Berths above Bridgedeck

[jaggerman]

I have been looking at some of the new Privilege Catamarans models including the 445 offering a master layout with a large berth above the bridge deck. From what I have read Privilege is a very qualified builder, and I have not read any negative review about this design, but why does almost no other boat builder offer it? The only negative I could conclude is loss of general space, or maybe slapping. Any thought?

[markpierce]

Based on over tens of thousands of miles travelling the open seas, I've found the lower the berth the more comfortable because there is less "rock and roll." Also, a berth in the middle of the vessel is less "upsy-downsy." For any given rotation, there is more movement when moving away from the center of rotation. Nevertheless, I'd assume the "rock and roll" of a catamaran is less than a comparably-sized single-hulled vessel.

[pteron]

A friend of mine has the 495 owner's version and I have to say, if I was going to live aboard it would be high on my list.

The owner's cabin extends into both hulls and across the front of the bridgedeck. He has a real double bed in there, a power shower in one hull and huge head in the other.

He also does the atlantic circuit every year, so the seaworthiness of the boat is not in question.

[Jeannius]

Just finished a circumnavigation on my 4 cabin 435 in company with another 435 and an owners version 445. 435 is same hull and all major fittings as 445. The bow cabins are fine for downwind sailing ( most of our route) but not good anywhere from a beam reach forward if the sea is a bit lumpy. At anchor the 445 master cabin is magnificent.

The boats are incredibly well built. The 445 was hit by a ship, dismasted and holed (not badly) and was able to continue under motor for 1300nm to reach her intended destination.

[Captain Bill]

My endeavourcat has a similar layout. I find the forward bridgedeck "bed" pretty much useless with any sizable sea running. It's not slapping, it's going from zero G to multiple Gs every time one goes over a wave. I suppose if the seas are big enough it won't matter but you certainly don't want to try to sleep up there in anything between 3 and 6 feet. We use it as our "in port" cabin and a rear cabin as our "at sea" cabin. I found it worse than a V-berth on a monohull, probably because a cat stays more on top of the waves rather than plowing through them. I've not had the privilege of a Privilege so I can't say it would be exactly the same but I would imagine it would be similar.

[AllezCat]

I had a look at a 495. Extremely beautiful boat.
Catamarans don't roll around so much that it matters where the berth is.
Most catamarans have the berths over the bridge-deck anyway - but enter thru the hulls.
All catamarans slam to some extent.(ok - I've only had 2 )
I had a St Francis 44 with little bridgedeck clearance slams under the bunk in an extreme manner.

My current vessel will slam mostly on the windward side of leeward hull in cross following seas - but more bark than bite.
I like the idea of cabin on bridge-deck, and was going to build a Schionning cosmos 1750. Which has half bridge-deck saloon and half master bedroom.
Plan
Schionning Designs -
Photos
Schionning Designs -

" From what I have read Privilege is a very qualified builder, and I have not read any negative review about this design, but why does almost no other boat builder offer it? The only negative I could conclude is loss of general space, or maybe slapping. Any thought?"
The space has to come from somewhere - look underneath the bridegdeck...
cheers

[Jeannius]

Originally Posted by AllezCat

The space has to come from somewhere - look underneath the bridegdeck...
cheers

Plenty of room under the bridgedeck. One of the best in that respect.

[AllezCat]

Originally Posted by Jeannius

Plenty of room under the bridgedeck. One of the best in that respect.

it's all relative - but IMO that is rather low bridgedeck clearance -
Multihull Maven
More than my old 44' though...

[Unicorn Dreams]

The Catalac's have the owners stateroom between the hulls on the bridge deck.

[barnakiel]

I did not notice much difference in a cat. I would simply pick up the boat that I like, no matter where the bunks are.

b.

[imagine2frolic]

My berth is is in the bridgedeck. My head is located at the mast which is the center of the boat. In snotty weather it is comfortable, and quiet. At anchor I can see all 4 sides of the boat from my berth.........i2f

[Southern Star]

My main concern with berths located forward in the bridgedeck is that it typically results in a blunt leading edge to the bridgedeck - something which can definitely increase not only the incidence, but the impact of slamming (a gradual curve is much better than a even a 45 degree angle back to a flat bridgedeck). This has been compensated for to some significant extent on the Privilege by the forward 'nacelle', although it still leaves a blunt leading edge between the nacelle and the hulls. In some conditions I expect that this could make sleeping there pretty uncomfortable.

Brad

[muskoka]

Well, there's a difference between where you sleep on passage and where you sleep at anchor. All you need on passage is a snug sea berth, and when you drop the hook you can move into the big stateroom, open the champagne and get frisky...

[rivonia]

Our Dean 365 catamaran built in 1991 had its master en suite at the front across both hulls - a kingsize bed, bath, plenty of storage.

Very comfortable whilst on passage and at anchor.

Now have a Solaris with aft cabin berths and I would swop it any day for the Dean layout!

[Full Sail]

Originally Posted by muskoka

Well, there's a difference between where you sleep on passage and where you sleep at anchor. All you need on passage is a snug sea berth, and when you drop the hook you can move into the big stateroom, open the champagne and get frisky...

I agree. Contrary to the popular myth, there is very little romance at sea. Although there is the motion of the ocean, you are usually sleep deprived and haven't had a proper shower in days