1975, 53 MY question

[Ed Tanzer]

Has anybody converted the V berth or the mid stateroom to an office type area?
Just curious at this point.
thanks,
JJflygirl
Lighthouse Point, Fl

 

[MikeP]

This came up some time back and I remember somebody posting pics of their 53's guest stateroom converted to an office. It looked pretty nice as I recall...whoever did it may re-post or you might be able to find it with a search. In any case, it's certainly been done.

 

[Fanfare]

Just bear in mind that the entire upper berth at the bow is a structural part keeping the bow from being pushed aft by the pressure of large seas. The bottom of this bunk is really a hollow beam which is in compression. The chest of drawers on the other side does the same thing so don't rip these out without consulting a marine architect.

The outside guest berth probably has some of the same function, but likely less stressed. Remember you have a water tank under the midline bunk.

One of the beauties of Jack Hargrave's design is that almost every part of these boats is there for a purpose, usually to strengthen or save weight. Each part is so skillfully blended and functional that it is easy to overlook this.

Making major changes to the layout may reduce resale value. Therefore I am giving some thought to a removable desklike structure to put at the aft end of the guest stateroom. This would fit over both bunks in front of or atop the aft center drawers. It would give room for my knees to place a computer and printer there but could be removed for guests.

 

[SeaEric]

Guest stateroom remodel on Traveler 1970 53 Classic

 

[SereneWarrior]

The V-berth on my 1970 53MY was already converted when I bought it and is a compromise. The upper and lower bunks were kept in place on the starboard side, but all of the cabinetry/drawers/storage on the port side of the space was replced with a computer desk/office electrical connections. That means when I have guests in the V-berth, there is no place for their stuff. Eventually, I plan to remove the built in desk, etc. and have a marine carpenter build in the cabinetry/drawers again. I need the storage and cabin acutrements more than I need an office desk, but that's just me. Besides, when this was originally converted to a small office everybody had PCs. Now, it's all laptops and tablets that don't need anywhere near the amount of space to work. When I work onboard, I just use my laptop on the fantail and enjoy the view!

 

[Ed Tanzer]

Thanks to you all.....the pics of "TRAVELER" are fantastic....great info all around.....
recently moved to this 53 from my old S&S Swan for the space !! Never seems to be enough !!!
But, then again, I was a bachelor !!!
ed