Helm seat question

Roscoe · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:31 am Post subject: Helm seat question

I know I've seen this before, but can't find it.

What I want to do is either replace the helm seat or modify it so the back will fold down flat, giving me added counter space in the galley when I need it. In looking at the seat, it seems to me it might be possible to remove the back and reattach it a couple of inches higher.

Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

Roscoe · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:41 am Post subject:

The silence is deafening!

Anybody?? Smile

MOOSE · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:06 am Post subject:

Ok, here goes. As I think a number of other Brats have done, a couple of years ago I unbolted the helm seat and rebolted it to a 3/4" piece of Decraguard which spans the cabinet top from front to back. The back edge is fitted with a two-piece aluminum extrusion as is typically used in RVs to mount removable tables, etc. On the front edge of the cabinet and seat plank I mounted hook-type hasp which locks the whole thing in place once the seat is slid into the rear extrusion. I know that there are other ways to accomplish the same thing, but this is how I did it. The seat pops off in a jiffy to add to the counterspace. I don't have any pics of it, but if you really want one, let me know.
Al

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:18 am Post subject:

Here is what I have done. The seat is held on with slide apart hinges. I just take it off and I have more counter space. Under the seat I have a pull out "cutting board" for even more counter space.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:57 am Post subject:

Nice solution, David. Not to hijack this thread, but could you tell us about the inverter you are using and the wall socket under the sink? How it's wired? Capacity?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

Roscoe · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:16 am Post subject:

Thank you, David and Al.

B~C · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject:

I did a little whittling and remodeling on the helm station. I started by relocating the seat to the garage and ended up with way more counter space and the ability to sit further back from the helm...or stand up....there are some pics stashed in the B~C innerds album. There are a lot of different ways to modify these tubs, that's half the fun.

Roscoe · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Ken. Love the photos of your creative solution. When I'm done I hope I too can prepare gourmet seven course meals Wink

.

B~C · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:23 pm Post subject:

thanks, now bust out that chainsaw and get to work Smile

those seven course gormet dinners are easy to fix, a can of beans and a six pack and WHALA

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:04 am Post subject:

Jim, the inverter is a Xantrex 1000W unit that is mounted overhead in the starboard compartment aft of the cockpit over the house batteries. This gave me the shortest 12V wiring I could get. I just have to pop open the hatch door and flip the switch. The receptical in the cabin is a dedicated plug-in straight to the inverter. I added a small red indicator light so I don't forget I turned it on. An inverter does use a small amount of amperage just being on even though nothing is plugged in. I am looking for one of those little pre-engraved plastic labels that says "Inverter" instead of the felt tip sign I have now.

1000 watts will run a small 4 cup coffee maker, coffee grinder, etc. You know, all the important stuff.

ffheap · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:42 pm Post subject:

Hi Folks,

I have 22' 1983 Angler with a helm seat that folds down flat. I use a cutting board to hold things when I am cooking. The seats seem to be the cheapest in price in most boating catalogues. On advise from another C-Brat I raised the seat a little less than 2" so as to be able to see over the bow. Before I had always sat on a cushion. This should raise the "counter" a little better height.

Fred

Roscoe · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:12 pm Post subject:

Great info, Fred. Do you know the manufacturer of the seat or any other details? What catalog would I find it in?

Thanks, to a Hingham resident from a Hingham native!

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:

Adeline · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

The original helm seat on Adeline folds flat and is nothing more than two pieces of 1/2" plywood, some foam, Sunbrella, staples, vinyl trim, and 4 threaded-inserts that anchor it to the ice-box enclosure. The hinges that make it work are here(#75013).

ffheap · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 8:36 am Post subject:

Here is the info.

West Marine, look up "helm seats", click on "5", Last one on page. (GARELICK DELUXE CLASSIC FOLD DOWN SEAT) Price at $71.77.

You should be able to find it for less price on the internet or other marine stores.. West isn't cheep.

Fred