Converting Two Aft Cabins to One

[hejapofa]

Anyone have any knowledge or experience of removing the centre partition in 3 cabin boat to create one large aft cabin. For example in a Beneteau Oceanis 393. I like the idea of not having to crawl over/around my sleeping wife in order to get out out of the berth which you have to do in the 2 cabin boats I can afford. My idea would be to remove the partition between the two cabins and reduce the bed base to a queen size, retain the two doors and have a small area to walk in on either side.

[speciald@ocens.]

A number of Beneteaus were built in a charter version and owner version. You might want to query the builder. It is unlikely that the bulkhead is structural or weight bearing.

[MarkJ]

YES!!!!!!!!!!! You can do it extremely easily on a 393.
Just remove the partition.
That partition is moulded into all cabin versions of the 393, its just the other lazarette position thats going to change. But if you want a HUGE bed with 2 cabin doors then thats fine. You will have a ripper boat and don't have to pounce on your wife.

[plato-gb]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

YES!!!!!!!!!!! You can do it extremely easily on a 393.
Just remove the partition.
That partition is moulded into all cabin versions of the 393, its just the other lazarette position thats going to change. But if you want a HUGE bed with 2 cabin doors then thats fine. You will have a ripper boat and don't have to pounce on your wife.

I want to talk to you! We have a 393, 3 cabin 2002 and would love to convert 2 aft cabins to 1. Beneteau France has told us it isn't possible. Please go into further detail and inform of any 3 cabin 393 you know of that has had the conversion.
All the best,
plato-gb
You can PM me directly if you like.

[hejapofa]

Interesting dilemma. I've been trying to get a clear opinion on this before even embarking on boat buying. All contributions to the discussion welcomed particularly from anyone who has removed one of these partitions on any boat even if they have then put it back.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by plato-gb

I want to talk to you! We have a 393, 3 cabin 2002 and would love to convert 2 aft cabins to 1.

Just remove the wooden partition.
Then you have one large cabin with 2 cabin doors. Galley remains as is. Aft cockpit lazarettes remain as is.
Only change is you remover the partition and maybe have to can a 1 inch foam spacer between the mattresses where the partition was

I cant see a problem with it.

Mark

[FraidNot]

hmm - wonder if this will work for a 411 - structure is similar I think...

[plato-gb]

I asked Beneteau France the question - they said "It is not possible to transform the rear cabin of a cab: it is a structural wall".
Anyone have any info/comments?
Boat is Beneteau 393, 2002, 3 cabin (for the moment)

[hejapofa]

I have received contradictory opinions on this problem from yacht dealers. One recommended it the other advised against it hence my question. Presumably a definitive answer would come from Beneteau but their website directs enquirers to dealers for advice. I will try a more direct approach i.e. snail mail and see what happens.

[plato-gb]

aha! le courrier escargot!

[bangkaboat]

If Beneteau says that it is structural, then it is structural. Your life...

[ncarter]

Not familiar with the design..but if the "wall" runs for & aft, then its a partition and could probably be removed. However if the "wall" is athwart, then its a bulkhead and really should not be removed.

[hejapofa]

The plan is to remove the partition marked with the Arrow A but leave the bulkhead marked B. This issue will probably be similar for other boats with 2 aft cabins.

[simonmd]

I asked a similar question a couple of months ago and got some helpfull replies, here's the link,

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...cal-49631.html

I too was frustrated at the large numbers of 'charter spec' boats built to cram lots of people into a small space, compared with the rareity of finding a decent 'owners spec' boat.

[boatman61]

I did not have the 3 cabin on my Bene but.... the bulkhead/partition in my aft cabin dividing the cabin from the cockpit locker did not go all the way to the hull.
If you look under the bunks if the space under is through to the other side its removable without consequence...
Bene will adivse no changes as a matter of course as a precaution against any future claims... Bene said I could so I did and the boat sank... that sorta thing..lol