Help expanding space in v-berth

Waterguy

New Member
Jan 27, 2017
23
Tampa FL
Boat Info
2006 260 Sundancer
Engines
6.2 mercruiser
Hello list Mates!
I am looking at the v-berth space on my 2006 260DA and thinking that I could remove the forward back rests. That is, the curved cushion that realistically if you are seated at the most forward position on the v-berth table is too far back anyway. I would still leave the port and starboard back bolsters in place, but at six four big guy, I need a little more space! The 260DA thread started by Dave S shows a neat little triangle aft, but I need a bit more shoulder space for my wife and I.

i see the screws but that did not free up everything and it does look like the lining along the hull does run up a bit, but I would like to figure things out first even if I decide I need to bring in a marine upholsterer.

Happy days, friends!

Waterguy
 
I feel your pain! I too am 6'4". I did not want to modify the cabin, but in an attempt to see what it looked like and how it felt, I removed the screws as well and nothing moved. At that point, I put the screws back and since I was not sold on it anyway, left it be. We did cut a foam topper to fit on top of the seat cushions and that improved things dramatically. The "lift" provided by the topper added a little shoulder room.

The other alternative that we are exploring, is to purchase a bigger boat! One of the big things we are investigating as we look are the bed sizes!

Bennett
 
There are most likely some press fit Christmas Tree looking stays that are pushed in holding it tight. Can you pull it enough to shed some light on the back with a pry bar (taking care not to damage the fabric). I bet that is what is holding you back.
 
I feel your pain! I too am 6'4". I did not want to modify the cabin, but in an attempt to see what it looked like and how it felt, I removed the screws as well and nothing moved. At that point, I put the screws back and since I was not sold on it anyway, left it be. We did cut a foam topper to fit on top of the seat cushions and that improved things dramatically. The "lift" provided by the topper added a little shoulder room.

The other alternative that we are exploring, is to purchase a bigger boat! One of the big things we are investigating as we look are the bed sizes!

Bennett

It looks like the small horizontal board behind the curved cushion is a solid piece extending forward from head wall on starboard side and forward from the galley cabinet on the port side. I have considered cutting that piece where the curved bow cushion meets the side cushions but you are right it is a bear to get at! I am hoping that this forum can help me and will post pictures if I can figure it out!


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Bigger boat!

i know, I know, but she just partially sunk. The insurance company spent twenty thousand replacing tons of stuff. I need to just enjoy the hell out of it for the next few years because I basically have a new boat. Plus there is a multiplier effect in that a bigger boat will not fit on my lift.

plus, honestly, I bought this boat to see if my wife will go to sea with me so the next boat I buy may be a lot more boat, but I do not want to do that if she is not really into it. ... I've made my bed and now I need to figure to sleep in it so we can get a dozen weekends under our belt and then hit the loop.
 
UPDATE: The bolsters are easier to remove than I thought! Bennett, just take those ten stainless screws out and where the curved bolster meets the straight, pull the straight one inboard. The straight bolsters are tucked, but not secured, into slots in the galley cabinetry and the head bulkhead. Huge increase in sleeping area!

Tomorrow I will do some measurements and post some pictures. Then I have to noodle through the rest of the reverse engineering because there is now an exposed unfinished piece of plywood and aluminum brackets. So I'm gonna keep taking pieces off and recording what I find so I can put it back together and then consider bringing in an upholsterer. I think that that I may see about replacing the screws on the side bolsters with some type of latch for ease of removal. When you shift to sleep mode, you pop the side bolster out and they store along the sides of the mid cabin which only fits little grandchildren or a doggie bed anyway. The curved bolster heads off to the storage locker to be available when I sell the boat.

I did call Marine Max to see if they knew of a resource that showed the design, but they were unaware of anything on the net. I suppose if you take apart enough of these interiors it starts becoming obvious after a while.
 
Ok, I checked things out this morning and it looks like the piece of plywood I was thinking of removing is much more structural than I thought. So I'm moving towards wrapping it with fabric and creating an upholstered board underneath the mirror at the bow. The side bolsters will be removable so I want to wrap that board the full length. I may also add a little lip to the board because that may be a good space for running wires if ever needed.

The cool thing, is that this will add about a foot in length and 16 inches in width. No more pointing my toes straight up!


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Lets see

PICS -they tell a thousand stories.

may give some other model owners some ideas as well. These V berths always look so comfy and inviting until you sleep in them a couple times.
 
So, assuming I can figure out pictures here are a few that show process of removal ...

25d2093b590773a14ab95fba22472395.jpg



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Met with upholstery guy yesterday and we have a plan. Wrap the horizontal board in the padded vinyl to match, develop a seamless method of attaching the bolsters so that when they come off the vinyl will look good and prepare a headboard that will be secured through the anchor locker bulkhead. I will send pictures as it comes along. Hopefully we will be on the water by Memorial Day!
 
I would love to see pics of the modified v berth with the cushions removed. Thanks!
 

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