www.iFourWinns.com

I plan on spending many nights on the boat this summer with my kids. The Vista V- berth mattress "puzzle" makes for horrible sleeping conditions and I was wondering if any has had any positive or negative experiences with cutting one of those foam mattress toppers to lay over the cushions. I was thinking about a 3 inch mattress topper. Or, if anyone has any other economical solutions! I know it would be easier to sleep in the aft cabin, but I am a bit claustrophobic and it freaks me out! Thankfully the kids love it down there.
Thanks.

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

I did exactly what you are thinking about doing in my 298 Vista. I used a 2" foam pad (not an eggshell) and it made the bed much more comfortable. It has been a few years now and it is time for a replacement, but I will probably stay with a 2" because the comforter on a 2000 298 Vista probably wouldn't accommodate anything thicker. I think there was a previous thread about this same issue a few months ago that might give you some ideas as well.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Been doing the same with a 3" egg crate topper on our 268 for 5 years. Much more comfortable than without. We just roll it up when we take down the V-berth bed, and store it in the bow storage compartment under the seats. Works great for us.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I know you said you dont like the aft berth, but last year I had a custom made foam mattress made for our aft, and wow what a difference that made. i had the storboard one made much longer than the original, and had the port one made about 23 inches long. Just enough to get to the storage below. My issue was were the original cushions met, was right where my hips would fall, very uncomfortable.

As for the clausterphobic... heck your sleeping right....

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

We use the 3 inch egg crate memory foam in the aft berth on our 278. The admiral thinks it turned a horribly uncomfortable berth into one that is quite comfortable. If one of our adult children stays on board overnight they use the v berth. I often have trouble sleeping and normally never sleep late but found out that both the admiral and I can sleep in an hour or two later than we normally would on the aft bed. I think it has to do with being on the water and the closeness of the berth. If we stay in the slip hum of the AC will cover up any noise the neighbors make in the morning.

I worked on the boat today and put another coat of wax on her. I'm ready to splash but will wait until they turn the water on in the marina. I bought a lift at the end of the season last year and we had the boat in the new slip for the last three weeks last year. It is also covered so this year I should be able to go to the lake and drop the boat in the water and be on our way. This should be a lot more convenient and easier to keep the boat clean

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Thanks for the responses. I now have to choose between the egg crate and memory foam! I think I may go with the cheaper option to keep the admiral at bay! I got the usual look of dissatisfaction yesterday when I told her I was going to see if there were any deals at Boater's World! Plus since I plan on getting a Honda generator! Damn you crappy economy!

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

Go with the Memory foam. All the difference in the world. We did the areo bed, and the foam egg create then the memory foam. Do a search on the web you may find a deal.

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Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA

What did you use to cut the memory foam? I'm about to start that project this weekend. I was going to buy 3 in memory foam and cut the outline of the vberth. My past experience cutting foam (not memory) was not an easy task.
Kent

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2001 328 Vista

Previous Boats:
2004 Sea Ray 220 Select

You can easily cut it with a vertical band saw and a scallop edge double bevel knife blade. The Starrett Co can make a knife blade in any length and width needed, they are pretty cheap.

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2000 268 Vista "Reely Nauti"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/rivercruiser

I just returned from our first night with our "topper." I bought a 2" king size memory foam off ebay really cheap and cut it to size using a really good pair of scissors. The cut isn't perfect but nice enough! Me and my 2 kids slept great.
One thing I did learn (after 2 seasons!) is that you can gain more legroom by removing the curved back cushion on the bow end. There are no screws is holding it in place and it lifted right out! Being 6' 4", I enjoyed the extra inches of legroom. As an added bonus, with the cushion removed. the laptop fit perfectly on the shelf so the kids could watch Madagascar!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"