R23 V-berth cushion modification

[oneeyedjackass]

Anyone who owns a R23 will understand this one. With all the cushions in place (sleeping) you can not open or close head door. Easy fix. Remove some staples, trim the wood base and staple it back together. Looks exactly the same, but door can now pass by without moving cushion. Hit me up if you have any questions
mark
https://youtu.be/ub5QQmViKcg

 

[sleepyboat]

Nice modification. Having gotten a late season delivery last year, we have not done any overnights on our 23 yet. When I first took delivery I put all the cushions in place and immediately saw the door swing problem and thought I would just not use that insert and see how that worked out. I like your solution better.

While we are on the topic of the V birth, I found that both long cushions that cover the storage beneath, which is ample, are difficult at best to remove and scuff the paneling. But if you remove the small square cushion at the bow, you get just enough wiggle room to lift and remove them. You will also find a 4-5 inch hole behind that cushion that can be helpful running cable or water tubing to the bow. I was able to shine a light from the removable step forward and see it through the hole.
John

 

[baz]

Excellent FYI post. 🙂

Thanks for sharing that snippet. 🙂

If and when purchasing the R-23 I will be sure to ask for this slight alteration to be done during the boat's assembly. :idea:

 

[Brian B]

One would think that the factory would be doing this as standard procedure :?

 

[knotflying]

One would think that the factory would be doing this as standard procedure :?

I bet they will in the future. The merits of buying a boat after a couple of years production. :lol:

 

[baz]

This aspect reminds of the issue with the R-25 (Classic) cabin door. When the cabin door is open the engine cockpit hatch cannot be opened as it collides with the bottom of the open cabin's door. This was never resolved for the R-25's Classic model.

I would agree with Mike on this. It's such a simple fix and would expect it to not be an issue from this point on for newly built R-23's.

The factory continually adapts and changes things on their production line.

Example of this are...

1) The new assembly for adding the kicker motor to the R-23's swim step.
2) Drop leaf dinette table allowing better gangway traffic activities
3) Adjustable helm seat for the R-21
4) Changing out monkey fur for perforated vinyl cloth in some areas to ease cleaning maintenance

 

[simonp]

Hi Mark,

I'm about to attempt this same modification. Did you cut a square notch out approx 2" deep, or, did you try to make the cut follow the door radius albeit a little bigger?

Cheers

 

[oneeyedjackass]

Hi Mark,

I'm about to attempt this same modification. Did you cut a square notch out approx 2" deep, or, did you try to make the cut follow the door radius albeit a little bigger?

Cheers

Hi
Exactly....I made the cut to the door radius. I was trying to keep as much cushion as I could.
take care

 

[jagizzi]

Very straightforward modification with great payback. I carved the cushion as well but you would have to decide if you are ok with the look of a cutout in that front edge.

Jim

 

[simonp]

Worked perfectly, I carved the wood and the foam, there's now about an inch clearance between the door and the cushion. Very pleased.

 

[Salish Seaker]

Worked perfectly, I carved the wood and the foam, there's now about an inch clearance between the door and the cushion. Very pleased.

Ditto for me as well. I basically followed the same formula as Mark, didn't cut the cushion. Tested yesterday and it works perfectly! Thank you so much Mark for posting this thread and for providing the videos. It was extremely helpful!