Vee-Birth Modifications???

Bryan A. · #1 01-07-2007, 08:17 PM

With all this nice weather we have been having I am presently working on making a v-birth filler on the Whitewater. There was none there before. Obviosly I want to make it so you can sleep there but I am also going to install a porta-potti underneath. What I need from you guys are ideas on how your boats are set up. I would somehow like this to fold up and down easily for access to the potti and strong enough so my daughters can stand on it and look out the hatch. I have some ideas but a fresh view is always good.

So all you Sefari/Scepter/Tsunami/Savage or anyone else with a potti installed please post some pics. I did a search and found some old ones but most are no longer linked. Here is an old pics of what I am working with. (Some of you have seen this pic before). I'll post some new ones of what I have going in the next few days.

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Bryan A. · #2 01-07-2007, 08:21 PM

Another Pic.

ScottM · #3 01-07-2007, 10:39 PM

Bryan,
I don't have a pic of it but my father's '82 Sceptre has a 3/4" marine ply filler between the berths with the port-a-potti underneath. I believe this is what was used in all the 23' Sceptres/Tsunamis over the years. It's very strong but it's bulky and somewhat heavy. Your Whitewater has a bigger cabin, so something similar would be even heavier. However, if you decide to go this route, you may want to make a 2-piece filler with the head mounted closest to the entryway. You could build a bulkhead just forward of the head and create a storage area.

Bryan A. · #4 01-08-2007, 10:11 AM

I was thinking of a two piece that is hinged in the middle so it folds forward to access the potti. The bulkhead had crossed my mind. I think what I'll do is mock up a few things with cardboard.
Thanks for the reply.

nestorpr · #5 01-08-2007, 04:50 PM

Here are some samples from a Bertram 25, one is an open box that just hinges open, the other is a completely enclosed unit that uses 2 hinges, one on the main panel and one on the front panel that covers the portapotti from view. That way when you open the "lid" the fron panel hinges closed against the upright lid giving you complete access to the Portapotti. I've used it and is very comfortable and easy to use:

These are from a Bertram 20, same concept, smaller cabin:

Bryan A. · #6 01-08-2007, 06:42 PM

NICE!!!!!!! Those pictures are exactly what I am looking for. I'll look over them in more detail and I'm sure I'll have questions.
Keep those potti pics coming.

Thanks.

nestorpr · #7 01-08-2007, 06:51 PM

Glad to be of help!

Old'sCool · #8 01-08-2007, 07:14 PM

My neighbor has a Bertram 20 his Granddad bought new in '65 (maybe)....nice hull!!

nestorpr · #9 01-09-2007, 02:27 AM

Tell him never to get rid of it! Most people agree that the Bertram 20 is the best riding 20 foot hull ever made, some say even better than the Bertram 25. That's one reason why they command such a high price these days, and the Bertram name of course.

Bryan A. · #10 03-03-2007, 10:06 PM

Weather warmed a bit today and I finally brought myself to climb in and tackle this project. I used the existing fillerboard, which was some 3/4" ply that I put in years ago, but didn't like, as a mock up. I cut it up and installed a hinge and this is what I came up with. If you look close you can see that I cut the hatch covers to make them more manageable. Now I need to have cushions made. Any suggestions?

I will remake this out of some mohaghany faced plywood and probaly finish it with cetol to match the other stuff in the boat. Still have a few "fitment" problems and working out how to secure the whole thing in so it does not bounce around but overall I am happy so far and the wife and daughters will be happy too when they can pee.