We have an answer from
Beneteau. You can remove a section of the partition leaving 15cm all around to support the cockpit sole. Here is the correspondence:
Question
I wish to join the two aft cabins of a Beneteau 393 by the
removal of the partition indicated by the arrow marked A in the picture below. I do not propose to remove the structural bulkhead that runs athwartships from B to B. Can you please advise me if the partition marked A is structural or if it can be safely removed.
Answer
Regarding your question, you can't get away of a support for cockpit sole (see drawings)
Our recomendation will be to make a big rectangular cut off with round corner in the longit bulkhead leaving at least 15cm of
wood around it
Question
On your drawing you show a 393 two cabin version. My question was about a 393 three cabin version. Does your answer apply to both boats?
There is a blue line showing on the drawing from fore to aft and the partition is on this line in the aft cabins. It is this partition we wish to remove. Is your suggestion that we remove a part of this partition leaving 15 cm of
wood all the way around? I do not have a sectional internal drawing but I have drawn a blank rectangle on the attached profile of the yacht to show approximately where it would go.
Thank you for your answer. When I get you response can I have your permission to publish it on the Cruisers Forum website as there are many people who would be interested.
Answer
1) the 2 cab version drawing supplied was to show you the fact that cockpit sole as to be supported by a bulkhead
this apply also to 3 cab version
2) yes you must leave at minimum 15 cm of wood around the cut off in the central longitudinal bulkhead
hope it will help
So it is possible and I would assume that replacing the partition with a welded metal frame would
work as well and may be neater.