Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-23-2018, 08:12 AM   #1
Guru
 
City: Tampa, FL
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 670
Pullman Berths

I'm wondering... Is it just me, or do a lot of folks dislike Pullman berths?

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a Pullman berth is one of those doubles that is built up against a wall. This forces the person on the inside, if they want to get out of bed without forcing their mate to get out first, to try to climb over the other person.

Now, maybe it's just because my wife and I are of the age where we both tend to get up more than once during the night, but this arrangement -- for us -- is an absolute deal killer. Nonetheless, it seems like a whole lot of trawlers have this arrangement for the master stateroom.

I understand that this is an easy way for a boat's designer to arrange things, and it probably tends to make the stateroom look bigger and roomier. But to me it is the worst possible arrangement for sleeping. Even when I was younger, and didn't have to get up in the middle of the night, I did not like this arrangement.

I know that there are boats out there with center-line doubles, or twin beds, in the master stateroom --thank God. It just seems that there are an awful lot of the Pullman arrangements also. I guess I'm just wondering if there are a correspondingly large number of boat owners who actually PREFER the Pullman arrangement. Thoughts?
denverd0n is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 08:40 AM   #2
Guru
 
HopCar's Avatar
 
City: Miami Florida
Vessel Name: Possum
Vessel Model: Ellis 28
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,299
I don’t think what you are describing is called a Pullman berth but I agree with you. A bed designed for two should be accessible from both sides.

A Pullman bed is one that is hinged along one side and folds against a wall or bulkhead. I’ve never seen a double Pullman. Of course that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
__________________
Parks Masterson
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supply
HopCar is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 09:10 AM   #3
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,818
I'm with you on easy in /easy out. What I wanted was an Island King. Settled for an Island Queen.

Click image for larger version

Name:	MC20.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	34.9 KB
ID:	74466

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 09:55 AM   #4
Guru
 
Xsbank's Avatar
 
City: Pender Harbour, BC
Vessel Name: Gwaii Haanas
Vessel Model: Custom Aluminum 52
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,791
Yes, island berths are more convenient but its sure not a deal killer for me. I slept in a v berth for years, that was more like those old submarine movies where the sailors go shooting through hatches feet-first. Getting in and out of the v was a pain but I slept like a baby. Both of the beds in my current boat are against a wall but then I have a 30 foot boat in a 50 foot hull and I still sleep like a baby. When my lovely partner climbs over me, there are certain opportunities presented that should not be ignored...8^)
__________________
Don't believe everything that you think.
Xsbank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 10:14 AM   #5
Guru
 
City: Tampa, FL
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 670
Quote:
Originally Posted by HopCar View Post
A Pullman bed is one that is hinged along one side and folds against a wall or bulkhead.
Okay, you're right. I think I once heard the kind of berth I described called a Pullman, and that's just what I've called it ever since.

So, if what I'm describing -- a double berth that is built up against one wall -- is not a Pullman, then is there a more proper terms for it?
denverd0n is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 10:30 AM   #6
Guru
 
dhays's Avatar
 
City: Gig Harbor
Vessel Name: Kinship
Vessel Model: North Pacific 43
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 9,046
Quote:
Originally Posted by denverd0n View Post
Okay, you're right. I think I once heard the kind of berth I described called a Pullman, and that's just what I've called it ever since.

So, if what I'm describing -- a double berth that is built up against one wall -- is not a Pullman, then is there a more proper terms for it?
That is the term I would use, and yes, I don't like them.

Well, I shouldn't say I don't like them. I've never had a boat with one so I really don't know but I wouldn't buy a boat with one as long as my wife still wants to sleep in the same bunk with me.

I have a prostate the size of a grapefruit, so I get up a LOT during the night. I just figure it is a good opportunity to check the anchor.
__________________
Regards,

Dave
SPOT page
dhays is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 12:15 PM   #7
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
Our 90/90 has "Concordia Bunks" which are fine sea going bunks with many advantages


Here is an origonal, the bunk is seen to the right stowed.
.https://www.google.com/search?q=conc...RqhNwEEjRfpPM:
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 12:36 PM   #8
Guru
 
Woodland Hills's Avatar
 
City: Jacksonville
Vessel Name: Alzero
Vessel Model: Hatteras 63' CPMY
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,548
Quote:
Originally Posted by denverd0n View Post
Okay, you're right. I think I once heard the kind of berth I described called a Pullman, and that's just what I've called it ever since.

