1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: V-berth Bed Surround Padded Headliner

There are lots of things going on simultaneously, from the aft cabin back wall to resawing big mahogany boards, so I’ll continue jumping around the various projects before we finally launch into getting the aft deck headliner installed. But first, I thought I’d thank everybody who’s hit the tip jar and give a run-down of the refit plan going forward.

To install the aft deck headliner, all of the wiring in the ceiling of the hardtop–12v supply for marine radio, stereo, speakers, overhead lights etc–have to be installed. To install the headliner track, it has to have something to attach to, so we’ll have to install wooden cleats all around the perimeter and spacers across every 2nd ceiling frame, same as we did in the v-berth, salon, and aft stateroom. The headliner tracks also have to butt up against finished surfaces, whether painted fiberglass or varnished wood, which means lots of solid mahogany and plywood panel work is coming up on the aft deck.

Once the aft deck is done, I need to install the raw water standpipes for the main engines, then install the hoses, valves and strainers. I need to finish installing the diesel supply lines, and attach them to the engines. While I’m working in the engine room, I’ll have the painter come in and spray ICA top coat in the V-berth, salon, and aft stateroom.

The swim platform has been ready to install for years. Once that’s done, the boat will be able to float. But I also have to install all of the big chromed bronze cleats, so dock lines have something to attach to. And as long as I’m installing big pieces of chrome, I might as well finish installing the stanchions and safety rails. There are also a bunch of bilge vents that are open to the weather. I need to polish and install the stainless steel scoops that will keep the rain out. I also need to have canvas made for the aft end of the aft deck and helm doors on either side to keep the weather out.

At that point, the project won’t be done, but the boat will be ready to come out of the tent and maybe even float. I have no idea how long it will take to do all this stuff. When it’s done and ready to float, I’ll make the call for the travel lift.

That said, the headliner installer had a nice little surprise for me recently. He installed padded Whisper Wall around the V-berth bed surround, just exactly as I requested!

First, tracks get installed all around

Acute corners need filler panels

Basically, the tracks need to butt up against the finished panel at 90°, otherwise it’s impossible to push the fabric into the track.

Tracks are done. Time for padding

5/8″ thick foam surface is just a wee bit higher than the track

Spray glue does the job

That looks great!

Some day, I’ll finish off the plywood edges with moldings

Nice!

If you’re wondering how that bed will work out, here’s the thing. There’s eight feet between the pointy ends of the bunk. 18″ forward of the aft edge, where the edge of the mattress will be, that’s down to 6’2″. I’m 5′ 10″, so if the missus and I have a spat, which is unusual anyway, this will be a cozy doghouse. Granted, the forwardmost part of the bunk is only 3′ across, but we don’t plan on having guests stay onboard all the time. When they do, having a slightly uncomfortable space can have it’s advantages (they won’t want to stay long!). Most of the guests we’ve had on our boats have been individuals. And unless we have someone visit who’s freakishly tall, this odd-shaped bunk will be just fine.

Next up in our 1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Helm Station Mahogany