Aftermarket stern rail seats

[Dave]

The cockpit of my '89 C30 gets a little crowded when a bunch of kids come aboard. Stern rail seats look like a great option when factory installed per the original design, but I'm a little leery of putting aftermarket seats on a rail never intended to hold them. Has anyone had long-term good experience - or bad experience of any term - with aftermarket seats on a boat of this vintage?

 

[Ken Juul]

RE: Stern Rail Seats

I just put "Stern Perch" seats on my 90 C34. Purchased from Zarcor. Extremely happy with them. Quality of construction and fit is execellent. I have not noticed any flexing of the rails when someone sits on them, so I don't think that is a concern. Personal preference, but I opted not to do the cushions. $100 seems alot for 2sqft of cushion 1/2" thick. Zarcor has a web site and advertises in the Mainsheet.

 

[Trevor]

Buy 'em here on this site!

Hi Dave -I installed the aftermarket seats that I bought from the Chandlery here on this site (see related link), along with the associated Bottomsiders cushions. I've spent a lot of money on my 1986 C36, and in my opinion this upgrade is one of the best . They work as designed and have not caused any problems whatsoever. Great for newbied aboard - they are out of the way and get the best seats in the cockpit!Best,Trevor

 

[Dave]

after market stern seats

Dave, One major difference between the OEM seats and after market seats is that the original equipment seats are designed into the stern pulpit and the after market seats extend into the cockpit. You will gain seating space but you will also lose some maneuvering space in the stern area. fair winds

 

[Jim Hamilton]

can you upgrade

Can you upgrade your stanchons (sp?) to the newer version with the seats already built in? Or is that simply cost prohibitive?I'd like to have the stern rail seats as well for my '87 Cat, but don't want them sticking out into the cockpit nor do I like that little seat-leg that extends downward.I would think simply redoing the stern stanchons would work unless there are issues about the size of the baseplate or backing material etc.Anyone??Jim

 

[Ron]

Stern Rail Seats

I purchased the Stern Perch seats about two years ago have had no problems, while they do encroach into the cockpit somewhat I find it a small tradeoff for the utility of the seats. You can install the factory rails and seats, there was an article in Mainsheet a while back. However Camparing the costs of doing that to the Stern Perch seats I think the aftermarket seats a a better value.