Helm seat and auto pilot

[AADIVER]

I've seen "camelback" helm seats but I've no idea where to find and buy one. Sitting on the aft lazerette, my forward view is obstructed by the traveler and just standing at the wheel doesn't cut it. Any ideas? Also, what's the best and preferered auto pilot for an '83 30, Raymarine, Navco, or...?

 

[gpd955]

On my 310, I have a helmseat made by Blue Heron Marine. It is extremely comfortable and I sit high enough where I can see over the dodger and I can steer with my feet (which is how I steer when I am real confortable and the boat is nicely balanced). They are a bit expensive but if I had to get something, I would definitely spend the $$ now that I have one. (It came with the boat so I lucked out). Check in the store on this site and you can get the contact info for the Bottomsiders and Sunsure cushions. They may make them specifically for the 30.

On my '79 30, I had a Raymarine ST4000 and it worked great. The 310 has the ST 4000+ and it works fine as well. They are the only two I have experience with so I'm sure others can provide you with opinions on other brands. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them about ST4000 and 4000+.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

There's a member over on the Yahoo Catalina 30 group who came up with a helm seat idea that also serves as storage for the common square throwable cushions we all have. I'm always attracted to concepts that do double duty. Check out his picture:
http://picasaweb.google.com/danlmetzler/CanvasWork#5343247131883392274

 

[Scott B]

Do you mean these type of seats Helm Seats right here at Sailboatowners.

 

[Rag Bagger]

I purchased a 1984 Catalina 30 in the begining of the year. It came with a Raymarine ST4000 which has worked very well for my needs. It allows me to move around without worry. My boat also came with a foam helm seat made for the 30 and I got rid of it. I tried several things and saw a post one time where the writer went to Home Depot and purchased a plastic single step stool for $4.99 and loved it. Well, so do I. It's actually comfortable, the correct height and serves double duty. I wouldn't use it in foul weather but I would want to stand anyway. Good sailing.

 

[AADIVER]

I just picked up a small fold up stool from local hardware store that was "As Seen On TV". Ten bucks and holds up to 300 pounds. It has non-skid rubber buttons on the bottom of each leg. Ideal height and totally stowable.

 

[shipwreck66]

Have you seen the nice comfy seat they recently started selling at West Marine? It has a back and armrests and allows you to see over the cockpit for around $80