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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Dinette cabin mod

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/19/2019 : 07:21:53

As many of you know I have a dinette style cabin. This layout has a settee on the starboard side and on port there�s literally a diner booth. Two opposing bench seats with a full size table in between. Only problem is that with a few full size sailors, the space is very, very cramped.

I�ve reduced the size of the table and that creates a more ample space, but with only a 17� corridor between the port and starboard seats, the space is still tight.

The admiral, my dear wife, asked, why not cut the seats back to about a 22� depth to widen out the space? You can make a settee on port and add a small table if you want.

Looking a little closer, I said that I could keep the forward bench as it that backs up to the head bulkhead and all I�d need to modify is the aft seat adjacent to the galley.

Cutting the fiberglass back a ways should not be a big deal, I�ve got a cordless sawzall and circular saw.

But!
The opening that would be created in the floor accesses two spaces down below:

1. On the port side there�s a storage area under the current seat. The bottom more or less follows the curvature of the hull. I can put in a flat floor above using plywood and fiberglass. This should be straightforward.

2. The keel bilge is a separate space below the centerline of the boat. I want to retain access to this area in case I need to pump out rainwater that collects or to inspect the keel bolts. I need to put in a floor with a flush hatch to access the bilge. This could be either wood or wood plus fiberglass with hinges and a latch that is flush.

First, am I nuts? This will undoubtedly create more comfort in the cabin and a better use of space. I can still put a queen size air mattress in between the two sides when we want to stay overnight.

Second, has anybody here done anything similar in the cabin? Instead of trying to match old fiberglass and gel coat to new gel coat, I�m thinking I can use a tropical hardwood like teak or mahogany to cover the floor and the cuts.

Ideas? Suggestions? Photos?

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 10/19/2019 07:33:57

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2019 : 08:57:07

How 'bout a different boat? ...like even an '89-91 vintage C-25 with a "traditional" interior and a lower, flatter floor? (...or a 3X' Somethingorother with a family room down below?)

Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2019 : 08:59:23

I always think long and hard about personalizing projects like what you put forth. I think about what it will do to the resale value, Will it be a turn off to a prospective buyer, Would I want to buy a boat that has pieces removed. This might work for you but not the next guy etc. Will it look professional. Just saying.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2019 : 16:55:15

Scott, thinking about your advice, I have to think about my circumstances � I am now planning to keep Passage for many more years under the belief that I�m not getting any younger and it�s enough boat but not too much.

Would I like a 28ft something or other? Of course, but in 10 years I�ll probably be done solo sailing. So it hardly matters if I upgrade next year or the year after.

Will it matter in 10 years if I get $6000 or $3000 for the boat?

It might be worth $300 a year to be more comfortable for ten years!

In 2029, Passage will be 43 years old. Will it be done by then? Whatever, it will have had a good run, and so will have I.

Just sayin�

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 10/23/2019 17:00:37

ted
Deckhand

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Canada
21 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2019 : 16:38:20

Last year my wife and I sold our 28 footer (I still sail the boat with the new owner) and bought a 89 Cat 25 WK with a trailer, very good move.
Bought a new Merc 9.9 with power lift, very nice. We store our stuff in the v-berth. I sleep on the starboard settee, careful not to roll over, and my wife sleeps in the quarter berth. Love the boat.

Ted

Ted Ison

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.