This pic shows the main issue... the V berth access is between a hanging locker and the head door, with a filler and cabinet face right at the front of the V berth. The berth area is large enough for me to fit in there, but that makes me less able to respond to emergencies, should they arise.

When anchored or in a slip, we fold out the larger berth in the center of the boat and put away the table. But underway, especially with engine running, the V berth is quieter.

But the V Berth is about 30 inches off the sole in the cabin, and the admiral cannot just hop onto the berth easily. Currently she uses this large stuffed cube pillow to scamper into the V berth.

So I am looking at putting a step into a face on the front of the berth.

Below is what it looks like. (excuse the mess in the berth, I was moving stuff about)

The V berth cushion actually adds another 4 inches of height... but it does compress a bit.