With the V-berth bed foundation and closet pretty much done, next I cut and fitted the panels that go around the V and tie the bed foundation to the curvy side walls.
Recycling the original V-berth bed foundation panels
I’ve had the two original V-berth bed foundation panels stored in my shed since we disassembled the Roamer interior in 2008. I figured the 1/2″ plywood would come in handy somewhere, and it turns out they’re the perfect size for two panels that will connect the current bed foundation to the side walls.
First, I used my track saw to square up the panels
Measure twice, cut once
Looking good!
Next I cut the port-side panel
I use a hot glue gun and sticks to make patterns of complex areas
Trace the pattern shape to the new plywood and cut
I used a router to remove some material where the boat framing protruded a bit
Cutting bevels on the forward and aft edges
My EZ-One track saw table is really handy for guiding my router and beater Skilsaw for beveled cuts. I leave out the anti-chip inserts, bring the bridge down to clamp the panel in place, and just run the tool along the perfectly straight aluminum extrusion.
This is looking pretty good!
Cutting the port panel to size
Rough cut but looking good!
My plan is to pad and upholster these three panels with the Whisper Walls ostrich (off white) material I’ll use for the headliner. The panels that will attach the top of these panels to the mahogany side walls will be topped with the same ribbon-striped mahogany.
Next up in our 1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Still More V-berth Cabinetry
1969chriscraftroamer46 