Under-bunk Storage on the PDQ 32

rev. 12-12-2009, rev. 7-21-2024

The PDQ 32 was made in 2 basic versions: the Classic (my boat) which is powered by twin 9.9 hp outboards, and the LRC (long range cruiser) which had twin inboard sail drives. The LRCs have storage in the cockpit where the Classics have motor wells. The Classics have huge engine compartments under the bunks which are difficult to access. They represent nearly as much storage volume as found throughout the rest of the boat, and it seems a shame for it to go unused. We don't miss it over-nighting, but when out for weeks at a time, we need more luggage space.

The way our boat came, the "hole" was covered by one large unfinished sheet of plywood. You worked your fingers under the wood, awkwardly levered the mess over to the side, and deposited the wood on top of the mattress to keep it from coming back on your head. The wood was loose and always trying to slide and bang into something. The gelcoat was scared from it sliding around. More over, if you only needed one small thing, there was a temptation to lift the wood with one had and strenuously prod around in the dark for the desired items. Agony. We only stored item we seldom needed, and dreaded getting them out.

Some owners split the mattress and split the board. Better, but we didn't want to split the mattress and we are thinking about changing to a Select Comfort mattress later. We thought about pulley or lever arraignments - none were simple, and in the end, they weren't needed.

First, we need to add the sliding drawer, perhaps a bit larger than a suitcase. This should easily manage clothes for a week, with outerwear and such stored in other places. There are a few small cabinets and 3 shallow closets. The drawer we built is a simple 5 mm (~3/16") plywood box constructed without fasteners - only epoxy fillets. I have built many of these; they are simple, light, strong, and cheap. You can add fiberglass, but that is only needed if it is exterior or is a water or fuel tank. The runners are plastic angle left over from a garden shed! The handles are comfortably worn dock line.

The other key items were a simple piano hinge, rope handle, and a prop (5/8" hardwood dowel).  With a piano hinge to secure one edge of the lid, it is EASILY folded without cutting the mattress or un-making the bed! I added a rope handle to make getting started easier. Even my daughter can manage. The prop simply rests on the carpeted wall without slipping (it will stay in place underway), and is fixed at the other end by a screw eye in the dowel and a pad eye on the lid. It hangs in a plastic wire clamp (cut open, visible in center of the lid) when not in use. Simplicity!

Because the drawer rides on plastic angle sliders, it moves with a finger's touch. The exterior dimensions are 26 1/8" wide, 19" fore-aft, and 12" deep.

For now added the hinge and prop to the port bunk, but have left off the drawer: my daughter and friends occupy that side and there is enough storage space since there are more cabinets; we use the space underneath her side (port side)  for boogie boards, extra cushions for the salon, scooters, and other over size toys.

The hammock on the left hangs from brackets that hang off the nuts mounting the Genoa track. We generally use it for dirty laundry. We tried using the "hamper" under the seat, but we learned that the smell after even one day, sealed up in the summer heat, was far to much.

After-install tip: I always forget something.  There is no room for the prop when the lid is lowered. I went back and cut a scoop out of the aft edge of the box just right of the mid-point to accommodate the prop in it's stowed position.