of the Vberth and then placed a double mattress sideways instead of fore to aft? I would have to put a side rail so I won't spill out during rough water but aside from that are there any other distinct disadvantages?

The reason for the dresser is my wife and I will be going on some trips next year that will last a month or more away from home.