So, if what I'm describing -- a double berth that is built up against one wall -- is not a Pullman, then is there a more proper terms for it?
I believe that to be a true Pullman, there needs to also be a wall at the foot of the bed too. In other words, the mattress needs to be enclosed by three walls with only one side open. In a worst case scenario, the open side will also be partially enclosed by a built-in nightstand.
Woodland Hills is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 01:48 PM   #9
Scraping Paint
 
City: CT
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 963
Quote:
Originally Posted by FF View Post
Our 90/90 has "Concordia Bunks" which are fine sea going bunks with many advantages
Could you describe some? Can't really tell just from the pics...
john61ct is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 03:07 PM   #10
Guru
 
HopCar's Avatar
 
City: Miami Florida
Vessel Name: Possum
Vessel Model: Ellis 28
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,299
So, if what I'm describing -- a double berth that is built up against one wall -- is not a Pullman, then is there a more proper terms for it?[/QUOTE]

I’d call it a PITA Berth.
__________________
Parks Masterson
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supply
HopCar is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 03:40 PM   #11
Guru
 
kchace's Avatar
 
City: Brookline, NH
Vessel Name: Shalloway
Vessel Model: Defever 44, twin Perkins
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,259
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xsbank View Post
I slept in a v berth for years, that was more like those old submarine movies where the sailors go shooting through hatches feet-first.
The image of me or my wife doing this almost made me spit out my wine.

Great line!
kchace is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 03:50 PM   #12
Guru
 
kchace's Avatar
 
City: Brookline, NH
Vessel Name: Shalloway
Vessel Model: Defever 44, twin Perkins
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,259
Quote:
Originally Posted by denverd0n View Post
I'm wondering... Is it just me, or do a lot of folks dislike Pullman berths?

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a Pullman berth is one of those doubles that is built up against a wall. This forces the person on the inside, if they want to get out of bed without forcing their mate to get out first, to try to climb over the other person.

Now, maybe it's just because my wife and I are of the age where we both tend to get up more than once during the night, but this arrangement -- for us -- is an absolute deal killer. Nonetheless, it seems like a whole lot of trawlers have this arrangement for the master stateroom.

I understand that this is an easy way for a boat's designer to arrange things, and it probably tends to make the stateroom look bigger and roomier. But to me it is the worst possible arrangement for sleeping. Even when I was younger, and didn't have to get up in the middle of the night, I did not like this arrangement.

I know that there are boats out there with center-line doubles, or twin beds, in the master stateroom --thank God. It just seems that there are an awful lot of the Pullman arrangements also. I guess I'm just wondering if there are a correspondingly large number of boat owners who actually PREFER the Pullman arrangement. Thoughts?
When we were looking at boats before buying our current boat, I found that some were available with 2 different styles of master BR. 2 separate beds, one on each wall, or a center queen. The center queen configuration commanded a higher price. We certainly prefer (and have) a center queen.

Ken
kchace is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2018, 04:07 PM   #13
Guru
 
FoxtrotCharlie's Avatar
 
City: Mississippi
Vessel Name: ADAGIO
Vessel Model: CHB Present 42 Sundeck
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 919
Most boats we are currently considering have center queens in the master, but full/dbl beds in forward cabin, against the wall. Would prefer V type or bunks on one side, up front, as we will have a mix of guests joining us on the loop - couples, two guys, two gals ..... I've told a few couples/close friends about the 'pullman' bed against the wall and apologized - but they all said 'hey, it's a boat, and you are paying - we'll live with it". We keep looking
FoxtrotCharlie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 01:05 AM   #14
Guru
 
ssobol's Avatar
 
City: Southwest MI
Vessel Name: Sobelle
Vessel Model: C-Dory 22 Cruiser
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,229
Pullman berths refers to pull down/out beds that were found in Pullman railroad cars, starting the mid 1800's. Usually the berths were singles and a compartment would usually have 4 berths.

The upper berth usually folded against the wall for more space in the compartment during the day. The lower berth pulled out to convert from sitting to sleeping.

