Survey: To bed or not to bed ?

Today, we are going to open a topic that is likely to spark debate : the choice of the bed, and more specifically its shape.

When designing the cabins of our catamarans, a crucial question arises : should we use the entire available space to maximize the size of the double bed, or should we leave passages on each side for what is called an 'Island Bed'?

No Shakespearean dilemma here, rest assured. After all, this choice is only possible thanks to the generous space offered by Excess catamarans.

On the Excess 11, we opted for beds that occupy the entire width of the hull.

The result : impressive dimensions for a 38-foot catamaran. The bed in the owner’s cabin to starboard, for example, measures 2 m x 2 m.

Owner's Cabin Excess 11

On the Excess 14, with more space on board, we have favored Island Beds.

These beds, accessible from both sides, allow for easy movement around and making the bed without gymnastics. There are also real bedside tables to place a book, phone, or water bottle before falling asleep. The dimensions then become more « standard » at 1.60 m x 2 m, similar to what you might find in a house, after all.

Owner's Cabin Excess 14

As for the Excess 13, it’s a compromise: Island Beds for the owner’s cabin to starboard and the aft cabin to port, but beds that occupy the entire width at the front where the hulls narrow for better passage through the waves.

So, dear Lab members, it's your turn. Do you prefer an Island Bed, accessible from both sides, or a maximized bed that extends to the hull sides, prioritizing width ?

Get typing ! Share your thoughts in the comments and help our design team create the cabins of your dreams.

10 comments

Bonjour à tous,
De notre côté, nous avons nos habitudes de terrien qui sont 200x200 ou 180x200. Nous avons choisi le 14 et nous avons trouvé dommage que le lit des cabines arrière soit en 160. Au vu de la place existante, nous aurions préféré un 180. Rajouter 10cm de chaque côté nous semble assez aisé et laisse quand même encore la possibilité de passer sur le côté même si c’est un peu moins loin. Pour le cabines avant il n’y a pas trop le choix et les dimensions actuelles optimisent bien l’espace.

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Hello. Pour nous island bed définitivement. 1,60 m x 2 m est plus que suffisant et standard. Les accès de côtés sont très pratiques ainsi que les tables de chevet.

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We like our 14 configuration, easier to make the bed with the access at the sides, rather than clambering over it. Also standard bedding fits.

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Hi everyone, based on the realistic assumption that Herve and his team love to innovate, I can only suggest some foldable bedsides : when you put them up you have more bed area but when you want to walk around the bed or simply make the bed you can fold them down.

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We actually like both/either of the options on the XCS.
Its the "cutout" versions we've experienced on other boats that we're less fond of (requiring special mattresses and sheetsets, more difficulty in making the bed, etc).

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On the 14 we suggest a partial island berth. We find the present ’island’ berth too difficult to walk beside and the floor by the outer hull is very weak and creaks a lot. Also cleaning in this very cramped side of the berth is a nuisance.
A partial island will give a bit more width and will be more solid.
Another thing we find is missing from the berths is a surrounding rim that prevents the mattresses from sliding off. It would look much more substantial with a nice wood rim.

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Pas encore propriétaire, on attend le 13 avec impatience… dans tous les catas que l’on a loué, on préfère l’Island bed.
1 pour faire le lit et 2 l’entourage permet parfois un accès avec une petite marche à la hauteur du lit qui n’est pas toujours pratique.

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J'aurai un 14 et je préfère garder le passage latéral.

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We prefer the Maximum bed like on the Excess11 in the Owners Cabin (2m x 2m). It is a shame that on the 13 the bed is so much smaler.

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Depuis un an nous avons plaisir à naviguer et profiter d'instants à bord de notre XCS11 #151 , pour nous la dimension du lit est très agréable en 2x2 cela dit moins pratique à l'usage pour faire convenablement le lit qu'une version island. Mais ce n'est qu'un bien piètre soucis comparé au plaisir du confort de vie à bord.. et au passage, ça arrange bien nos 4 petits enfants qui adorent squatter le lit de notre cabine lors des sorties familiales..

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