Centric II Helm Seat

N

NC-TFC

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I am thinking about replacing the factory helm seat with an Attwood Centric II SAS seat on our C-Dory 22. The price at $200.00 seems reasonable and while it will be taller (~4in.) the width and depth are pretty close to the original. I would've liked to have armrests but I can't find any seats with arms that won't intrude well in the walk way.

I was wondering if anyone else has used this Centric seat and what your opinion of it is. I interested in fit, quality, durability etc.

Thanks Thom
 
Thom-

I haven't any experience with that seat, but would just like to point out that if it's 4" taller than your existing seat, you (or someone else diving your boat) may have clearance issues with your/their thighs. Even adding a inch to the steering wheel diameter often creates problems. Or converting over to hydraulic steering.

Some folks, if I recall correctly, have incorporated a newer and deeper/taller seat with a conversion of the built-in ice box into a storage cabinets, lowering the shelf on which the seat is positioned.

Good luck on whatever you decide upon!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Until you install the seat or at least set it in place it’s hard to tell if it’s going to work out. I did a lot of research and measurement before buying a seat from Cabelas, when I pulled it out of the box I new immediately it wasn’t going to work out. All you can do is buy the seat and try it out, just keep our receipt.
I wanted a seat that folded totally flat so I could attach a cutting board to its back and extend the galley countertop, haven’t’ found one. I extended the hinges on the factory seat (see project pictures) and will probably have it re upholstered locally.
 
I have a seat from Cabela's that lies completely flat, at exactly the height of the kitchen counter. See photos.

I do not remember the product name or number. It is a high back seat (I think it is available in a low back version too.)
 
I recently switched out the stock seat for a Cabela's seat, and I'm now thinking I'll rebuild the stock seat and put it back in.

The dimensions you have to work with are surprisingly tight.

A few random thoughts: I'm not sure an armrest is going to work with the engine controls in the stock location (and relocating the engine controls seems like a no-win situation) - perhaps a small rest attached directly to the hull side? As has already been pointed out, height is also a concern- I would really like to get the height down another inch or two, but that's because I boat in the PNW with fjord-like vistas everywhere and I want to be able to look up - if I were in Florida I might feel differently. Lastly, there can be a huge difference in quality with the foam in the seats. At least with the stock seat you can replace the foam to your liking - not so with the molded seats.
 
Hello Thom,

I recently installed a new helm seat in my boat. I don't have any pics in my album yet. It is the 'delux' seat they sell at Tractor Supply Company (TSC). It has adjustable arm rests and slides fore/aft. Height is essentially the same as the stock seat. This is certainly not the seat everyone will want, but it certainly is more comfortable than before.

I looked at many replacement helm seats...most where 'online.' I bought my seat from TSC because, if it didn't fit, I could easily return it without restocking charges, return shipping charges, etc.

Fair winds and following seas,

/david
 
Again great advice and I appreciate it. I think it's going to be a close fit. I was more worried about the width but the concern about how tight to the front is more of a concern. Since we have a Frig under the Helm seat lowering the seat isn't an option. I have decided to order one and give it a try. I have thirty days to return it so if it doesn't fit I'm only out some shipping $'s and some time. But I agree it's the only way to know for sure.

I'll post a status once I get the seat and hopefully some pic's of it installed.

Thom
 
NC-TFC":t2r4xblv said:
Again great advice and I appreciate it. I think it's going to be a close fit. I was more worried about the width but the concern about how tight to the front is more of a concern. Since we have a Frig under the Helm seat lowering the seat isn't an option. I have decided to order one and give it a try. I have thirty days to return it so if it doesn't fit I'm only out some shipping $'s and some time. But I agree it's the only way to know for sure.

I'll post a status once I get the seat and hopefully some pic's of it installed.

Thom
Click to expand...

Thom-

If it's only a little tight, you may be able to go to a smaller steering wheel, or get an adjustable tilting mounting, or custom make a wedge to tilt the existing steering unit up somewhat.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
So I got the Centric 2 seat and I really like it. But as has been mentioned this is a really tight fit. I put some pictures in my album showing the seat set in place and some tape measure comparisons between the factory seat and the Centric. The difference is ~2 1/2 inches but it makes it tight to get in.
I'm thinking about either replaceing the Baystar Helm with an adjustable or putting in a wooden spacer. I'd like to keep the seat as it is really comfortable and other than how close it is to the wheel it fits and matches well.

I am curious what others think of the seat and if there are other similar styles that would fit with other mods
 
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