Will my front bunk mod compromise rigidity?

[Michael D]

I am about to cut into the front bunk in my 1999 Scamp 16' to make a small dinette. I see that many people have done similar things. The lower bunk frame is a combo of fiberglass and wood, nicely supported and attached. If I cut out a foot well for a dinette I am a bit worried that this will affect rigidity when traveling.

Any advice if others have had any problems after similar dinette mods, or any specific compensation techniques would be hugely appreciated.

[Donna D.]

I am about to cut into the front bunk in my 1999 Scamp 16' to make a small dinette. I see that many people have done similar things. The lower bunk frame is a combo of fiberglass and wood, nicely supported and attached. If I cut out a foot well for a dinette I am a bit worried that this will affect rigidity when traveling.

Any advice if others have had any problems after similar dinette mods, or any specific compensation techniques would be hugely appreciated.

It should be fine. The only cabinets that add to the overall strength are the closet and supports by the door. Everything else is bolted in.

It's a very popular mod! Please post pictures as you go along

[Robert Johans]

The integrity of your shell will be fine, but you obviously have to add some support structure to your new "seats."

For example, for a simple fix you could use a piece of 3/4" white melamine cut to size and shape, and attach it inside along your newly cut edge, from floor to seat height and perpendicular to your front hull.

[Michael D]

Thanks for the tips folks,

That sounds exactly like how I am proceeding. Boy, that reinforced fiberglass is pretty tough stuff to cut. I'll take some shots as I go. After looking at some of the incredible work people have done to convert bunks my mod will be an example of the easy way out.

It looks as if a couple of dinette mods supported their tables with a single pedestal and large cups mounted on the floor and table underside. I'm hoping a single will work. Otherwise I will probably need some wall attachment. (Trying to avoid more holes)

[Donna D.]

It looks as if a couple of dinette mods supported their tables with a single pedestal and large cups mounted on the floor and table underside. I'm hoping a single will work. Otherwise I will probably need some wall attachment. (Trying to avoid more holes)

You could probably rig something up to the bunk support that's fiberglassed under the front window. Maybe something like the hanger used for the back dinette... Just thinking out loud here....