we sleep in the V-berth,like catgale im 6ft 1 and i find the rear berth a bit tight,my other problem is tha my son is 6ft4 and he recons that i should cede the v-berth to him my wife is just over 5ft so she fits in the other side of the vberth nicely.
I like the idea of privicy curtains,im intending to use the plastic track that Caravaners use to sit the curtains in,with a couple of tie offs i recon that it would look good.
At anchor I sleep on the port settee - i.e. fast access to the cockpit trumps comfort if there is a danger of the anchor dragging or another boat colliding with you.
If more secure (i.e. dockside, double-anchored in calm protected secluded spot, beached, etc.): I sleep in the V-Berth if it is warm weather to take advantage of the fresh air from the open hatch. In cool/cold weather I snuggle into the aft berth where there are less drafts.
I'm 5'8" about 190 lbs so I don't have the length restrictions.
I believe the skipper needs to be sure to get the best sleep of anyone on board for safety reasons.
I tried the aft berth the first time out and found it to hard to get in an out of in a hurry, took too long to get up to check on the situation outside, with the steering console cables hanging down the middle, too confining for us, the overhead too low for turning over comfortably. I removed the cushions from that berth. Replaced it with a 1/2 " cut pile carpet. After putting the 10 gallon waste holding tank on the starboard side immediately aft the head compartment, and using the aft most portion for storage, the area left is still more than double bed size for the grandkids or guests to use with their sleeping bags over camping foam pads.
I made an extension for the port side of the vee berth, covered with a cushion made with materials from one of the aft berth cushions. I am over 6' 1" and can use either side, so let the Admiral choose what she wants.
Besides the advantage of looking out the front portlights to see the weather, masthead windvane, etc. I like to be able to pop up quickly through the front hatch if necessary to get eyes on any situation outside. With the front hatch held open at optimum wind catching angle by spring standoffs (fastened with fastpins for emergency egress), it is also easily the coolest part of the boat in hot weather.
We use low amp fans with clamps for moving around where needed. I installed 12v receptacles under the forehatch, in the dinette, galley, and main hatch areas.
Borrowing the idea from a fellow backpacker back in the '70s, I sewed my own gear to fit the Vee berth from items bought in a spring white sale at Walmart. Total cost for a combo summer/winter double bag was about $30. If really cold weather is anticipated, an extra comforter or winter sleeping bag is included in the gear as a cover over.
Others have made privacy curtains for their Macs. So far we have not needed them as it's enough to say "Okay guys and gals, turn your backs, we need to change clothes." the same as if were lightweight backpacking with friends. the curtains would have an advantage about closing off other portions of the boat so they would not have to be heated if a couple were just crusing alone.
I am 5'11" and 203 lbs my wife is barely 5' and we sleep in the aft berth and I usually get stuck going in first. It is snug but I have no problems with it. I have slept on the dinette and the port settee as well when grand children were aboard.
Its never been for more than 3 nights in a row however.
Maybe we need another thread on a poll: Who do you sleep with; Wish to sleep with; Hate to sleep with; or Like doing before going to sleep; or and, oh never mind.
Better scratch that idea, some of you 'ole saltys would get in trouble (Admirals read this forum too... )
my wife is just over 5ft so she fits in the other side of the vberth nicely.
