Helm seat overhaul

B

breausaw

New member
Got tired of sitting on plywood so re-stuffed the helm seat, than extended the hinges so the back would lay flat.
Will probable attach white cutting board or similar to the back of the seat.

Will make nice additional countertop for preparing those gourmet hotdogs and beans.

Full description with additional photos in album under projects.

Looked at buying a new lay-flat seat but times are tough; have to save for next summer’s adventures.


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Cool. My helm seat on the TC24 had quick disconects under it as to allow me to move the entire seat out of the way for the extension of the galley counter top. This, in addition to that would have made for a great way to get some of the room without having to move the seat. Good Job!

Byrdman
 
Wow: nice job!

My helm seat (store-bought from Cabelas) also folds flat, and level with the galley top counter.

Putting a cutting board on top of the folded seat extends the countertop and gives more space for cooking in, and serving from, the galley...as well as for "setting" other things when not underway. (See photos.)
 
Awesome work!:thup Love the folding flat helm seat. What a great way to increase the galley countertop space. I too am thinking of copying your innovative idea to lay the seat back down flat. Now that you have done it, any regrets, problems, things you would have done different? How long are the aluminum angle pieces you used? Looks to be about 6 inches. Did you simply add the blue foam under the existing foam, replace the cover material and re-staple? Thank you so much for your advise.

Grazer
 
I just put two hinges under the existing seat mounting. This allows the helm seat to tilt forward. The seat back ends up going over the top of the steering wheel. The angle and friction hold the seat in the tilted position.

While my method does not make the counter level, it still opens up the large area where the seat normally rests when driving the boat. It also does not involve cutting and modifying the existing seat hinges.

When I get my boat out of winter storage in a couple of weeks I'll post some pictures.
 
ssbol,

I seem to recall your input on another thread regarding the helm seat folding forward using a hinge system. What kind of hinges did you use?
 
Grazer":c0xg7ncu said:
ssbol,

I seem to recall your input on another thread regarding the helm seat folding forward using a hinge system. What kind of hinges did you use?
Click to expand...

I used stainless steel strap hinges a lot like these:

https://www.atgstores.com/cabinet-hinge ... 02135520:s

I got them at a "nautical flea market" a few years ago. I don't remember the brand. They are probably ~5" long hinges. You just need hinges that fold flat. I put a couple of furniture "feet" on the bottom of the seat board to account for the thickness of the hinges (maybe 5/16"). If you wanted to you could rout out a slot for the hinges to lie in in the seat mounting boards and then you wouldn't need the pads.
 
I like how C-Hawk (C-hauk) has a cutting board on the back of his seat, but my seal does not sit level when it is down.... yer method is just what the doctor ordered... just amazing.. simple yet ideal... it would be an idea that the factory would do well to copy... great engineering !!!

Joel
SEA3PO
 
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