Downeaster Yachts.com - Topic: Port side pilot berth for DE38

bobmcd625 on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 14:45:33 -0500

Thanks, Rick. That is what I thought it would look like. I could even make that myself!!!

Even if not used as a bunk it would be useful to have that in place for a back rest for the settee.

Support from the roof would make a lot of sense and you could incorporate a lee cloth if you ever wanted to use it while underway.

Perfect for the younger set.

Fair winds

Bob

Rick on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:20:57 -0500

Bob:

This is a picture of the side of my fold up pilot berth. You can see that the thing is just short of the sides by about 1/2" and 25" from top to bottom. The bottom is 1/2" plywood and the sides are 3/4" and it's been awhile since I had the cushion on it but I'm pretty sure it's at least the same height as the mattress is thick. I'm going to add some chain deadfalls that go up to the ceiling as well as better hardware underneath but I'm not going to not use the thing. I always liked the high bunks when I was a lad and I would think the children in the tribe might feel the same. At very least it has to be able to be folded up out of the way to use the bunk below so I don't see a way not to make that part of the assembly work properly.

Rick

Scott Carle on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:32:35 -0500

Actually if you went to a lee cloth with two adjustable ropes at either end you could actually adjust it to angle of heal by raising or lowering the inboard side.

Scott

bobmcd625 on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:14:12 -0500

Hi Scott. The lee cloth arrangement makes sense. Could serve to support the cot from the ceiling as well as keep the person snug in the berth.

Scott Carle on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:44:29 -0500

I've never been that happy with the strength or design of that fold up down berth/seat back. I did replace the small brass barrel bolts with large stainless ones designed for a trailer gate so that it is stronger, but even so I don't see it as a safe place to bunk in under way or for more than a small person or child. It needs a lee cloth arrangement also before it would be safe for them also.

bobmcd625 on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 01:19:30 -0500

That would be great, Rick. I can see that the bolts are not very strong. Maybe an angled support would help. Always fun stuff!

Cheers, Bob

Rick on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 22:04:07 -0500

I'll get you some measurements when I'm down at the boat this week. I'm working on a more solid method of keeping the thing up as what's there is a barrel bolt that looks pretty sketchy and anyone heavier than a child would give the person below grave concerns all night long. Like everything on a boat, I'm sure I'll have to invent or modify something that will fold out of the way but create a very solid shelf/holder/fixture where the barrel boat is now.

Rick

bobmcd625 on Port side pilot berth for DE38

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 19:41:34 -0500

As mentioned in another post I am looking at a DE38. This particular boat did have a pilot berth on the port side, the one which can swing down to form the back rest for the port side settee, but the frame itself has disappeared and I (if I do buy this craft) would like to make a new frame. I can undoubtedly work out the measurements and come up with a reasonable design myself, but wonder if someone with this bunk in place could give a brief description and some key dimensions. Thanks in advance.

Bob