Trojan Boat Forum

Any one out there ever reconfigure the V-berth on one of these babies. My 1978 F-28 has split bunks in the V-berth. The Mrs. and I use the dorp down table in the salon for sleeping, but this is getting to be a pain. Would like to have one level full width bunk in V-berth, hang a curtain and be good to go. Anything structurally preventing this from happening?

Also would like to install full enclosure on flybridge and possibly cockpit. Any one have any comments in this regard. Any helpful ideas would be appreciated.

Alright, I see no one has done this. Well, the process has begun. The v-berth was configured with split bunks, one on each side, the starboard bunk being higher than the port side, with the forward ends overlapping. Underneath the starboard bunk there were two small shelves. Under the port bunk, two storage compartments.

Out came the upper bunk and shelves, wood trim (carefully), and wall covering. Down to the hull and ribbing. I was going to construct the berth on the lower level, but the width was too confining. So the berth will be made at the upper bunk level. We can't sit up in bed, but it offers more headroom than some bunks I've seen.

The side of the upper starboard bunk that did not have a rib or a cleat to rest on was supported by a length of 3/4" x 3" mahogany with a 3/4" x 1" strip of mahogany along its lower length. Very rigid and very strong. I plant to support the open length of the new prot side bunk the same way. I will add a cleat to each side to carry the weight of the triangle peice in the center. I will also support its open length in the same manner.

We (my wife and I, but probably more I) are planning on making the cushions for the berth ourselves. 5" of high density foam, or 3" of high density and 2" of memory foam.

The hull will be padded with a layer of foam and then covered with a wide roll vinyl and the walls will be covered in batting and then in the same vinyl covering. I will bring this into the salon.

The 110v lighting fixtures will be replaced with some more modern looking lighting.

I (my wife ) would like (me) to replace the countertop while I am at all of the rest of this. The entire thing is probably about 4' square, but I've got to remove a small storage unit first. The alcohol burning stove (we've never used it) should probably be replaced. (? electric cooktop or propane ? )

A pretty good project, but in the end, we'll have a nice boat with a roomy saloon and a new v-berth. We also want to add a bridge enclosure with a camper canvas on the cockpit.

I am open to comments and suggestions.

I recently purchased a F28, and looking foward to redoing the salon. I was wondering if you had any pictures of yours.

Dreamer,
I do have pictures, I just need to learn where and how to post them. The boat turned out great! I recovered all walls that had vinyl or paper on them with a light dacron batting and then with new, neutral vinyl. New cushions, carpeting, lighting and refrigerator rounded out the rest of the salon. Managed to reconfigure the v-berth as well. Also installed the AC unit. As you can probably tell, I am proud of the results.

Royal Fly

RoyalFly,
If you could Email me the pic's that would be great. I'm trying to figure out if I can post pic's also fo my boat. My Email is jonathan.phillips@woodlandrealty.com

I have a 1980 F30. I made a frame, from 2x4's that fits right into the berth section of the hull, with not one screw being used. It rests right above the split bunks. A matress cut to fit the new frame, and it is good to go. If i want to remove it, it simply lifts out.

I have a f30 that had split bunks and the guy before me made a full v-berth out of it in 1985, no problems that i can see and I use it every day all summer. For the bridge enclosure Check with John at marine tech they might have a new original ready. phone # is (717)684-4145 they are in Lancaster Pa. Mine is a custom after market and was $4000.00, they are nice to have unless you really want to sit at the lower station!

Yes, I did basically the same thing. Used the same hull framing as on the starboard side on the port side. Used good mahogany 1 x 3 with a 1 inch cleat for support on inside section of bunk. Got my bridge enclosure going now too. Also doing a camper canvas for the rear cockpit. Got a great price from someone local, St. Clair Shores, MI. Whole shebang with Strata glass for $5,000. A guy in Canada wanted $11,000 and another in Detroit wanted $9,500! When all is said and done, will have a relatively new boat!

I have a '78 30 Express.. I updated all of the lights from the following place:

http://www.itc-rv.com/overstock.html

I went with the brass Halogen non recessed to replace all of the plastic RV lights (they have a switch also) and went with the Halogen reading lamps up front replacing those black dated reading lamps.

Replaced the outside cabin plastic RV light with a white non recessed Halogen light with a switch.

Halogen bulbs are 10w which give much more light and save some watts from the other bulbs in the plastic rv looking things.

Added LED courtesy lights from another place. I did not opt to go with LED inside as the light is "funky" .. very energy efficient but "funky" none the less...

Dollabbill63 I jest relized that ITC RV is in my backyard, and never new it, they do have alot of great stuff, and good prices.