Expanding Settee Berth for a broader sailor

[thomeng55]

I'm not a small guy.  When I sleep (loosely used term) on the settee I hang over the edge. I'm not fond of sleeping in the V berth.

I can stack the cockpit cushions on the saloon deck to raise it up and that work O K. 

Ideally I would like to build a dual use modification to cover the entire area separating the 2 settees that is strong enough to hold me (a bit over 200).  I would look at some cushions or air mattress over it.  I want it removable and storable/ usable when not sleeping.

Has anyone done anything like this?

Thanks

Tom

[frank]

I did exactly that on an old Pearson Arirl I restored several years ago.
It was probably wider between the settee's and 1/2 inch plywood worked well.
I'm a bit over 200 myself

I put "cleats"...for lack of a better term, along the settee's for the plywood to drop onto.
Put 1 1/2 in holes at end of plywood for easy lifting off

[relamb]

I have the same problem.  My CP23 came with a homemade plywood table but I think it was like the standard table.  I could put it crosswise between the settees under their cushions and then put a throwable boat cushion on top.  Having this extra width just at the shoulder area and under my elbow worked good enough for me.  I would no longer be trying to roll off onto the floor all night.

[thomeng55]

Thanks guys for your input. I Amy going to work on it over the winter and probably post some pics of the solution I end up with

[capt_nemo]

I also did exactly that on a Catalina 25 many years ago.

Used several pieces of lightweight aluminum bar stock to bridge the center "hallway" gap between the starboard setee and the portside dinette seats. These were covered with easily handled/stored pieces of 3/8" plywood and topped with pieces of foam. The dinette cushions joined the foam and starboard setee to make a VERY COMFORTABLE athwartships DOUBLE for my wife and I. Kids slept in the "V" berth.

Take your time to think about your options and go for it. Carefully consider "using what is already there" as a basis for any mod. And, make the design easily stowable when not in use.

Best wishes for a successful winter project.

capt_nemo