Levity's forward facing seat conversion

Levity

Hi all,
Levity has had a forward facing seat conversion. The original seat box was removed, the bottom 7 inches cut off to be used as a base frame for the new seat box and deck. A forward end and port side were constructed to make the box fully enclosed as the original lacked this enclosure. The box then had a frame fitted to the bottom to which was attached four sliding discs for the purpose of bearing the weight of the box and sliding across the deck.Two aluminum guide rails were fitted to this frame in order to guide the box as it travels fore and aft over the deck as well as keep it in place. Each guide rail is equipped with two nylon centered eye bolts which are attached to the newly installed deck. The result is a seat box that maintains its original shape and volume for storage yet slides to provide 15 inches of foot well when moved to the forward facing position. The dinette table is hinged with two strap hinges. Two 1 inch square aluminum 'bolts' 15 inches long are fastened beneath the table top with aluminum brackets fashioned from flat stock.The tolerance between the bracket and the bolts allows the bolts to slide. These sliding bolts allow the table to serve its two purposes without the need for additional supports. The bolts when withdrawn from the movable end of the table allow the tabletop to drop and the seat drawn back into the space vacated by the table. The bolts when extended to support the tabletop in its horizontal position support the table top ridgidly and also support the table rigidly when it is used as a platform for the single berth. The deck has storage below and is access by a hinged portion of the decking.
Mike 'Levity'

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:59 am Post subject:

Congratulations on your conversion Mike. You will now wonder how you ever got along before. More storage AND your passenger can look to where you are going instead of where he/she has been. I would venture a bet that 75% of the 22's made this year will have that factory option.

Have you taken pictures?

Levity · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:29 am Post subject:

Anna Leigh
Thaks for the reply. My 1st mate prefers to see where she is going rather than where she's been so the seat conversion was a must to help her enjoy our outings. Photos are in the Levity album page 4.
Mike 'Levity'

TyBoo · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 8:16 pm Post subject:

Mike -

That is a great thing you've done there! I especially like those nifty eyebolts with the nylon inserts. Off the shelf? The only things similar I have seen are for hanging swings. The table support is cool, too. Did you make those deals?

I also like your idea of keeping all the gizmos within the confines of the box and off the floor where your feet go. Most all the home grown conversions have accomplished that - either inside and hidden like David and Pat, or behind and out of sight - and no matter what the method, the space waste has been kept to a minimum. The slides on the floor that C-Dory is using are great, and they should work well for a long time, but they are on the floor....

You and your family will be amazed at how much more pleasant your Levity just became.

Thanks for the pics and narrative.

Levity · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:57 pm Post subject:

Mike,
Thanks for the positive review of Levity's forward facing seat conversion. It is good to hear positive feedback from the man who has the forward facing seat concept named after him.
The eye bolts are from the local hardware store and the nylon inserts were found there also. The inserts happen to fit snugly into the eyes. Red Locktite was used to make sure they stay put. The table supports are one inch aluminum square stock cut to 15 inch lengths. The brackets that hold and guide these aluminum 'bolts' are made from aluminum flat stock shaped over a one inch x one inch length of steel angleiron. A one inch square piece of oak was used to hold the aluminum flat stock in shape while the final ears were beat into position. These brackets are attached to the table with quarter inch x inch and a half elevator bolts. The elevator bolts make for a solid attachment that will not pull through but with a minimum of countersink lie dead flat with the surface of the tabletop. I agree that keeping the working parts out of sight and harms way is important. The added storage is a plus and facing forward while cruising is a benefit worth the effort.
Mike 'Levity'