CD31 Port Pilot Berth

[Dick Spangler]

I really appreciate all the very interesting comments.

I am planning to do a mockup at the boat based on the dimensions recommended by Bingham (thanks Tod) and will post photos for input and critique.

Many thanks.

[Tod Mills]

Dick,

A lot of times recommended dimensions are based on a guy that is under 6' and weighs probably 150-170#, and today there are a lot of people rather larger than that, so that might be something worth bearing in mind when you mock it up.

Have fun with it!

[Troy Scott]

In my 36, the settee backs raise up and out of the way to make the settee berths wider. This adjustable back has sliding bolt stops for the lowered and raised positions. It's easy to imagine a third stop, at a level position. I wonder if on the pilot berth version of the 31, the idea would be to stop a similar movable backrest when it's level with the shelf, to create a pilot berth. Obviously nobody would want to sleep on the settee at the same time.....

[John Stone]

Hi Dick,
I am installing two pilot berths in my CD 36. Some folks see them as a waist of space but it depends how many you sail with, how often, how far, the beam of your boat, etc. A boat much narrower than 10' might be better off with only one, which sounds like what you are thinking. My berths are 24" wide at the head, about 18" wide at the foot and are 76" long. My planning is documented at http://www.farreachvoyages.com
I'd be happy to share any info I have.

John