Some cruise ships now offer "pullman" cabins, which work along these lines.
ssobol is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 01:50 AM   #15
Master and Commander
 
markpierce's Avatar
 
City: Vallejo CA
Vessel Name: Carquinez Coot
Vessel Model: penultimate Seahorse Marine Coot hull #6
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,559
We've got a one-side-access berth. I sleep on the outside, needing toilet access. Otherwise, partner climbing over me is a joy. The to-the-side berth provides more footroom and better access to drawers.
__________________
Kar-KEEN-ez Koot
markpierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 02:02 AM   #16
Guru
 
catalinajack's Avatar
 
City: Edgewater, MD
Vessel Name: Catalina Jack
Vessel Model: Defever 44
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,585
Quote:
Originally Posted by denverd0n View Post
I'm wondering... Is it just me, or do a lot of folks dislike Pullman berths?

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a Pullman berth is one of those doubles that is built up against a wall. This forces the person on the inside, if they want to get out of bed without forcing their mate to get out first, to try to climb over the other person.

Now, maybe it's just because my wife and I are of the age where we both tend to get up more than once during the night, but this arrangement -- for us -- is an absolute deal killer. Nonetheless, it seems like a whole lot of trawlers have this arrangement for the master stateroom.

I understand that this is an easy way for a boat's designer to arrange things, and it probably tends to make the stateroom look bigger and roomier. But to me it is the worst possible arrangement for sleeping. Even when I was younger, and didn't have to get up in the middle of the night, I did not like this arrangement.

I know that there are boats out there with center-line doubles, or twin beds, in the master stateroom --thank God. It just seems that there are an awful lot of the Pullman arrangements also. I guess I'm just wondering if there are a correspondingly large number of boat owners who actually PREFER the Pullman arrangement. Thoughts?
Earlier model Krogen 42's had master berths such as you describe. Later models had an option for a centerline queen. Other than Krogens, I do not recall seeing other trawler makes with side-entry master berths although there are probably some. Defevers all have centerline queens.
catalinajack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 06:48 AM   #17
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
"Could you describe some? Can't really tell just from the pics..."

I can try,

The Concordia uses 3 ,curved cast aluminum, frames to hold 2 pipes the berth is fixed to and a number of ash boards that serve as back rests. These can be seen in the photo.

When in the cabin used as seat backs the ash flexes more than say a park bench so is more comfortable to lean on.
Because the ash can be seen thru to the hull, the cabin feels larger.

Also when sitting the space behind holds all the bedding, pillows and blankets for the bunk, out of sight with enough room for a duffel bag if needed.

The pipes hinge to lower the bunk and its instantly ready.

One small advantage is the inner pipe parallel to the hull never touches the hull, so a port or deck leak does not get the bunk wet.

Open the bunk rests on the seat and any spacer like a cushion will raise the inner edge causing the bunk to sag , so much better for heavy seas.

We actually installed canvass lee cloths and never felt a need to use them in blue water trips.

Also nice is the use of Sears "piano bench cushions.
These come with tie ons so stay in place easily.

At the time they were $25. each so all 8 in the great cabin could be renewed for low bucks.

Wish I had a drawing of the bunks up and down,
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 07:04 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Sugardog's Avatar
 
City: Alexander
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 152
For the money we spend on trawlers, better damn we’ll have great sleeping accommodations. My first big boat, 40’ Shucker, had twin queens and a shower worthy of a house.
Sugardog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 07:05 AM   #19
Guru
 
angus99's Avatar
 
City: Signal Mtn., TN
Vessel Name: Stella Maris
Vessel Model: Defever 44
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,741
After chartering a boat we thought we loved that had (for lack of a better term) a pullman berth, I learned it was one of the two things on a boat my wife would absolutely NOT tolerate. The other is a smelly head. Buying a Defever with centerline queen solved the first (crappy photo). I’m almost finished solving the second.
Attached Thumbnails
2F8C637A-5CAC-4336-A1FE-DB9EF0109E65.jpeg   C8414293-5785-4A00-B00F-609062C32270.jpg  
angus99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2018, 08:14 AM   #20
Guru
 
Tator's Avatar
 
City: Bainbridge Island/Petersburg Alaska
Vessel Name: Oz
Vessel Model: Bluewater 40' RPH 1979
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 514
I am of the age, but not of the problem so our one-side access queen works well for us. Would I rather have access from both sides? Sure. But not for the trade off of what that other space is being used for.
Tator is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:37 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012