securing v berth filler

[sailr4]

Has anyone done anything to keep the filler section of the v-berth from falling down? My kids like to climb up there so I keep the filler section on the lower level. It keeps falling off after the second kid (3yo twins) climb up. I'm afraid it may do the same in the upper level.

[Jim Hardesty]

I have a MKll so don't know if my fix will work.  I added an extra 1 inch to the board on the bottom of the filler ie. made it higher.  After doing that haven't had any problem with the filler comming out.
Jim

[Stu Jackson]

Yes, solutions include:

velcro

metal hook & loop

screwing and/or gluing wood stops at the ends

[mregan]

I used velcro.  Hasn't fallen out yet.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : If kids are going to be using it as a step - I'd only use a metal hook.

A thought

[Noah]

My insert has cushion permanently attched onto a board. Last week, I installed two sliding barrel bolts latches to the underside of the insert--one each port and starboard. I threw away the receiver part of the latch. After attaching the slide bolt to underside of insert, I drilled four 1/4 in. holes (one each side for upper and lower positon) to accept slide bolt. The top holes were into teak rail and lower hole into gel coat. It seems to work well, so far.

[sailr4]

Thanks for the ideas. Velcro was my suggested but barrel bolts or hooks also sound good. My daughters' heads thank you.

[dfloeter]

After hitting the floor twice with the insert dropping out I fixed it for good. Our Mark 2 insert also has the cushion attached and rested on a pair of small teak supports with another piece of teak at the front of the insert that locks in front of the side supports.  I replaced the small supports with beefier ones about 2" square and an inch or so longer.  The insert has not fallen since and my toes may never again be forcefully jammed under the door with my full body weight.  I had said ouch.   

[Andrew Harvey]

Never had a problem with velcro

[Dave Spencer]

I did exactly what Noah did. Barrel latches fastened to the underside of the insert pinned to the supporting rail.  Very secure but easy to remove if necessary.