Stern Rail Seat Weight Limit

[largojimbo2003]

Howdy,

Lots of information about stern rail seats and their care and use but no one talks about the weight limits of someone actually sitting in them. Holiday time in Florida means relatives traveling down from the North and wanting to go sailing. I've got a brother-in-law who likes to strap on the ol' feed bag. He's pushing 280 without the beer in his hand. 283 when he does. Question: If Jocko sits in one of the stern rail seats on a 2003 Hunter 386, will she hold, will she buckle or just cry a lot? Cant find anything in the Hunter manual. Please let me know. Thank you

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

280 pounds is a pretty big point load but most people who weigh that much tend to spread the load over a wide area

 

[Boomer54]

He is a big boy and certainly knows it. If he attempts/wants to sit there, I’d be tempted just to plainly tell him it may not support him. If he decides to chance it, hand him a line or life ring first. He’ll get the hint!

 

[Justin_NSA]

Tell him they are called "babe seats". Maybe he will change his mind. I have to kill the image of 280lbs in bathing trunks showing off the stern!
I think the rail will support him. Not sure about the seat material. Mine look like StarBoard or equivalent.

 

[Mikem]

My oldest son is 6'6" and 320 (yes he played college ball) and the stern seats on my 466 hold him just fine. Just don't slam into it.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

Tell him they are called "babe seats". Maybe he will change his mind. I have to kill the image of 280lbs in bathing trunks showing off the stern!
I think the rail will support him. Not sure about the seat material. Mine look like StarBoard or equivalent.

We call them Princess seats. Best seats in the house. Sorry, can't say about the load but I have had pretty big guys in mine with no issues. Big princess'.

 

[Tom J]

Jocko could come in handy to trim the boat. Just ask him to move from one seat to the other, depending on what tack you are on. Or, if you are worried about the rail seat, ask him to move forward, so the boat doesn't squat so much!

 

[karellen]

I weigh 225 or so. Never gave any thought to the princess seats not holding...

 

[Fred]

Not sure about your boat but the H26 has a lifeline joining the two stern rails (seats). I notice that there is considerably more tension in this line when sitting on the stern rail seat or when my dinghy motor is mounted on the rail. Probably a good thing to have this cable in place when heavily loading the seats to distribute the forces somewhat.

 

[Ron20324]

Are the seats held up also by one SS post? If so, reinforce the bolts with washers or some other means. Screws won't get it.

 

[Don Lucas]

if the ass fits onto the seat. the seat is going to hold it

 

[jssailem]

When considering weight and balance would you hang a 300 lb dingy on a corner of the stern or would you want that mass down low in the cockpit?

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Not just a problem from obesity, but anyone with an agility issue is a safety concern and I wouldn’t invite them aboard (if social circumstances allow me to avoid it). You should also consider how you would recover the guest if MOB, and have a plan.
I insist that all guests wear a PFD when not below decks, and I wear one myself as an example. That way your “higher risk” guests aren’t singled out. I have inflatable belt packs for swimmers (and show them how to use them) and auto-inflate vests with harnesses for people who are less confident in the water or who aren’t sure they can use the swim ladder. I’d offer one with harness to a “bigger” guest. I could try to use a halyard and winch to recover someone in a harness (provided they are conscious and cooperating).

 

[Don Lucas]

Since the other day I weighted 307# I guess I can no longer sail. :-(

 

[Sailm8]

 

[largojimbo2003]

Lol. Holy S__T! great posts. good info and laughing my A__ off.

 

[jssailem]

I guess I can no longer sail. :-(

This is not true.
It is the boat that influences your sailing experience gauged against your body shape.
Many a large pirate enjoyed a good Sail upon a strong boat.

A less than enjoyable sail might occur on an inappropriate boat selection.

 

[Don Lucas]

Praise the Lord, i get to keep sailing

 

[Ron20324]

Praise the Lord, i get to keep sailing

Better re-check after the holidays