Into the handy quarterberth go inflatable dinghy, Torquedo outboard, oars, and sometimes life raft, Jordan series drogue with chain, sea anchor and, if I think I'll need it, the Wedding at Sea Kit that goes with my ordination by the Universal Life Church. (The Temporary Marriage Certificate, good only for Saturday night, is more popular.)
When overnighting with certificated guests, all that gear has to be moved on deck and put back the next day. It all has to slide on the bunk fabric, and fabric is not a very slippery surface.
Solution: a piece of ABS plastic about 1/8" thick. Plastic is even more slippery than the Masonite seen in the first photo. And Masonite stains when wet.
The bunk shape is odd, so I made a cardboard pattern and took it to a local plastics shop. Mine is called "I Love Lucite" in Culver City, LA, but every community has such businesses.. They make clear plastic vitrines for commercial displays, art projects, and anything you can think up in the many virtuous substances called plastic. We can work plastic ourselves, but it's less awkward to just let the shop cut it.
The shape of such a piece doesn't fit through the Ericson hatch, but it bends happily to make its entrance.
Even heavy, sticky objects, such as an inflatable in a vinyl bag, now slide easily in and out. There's no danger of damaging or tearing the bunk fabric.
When time comes for sleeping, the plastic slides underneath the cushion, out of sight until its properties are needed again.
Total cost, about $50.
