INTERIORS -
January 16, 2025
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.
19
comments
L'optimum Island bad 2x1,8 !
Can the Excess Lab show us a picture of what is underneath the bed? To Jan's point - does the Excess 13 aft beds hinge to access underneath? Is there a hydraulic ram? Is there space underneath for ducting hot air heating? Because all these things are more important than the small inconvenience of not being able to walk around an island bed. The side shelves are important so we would prefer a wider mattress that occupies all the space between the side shelves. The side shelves can also hinge open for storage underneath. For a very good design look back at the Beneteau Swift 34 Trawler main cabin which has shelves and opening cabinets either side of a full width bed.
I really do like the island bed configuration better than I originally thought I would. But in my eyes the Excess 14 is lacking of cabinet space in the 4 cabin version. I would like to have a bed, which offers better accessible space underneath. It is really much work to put away the matraces, the slatted frame, the covers, etc. to reach into the storage below. This process makes this storage space unusable for daily items. Maybe a single sided bed with a cabinet on the other side with shelfs, etc. would be the best compromize. Think about bookshelves, drawers for all the little items. We do usually not use the pockets much.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Effectivement, garder le passage latéral semble plus pratique à l'utilisation, surtout pour la circulation à bord. Félicitations pour votre futur XCS14, et nous espérons que vous en profiterez pleinement !
Merci pour votre retour. C’est un plaisir de savoir que le confort à bord et les moments en famille sont au rendez-vous. A très vite.