Lon sent me the layout of the custom M17, and here it is: http://www.htmills.com/images/CustomM17.jpg As near as I can tell, the Q'berths are in the exact same place, longitudinally, which seems as though I'd still have that room problem sleeping in them.. Maybe what is really the answer is an M20 with the same beam as the M17 (or at most very slightly wider), the exact same cockpit, but with longer cabin, q'berths extending out into the cabin more and with the inside edges angled in a bit to get width at the fwd end of the berths, with small knees under the side decks for the chainplates to transfer load, with two stanchions at the inside edges of the q'berths at the mast (one each side, with porta potti access in the center) and a short built up beam between the stanchions. Then, assuming the q'berths are really comfortable now, a choice of v-berth just like the 17 only longer, or open space (except for a boxed in porta potti and battery box(es - two would be nice) at center, just fwd of the stanchions) for tossing duffles, sails, etc. The open space might include a molded spot for an ice chest to rest securely. Tod Mills M17 #408, 1987 galley model BuscaBrisas