Hey Guys I am a new owner of "mature" 1986 h34. My aching back requires a back rest for long sailing legs. No easy solution found. I envision a removable back rest to allow access to aft lazerettes while underway. Any body have suggestions?
back rest for helmsman h34
- Thread starter flasailor
- Start date
One of my buddies uses this: http://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Folding-Stadium-Seat-X5-5-Inch/dp/B002YXKFTW
I don't like that it flops around on heeling.. Seems like a removable upholstered "box" for a backrest, leaning on the swimladder, would be OK?
I don't like that it flops around on heeling.. Seems like a removable upholstered "box" for a backrest, leaning on the swimladder, would be OK?
hello all
on my last boat, I used a fold down bleacher seat... it is portable, light weight and can be stored anyplace out of the way when not used... they have both the back rest and the seat that are cushioned... you can get them at the sporting store.... some of the more expensive ones are swivel based too... I have seen people use them in their john boats for fishing too....
sincerely
Jess
on my last boat, I used a fold down bleacher seat... it is portable, light weight and can be stored anyplace out of the way when not used... they have both the back rest and the seat that are cushioned... you can get them at the sporting store.... some of the more expensive ones are swivel based too... I have seen people use them in their john boats for fishing too....
sincerely
Jess
I use a fender and if I want real comfort when on a run I put a folding chair in front. Going to the boat this afternoon so I'll take picture and post tonite.
back rest
Thanks, Claude. I'll give it a shot. I may have to extend the back of the seat to reach the swim ladder/stern pulpit. Boat is presently on the hard in Baltimore, and I am back in Fort Pierce, but will try next spring! Had to cut my season short due to twisted back resulting from huge wake from commercial power boat in Patapsco River. There seems to be no end to fools on boats!
Thanks, Claude. I'll give it a shot. I may have to extend the back of the seat to reach the swim ladder/stern pulpit. Boat is presently on the hard in Baltimore, and I am back in Fort Pierce, but will try next spring! Had to cut my season short due to twisted back resulting from huge wake from commercial power boat in Patapsco River. There seems to be no end to fools on boats!
Thanks, Jess. This certainly seems like an answer, and the recommendation from Claude will get a tryout in the spring.
Folding
I have a folding nice cushy seat like on a small row boat for fishing,it is so comfortable and I sit on when ever sailing or motoring.
It has one of many type of under seat pipe type and drill a hole in the rear stern that it sits in and even rotates side ways.
I have in the drop down stern walk thru step on a newer Hunter but have seen
also in a closed stern.
I will look in my Photo's to show you more info.
Nick
I have a folding nice cushy seat like on a small row boat for fishing,it is so comfortable and I sit on when ever sailing or motoring.
It has one of many type of under seat pipe type and drill a hole in the rear stern that it sits in and even rotates side ways.
I have in the drop down stern walk thru step on a newer Hunter but have seen
also in a closed stern.
I will look in my Photo's to show you more info.
Nick
We have a cockpit cushion for the helmsmans seat and tie a throwable cushion onto the pushpit for a backrest. I dislike buying something for a "one purpose" application - I have the throwable cushions out anyway.
I agree with the ap idea, since I spend as little time behind the wheel as possible: leaving the dock, docking and when racing.
I agree with the ap idea, since I spend as little time behind the wheel as possible: leaving the dock, docking and when racing.
Go ahead and install a helm chair. You can get them with or without armrests. The base is to be through bolted to your current seat and it can be cut to length for height. The chair is then attached to the base usually with a tightening bolt or lever. It will provide great comfort on long trips. I would not do without it. If you are reluctant to drill holes on the boat you can make a mounting platform with a piece of 3/4" plywood to mount the base on. Cover the bottom with carpeting so you can rest it on your seat and your weight on the chair should keep it in place. A chair gives greater visibility and great comfort.
Wife and I both use the large, bulky, 4" padded stadium seats on different boats and ashore. They are large, and difficult to stow, take up a lot of space, but are very comfortable and support my back. Since we use them in different locations, the backpack style straps and carry handles make it doable. I stand up a good bit of the time but I will not sail without it.
They are too big for the dinghy, but I use mine in the skiffs, fishing, etc.
They are too big for the dinghy, but I use mine in the skiffs, fishing, etc.
I have seen a tapered cushion made that is narrow at the top and thicker at the bottom. I was made of Sunbrella, they used foam to stuff it and had some loops and snaps to hold it in place.
Thanks everybody for your great suggestions. I will try the stadium seat, with mods if necessary, and the ap when appropriate!
Joe...
We use West Marine "Go Anywhere" folding cushions on the sides or center of the aft cockpit seat. They're good for up on deck or elsewhere on the boat or in the cockpit.
We use West Marine "Go Anywhere" folding cushions on the sides or center of the aft cockpit seat. They're good for up on deck or elsewhere on the boat or in the cockpit.
Here are the pictures I promised. One could also put 2 fenders to get a full backrest, but I find just one real comfortable. Adding the folding chair whenever running makes it "plush". Benny, if you look at the pictures you'll see the middle slot with the hinges on the port and starboard sides. The 34 rear seat opens up on both sides to reveal a large lazarette. A bolted helm seat would render that lazarette hard to use unless one found a way to make it easily removable, and would also be in the way of the stern access to the water.
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I have a West Marine "go-anywhere" seat...the high back version with arms and a cupholder. I strap it to my folding helm seat and it leans against the lifeline section behind the helm. Very comfortable and easy to move/remove as necessary.
-charilie
-charilie
Re: Joe...
Thanks to all these great answers. You guys are ingenious--and I am hopeful that the fender (why didn't I think of that? Dah) is the answer to the extras space behind the stadium or West folding seat and the stern pulpit!
Thanks to all these great answers. You guys are ingenious--and I am hopeful that the fender (why didn't I think of that? Dah) is the answer to the extras space behind the stadium or West folding seat and the stern pulpit!