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Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 26th, 2020, 5:43 pm
by Sailor Jerry
As you know, the original Carver sleep sofa has to be moved for access to the port engine. That sofa was just too much for me to handle. I would have to partially disassemble it to move it when doing maintenance. Plus after 20 years it was showing some wear. I would have loved simply purchasing a sectional unit, but could not find one the right size. I decided to build a sectional. No, I have never built furniture before. I studied some sectionals online, example: https://www.homereserve.com/?show=secti ... WwQAvD_BwE
I started back in January. The wood frame is 1/2 exterior plywood. I made the legs out of poplar (which stained very close to the teak interior). There is more storage than with the original, and I left the bottom out of the 'L' so its easy to get to the gas valves. One thing I would do differently, I bought firm polyfoam from Walmart (online). I would order regular density, because to me, its a little too firm. If anyone wants the dimensions and rough diagram, just email to jerrygaggini@aol.com

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 26th, 2020, 6:14 pm
by Midnightsun
Wow, nice job. :down: :down:

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 26th, 2020, 10:38 pm
by Danpmart
Awesome job! :clap:

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 26th, 2020, 10:46 pm
by tomschauer
looks pretty slick!
If your gas valves are under the "l" i could see you had a problem as that L is a pain to move. They must have improved the 355's as my 98' has the fuel selectors ( i assume that's what you mean by gas valves) forward of both engines in the center of the boat, just pop up the center hatch and they are actually easily accessible.

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 27th, 2020, 9:02 am
by RGrew176
Looking good. Thats one way to make accessing the engine compartment a bit easier.

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 27th, 2020, 9:32 am
by ColRon
Great work! Sweeeeet! :down:

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 27th, 2020, 11:10 am
by Sailor Jerry
Thanks guys for the positive feedback. It did turn out nice. With the new wood blinds, new carpet and high gloss varnish on the woodwork, the old boat looks pretty good.

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 27th, 2020, 11:33 am
by bud37
Good job, looks nice, great idea having it in sections that are easily moved around....it will pay off big time.... :down:

Re: Building a sofa for Carver 355

Posted: May 28th, 2020, 9:26 am
by RGrew176
A true sectional sofa.