Hi, We're due to pick up a Conquest on Good Friday for use on the broads and I've been reading a lot of interesting information on here. On my random wanderings I found reference in the Norman Register of a Conquest called "The Bread Barge" as having converted the rear cabin to make a 3/4 double bed.
I've been searching the forum but can't find any other information about this. Has anyone carried out a similar modification and have any advice/pictures?
It would be nice to have a permanent double made up in the back but I was wondering if this causes any issues with access to the engine. Obviously I would have to work out some easy access to fuel and batteries but I think the benefits should be worth it.
We are going for the Conquest over the Norman 20 as we have two Border Collies who are a little nervous (aka mad) and wouldn't cope well with sitting out in the rear cockpit during the day, shouting at ducks on the broads!
Hello. The Bread Barge is mine, although the info on this site is from previous owners a fair few years ago. I'm afraid it's just the standard two single bunks in the back of there now, and has been since I bought it two years ago. I suppose you could put boards across at right angles from the bunks and make a small double with a made-to-measure matress or cushions. Good luck with your purchase - I love my Conquest!
Being 6'6 a conquest has always been the wrong boat for us ! (We briefly owned one as a engine doner) - Chez loved the fact it was newer & shiny , while I couldnt even sit down without banging my head
The later owners of ours only used the rear cabin as a toilet cubicle as they also couldnt fit in the bespoke 'loo'.
But......
It would be fairly simple to baton & have removable boards , coupled with cushions that sit on the normal rear bed base & up the side (Like on a 22/23 middle bed) this could be laid down during the day as a permanent 'small double' with fairly a fairly easy remove to access the motor thru the rear.
Lets face it - with an motor failure - you will have secured the boat either by anchor on river or by polling to the side on the cut before you even try to access the motor (not to easy on a conquest) the few extra mins removing the bed boards are nothing !
In fact similar to our 22 , where we remove the back bench bedding & boards , or Dads Sewer Tube which requires lifting of rear deck.
Plenty of choices methinks !
Adi
However....... I'd still go for a 20 & stick the dogs upfront ! - Open air everyday for me & the 20 wins hands down !
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding)
Conquest rear cabin
Posted - 01 Apr 2012 : 07:22:16
