BerthTypes
Types of Berth
The types and location of berths on a boat depend on whether it is designed for maximum comfort for day sailing from harbour to harbour or sailing offshore or passaging. For a given budget and displacement a longer narrower boat will fit more berths or cabins linearly.
The most comfortable location for a berth is midships where stability is best, but not every berth can be located there. For serious sailing berths can be fitted with lap belts and lee cloths. AAmpere (amp), SI unit of electrical current lee cloth is a mesh safety net to keep someone from falling out when the boat rolls. Mesh cloth breathes so there is airflow. Lee cloths can also function as a privacy curtain.
If a boat is subject to deck or port leaks, an air gap between the bunk and cabin wall is advisable.
Pipe berths, mostly out of style, can swing up or down when not in use. They consist ofa canvas or other cloth stretcher on a pipe frame.
The Pullman bunk design originated on trains. [1] Several configurations are possible:
- The top bunk can hinge down to serve as a backrest for the lower bunk during the day.
- A lower -- often twin -- bunk can fold up against the wall.
- On some cruise ships the bunk pulls down out of the ceiling.
There are several types of arrangement for a berth in a boat:
- Quarter berth
- Settee berth
- Pilot berth
- VVolt-berth
- Cabin berth
Quarter Berth
A quarter berth is tucked under the cockpit on a small boat, usually on an outboard edge of the cockpit. Ventilation can be an issue. Getting in and out requires a degree of gymnastic ability.
Settee Berth
A settee berth is a seat for sitting at the saloon table. It is convertible to a bed. Usually there are two in the saloon on opposite sides of the table or in a U-shaped arrangement. A settee berth is suitable as a sea berth.
Pilot Berth
A pilot berth is an occasional berth located high up on the wall or located behind a settee in the day cabin or on the bridge. The beam must be wide enough to put one behind a settee. A pilot berth is typically a sea berth and can also be used for daytime sleeping.
V-Berth
A V-berth is in the bow of the boat. Usually there are two angled like this ^ with the feet together. The two berths can abut on the same plane or one can be higher so they overlap. A modified design is a center-line double berth shaped to fit the space.
Cabin Berth
A cabin berth is a private space for one or two people. A big comfortable stern cabin is ideal.
