Fold down helm seatback

Tom on Icarus · Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 10:29 am Post subject: Fold down helm seatback

Some time ago I saw someone's photo on this site where they had raised the helm seatback so it could fold down flat making the flat seatback a useable addition to the galley. I cannot find it now and I want to do something like that to our boat. The factory seat just doesn't fold very much but if it did, it would extend your counter space.
Can someone lead me to this mod or suggest another idea to achieve the same? Thanks.
Cheers Beer

Tom

jerry97230 · Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 11:23 am Post subject:

I mounted my seat on a board that I can slide off of the counter, that really adds the counter space.
I think there is a picture of it in my album.

Jerry C Nile CD22

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 2:23 pm Post subject:

Tom, another approach is to put a hinge at the front of the seat so that it rotates forward and completely out of the way.

Sunbeam · Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 5:00 pm Post subject:

Here is a link to the album of "Triple J," which shows the fold-flat conversion:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album754&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

There are also some photos of a fold-flat seat/cutting board mod in Carpy's album (along with a lot of other great mod photos):

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album1462&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=1

kevin ware · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 1:12 am Post subject: seat back

The photo you are referring to may be from my boat.

I raised the helm seat back by adding about 6 inches to the aluminum angles that support the structure, so when it folds forward it lies flat on the seat. I then built a platform that is stored over the stove top when underway, but moved to the back of the folded down seat when not using the helm. This significantly increased the counter top space.

I also raised the helm seat itself by about 6 inches, built a chart storage area under the seat, and added about that much to to the floor under the seat. Now, I can finally see outside when running.

Unless you know what was done, none of these changes are at all obvious. The trick being to trim them out with teak to match the existing trim.

Am currently out of town and away from the boat, so unable to attach photos. But, if you are interested in how it was done, let me know and will take some pictures when I get back next week. Or alternatively, if in the area, just stop by and will show it to you.

Kevin Ware
El Gato Thomas
CD Tom Cat 25.5
LaConner, WA.

Tom on Icarus · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 9:37 pm Post subject:

Thank you all for your responces. Once again I have to say how much I appreciate the knowledge and advise brats are willing to share. You are a great resource.
Sunbeam......you hit it right on. That is exactly what I thought of doing. I will also consider the other possibilities too as you guys are better than my imagination. I generally know what I want to achieve but know that there are many ways to get the same results.
Thanks again everyone.

Cheers Beer

Tom

Two Bears · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 1:38 am Post subject:

See the last two photos of Two Bears Eire Canal album. I took off one cupbard door and replaced it with a sheet of 1/4 inch plywood. When in "living mode" the plywood door becomes an extended table over the helm seat. When on the cabinet it is held in place by a wedge shaped piece of wood at the bottom and a "butterfly" piece of wood at the top.

I replaced the helm seat with a "Tempress" which I find more comfortable. It is about an inch higher than the old helm seat.

Chuck