V Berth Mattress

[S/V Deo Volente]

Dale mentioned surfing other boating websites and that reminded me of one I ran across. It was on the Catalina 36 website which now appears to be open to members only,Grrrrr.
I was looking for a V-berth mattress and saw where a fellow had done it himself. It involves modifying two twin bed mattress's (Sam's Club $100 each). I used rosin paper to make the pattern, then knowing where you need to modify it you open the seams, cut and re-bend the rods, remove the extra springs, crimp some tubing over the rods and stitch it back together. It's been a wonderful improvement, and I thought I would share it with the 365 owners. The boat is a bit messy since I have a few projects going on during layup.

[Dale Tanski]

So we all need details on how you did this... exactly!
I would love to get the inside scoop.
I did find this in our local Craig's list.

Boat Mattress Custom Shapes and Sizes - $1199 (Buffalo and surrounding areas)

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Date: 2011-11-27, 1:35PM EST
Reply to: sale-bh2qy-2688581997@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
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Boat Mattress Custom Shapes and Sizes
Magic Sleeper boat mattresses is your boat mattress source . Our quality boat mattresses are made to fit your boat with exactness. Our free measuring template allows us to mould the mattress sides to fit bevels and curves. Learn more about us
Watch Video
Or call 610-327-2322. To keep up with whats new,
Like us on Facebookand become a fan. Shipping is FREE . Custom comfort ( his side her side ) available.


•Location: Buffalo and surrounding areas
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[S/V Deo Volente]

Dale,
Here is a link to show how it's done.
http://www.c36ia.com/old_site/articles/upgrades/Mattress.htm
I emailed Bill Matley who did this for his Catalina and we agreed if we were to do it over it would be easier to put a long zipper in the side of the mattress cover using a sewing machine, that would avoid the struggle to close up the mattress once you're done. The biggest difference I had is the v-berth is a little longer than the mattress so I stitched an extension on the cover from the leftover pieces.
We really like it and look how much you can save!
I like to say others are cheap, I'm just thrifty.

[Dale Tanski]

FANTASTIC!!!!

Thanks for this idea and link.  I still must say I am intimidated on this project.  I guess like everything else, jump on in and just do it.
Thanks again...

Dale

[S/V Deo Volente]

Fear Not! Like so many other projects, it all becomes clear once you see what you are working with. Really the hardest part is closing up the cover. I have 3 sewing machines and stitched it up by hand. Then I thought of the zipper! The other thing is the coils are sharp when you cut them and a good pair of leather gloves save you from cleaning too much blood off the cover.

[PeteW]

If I hadn't gone through all the trouble of recovering my V berth cushions I too would consider the mattress route. My solution was a little simpler I think. I bought the best king sized mattress pad I could find, I believe it was $155 from Bed Bath & Beyond. I cut that into a full sized V berth topper an reused the elastic webbing. It's quite luxurious and the topper holds the two halves together so there is less chance you will fall into that crack in the middle. Did the same thing with a king size fitted sheet.

It's a viable option to consider.

Pete W.   

[S/V Deo Volente]

That's great Pete, the foam on our cushions was shot,and we never used them as cushions anyway so I wanted a "real" mattress. By the way the gap isn't an issue with this setup. I did have to make my own fitted sheets for each side, that way they can still be lifted for access to the bins underneath.
Bob

[Randy]

I had one made here in Virginia Beach at The Mattress Factory. Cost about $450. Very comfortable. I made one mattress. No sections. Very comfortable.   Cheers