Convertible Stern Cabins

[alcheringa]

We've only had our 2005 S/O 43DS since July and just hosted our first sleep aboard guests a few days ago. We made use of the neat design feature of our model to split our stern stateroom into two regular double cabins using the partition boards under the bunk.

It was the first time we've done this. It only took about ten minutes and the job was done. We couldn't be happier. It just amazes us that Jeanneau seems to have gone away from offering this option on later Deck Salons.

I've included a photo of the cabin before conversion but have a look at our blog chapter to see how it works. dreamtimesail.blogspot.com/2013/02/need-extra-cabin-no-problem.html

We love it. Do other owners out there make use of this feature?



Stored in a dedicated space beneath the bunk we have five timber panels that slide easily into a track on the bunk base and cabin ceiling interlocking to form an instant wall to divide the room. Two triangular in fills then convert our semi walk around queen size bunk into two doubles. Voila! Instant guest cabin.



In just ten minutes the stateroom can be split into two, good size double cabins. You can see the timber panels in place on the left.

[rxc]

I also have a 43DS, but it did not come with any dividers, because it is the 2-cabin model, and there is extra furniture(storage lockers) back aft in this model. I also have a single large mattress, so that would have to be replaced, even if I did have the dividers. My fwd cabin is very different from the divided model, and I cannot not install any dividers at all.

Overall, I sometimes think it would be nice to be able to divide up the fwd cabin, mainly so that storage would be easier. And during my atlantic crossing it would have been nice to have better sea-berths i.e., snug berths where you could wedge yourself in. But then I would have to carry the dividers, and the space where they would go is already occupied.

In any case, you are right - Jeanneau did a great job in designing these boats for multiple uses. I would imagine that they did some market research and found that people did not use the flexibility as much as they anticipated, so they decided to simplify the newer designs.

[Zanshin]

I had that feature in my 43DS and used it several times when I had visitors and it worked well. On the new boat they added the same feature with removal walls for the forward 1 cabin / 2 cabins and I've used that as well; it is a well-thought out and well-designer feature.

[alcheringa]

Zanshin we also have the convertible forward cabins as well but it does take a lot more time and effort to erect and pull apart than the stern. We may use it when we get around to the Atlantic crossing to provide snug, single bunk sea berths but can't foresee using it for guests. We don't plan on having enough people on board at once to need it. We do agree it's a very clever design though. Hope all's going well on Zanshin in the Caribbean. Cheers
www.dreamtimesail.blogspot.com/

[windspeak]

I had the option on my DS43 but no dividers so made some i reverse one of the mattresses and stow it under the other very comfy berth and use the other side for stowage but can quickly revert to double or twin when needed great idea makes the space so versatile

[alcheringa]

Sounds like a good idea windspeak. We love the versatility that the feature gives us. Cheers
www.dreamtimesail.blogspot.com/

[sailbleu]

Nice Gibraltar pics. Did you stay in one of the (expensive) UK ports or did you go for ( the cheap but good) la Linea port ?
I also was there for a few days last summer you see ?
Infact I planned of leaving my boat in La Linea for this winter after comming back from North -Sardenia this year.
But a change of heart has posponed that idea to 2014.

Regards

[alcheringa]

Hi sailbleu, we have stayed in Queensway Quay Marina in Gib purely because we're Australian and needed to get out of the schengen zone for a while. However, Queensway's low season price of 11 pound a day for our 43 footer isn't bad and it's very well protected from all winds including westerlies which give Ocean Village big surge problems. We had a good look over at La Linea and would probably be happy to stay there if not for the visa thing. The marina is a little cheaper while food etc in Spain is far cheaper than Gib. We walk across the frontier to do our grocery shopping over there. Cheers
www.dreamtimesail.blogspot.com/

[nomad7]

Hi, I recently bought a 2001 SO 43/DS, but mine didn't come with the convertible panels either. I was set on definitely wanting a three cabin layout, but when I saw that convertible aft cabin, I thought that was the perfect solution.

Jeanneau America said they're not available to purchase through them...does anyone have any, or know where I might be able to find a set? The owner's manual has a great set of photos on how to remove them, so I'm sure I could have them made, but thought I'd see if I could find a factory set if available.

Thanks,
Scott

[alcheringa]

Hi Scott, after we did our initial post on this subject a guy from San Diego contacted us with the same problem you have asking if we'd be prepared to make some templates of our panels so he could make panels himself for his boat.

Anything to help another 43 DS owner so I spent a full day marking out a complete set of templates in heavy paper and then shipped them off in a tube to him. At that stage we were wintering in a marina in Gibraltar so I had both time and space to do it all. We're now on the go in the Med so it would be hard to repeat the process at the moment but if you'd like to email me at [e-mail] I'd be happy to pass on Glenn's contact details in San Diego and he may be willing to pass on the templates if he's done with them.

Cheers

SV Alcheringa
www.dreamtimesail.blogspot.com