helm seat / cooler

Aug 23, 2014
164
Catalina 310 Guntersville, Alabama
I did a search and found an old post about using a tall cooler in place of the factory 310 helm seat. Seems like a great idea. I am a new owner and will be traveling to bring my 2003 310 home next week. Does anybody know the width of the gap after the factory seat is removed? Does anybody know a model of cooler that will fit nicely in this space?

Thanks.
 
Dec 16, 2011
260
Catalina 310 Atlantic Highlands
Congratulations and welcome to the forums! Personally, with refrigeration on my 2001 C310 I find I don't use a cooler, except for when I go on a short day sail. And even then I just keep the cooler below, out of the sun. I'm not with my boat so I cannot give you dimensions, but I've never found it necessary to keep a cooler in the cockpit.
 
Aug 23, 2014
164
Catalina 310 Guntersville, Alabama
Curt,
I think you are correct that we will not find a need for the cooler 99% of the time as we will be using our boat mostly at our home lake for short 1-2 day cruises. I am trying to figure out the best way to raise the helm seat. It is just too low to see over the instruments. Yes, I can stand but want to sit too. I think a $50 cooler/seat fits my pocketbook better than a $500 helm seat that hooks to the swim ladder.

Thanks for the reply. I actually found another 310 on my home lake that I can take measurements on until I get my boat home.

Appreciate your help.

Neal
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,944
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Re-Check the forums

I recall a couple on this forum pimped out their helm seat with one that sits higher up and was super cushioned.
 
Dec 16, 2011
260
Catalina 310 Atlantic Highlands
Curt,
I am trying to figure out the best way to raise the helm seat. It is just too low to see over the instruments.
Ah, I see now. My issue on my boat is that when I sit I am looking at the instrument pod, and when I stand I am looking directly into the dodger frame. I end up slouching either way.
 
Aug 24, 2009
444
Catalina 310 Sturgeon Bay, WI
I stand on a little stool made with 4 x 4 and 1" deck on top of those. Rubber on the base so it does not move. That almost 5" makes all the difference in the world to see over the frame.

I will post a photo and model number of the cooler we use. (we like some drinks on ice better plus keeps from having to open the fridge as much) fits the space perfect and can put the cushion on top and sit on it too. (the normal humped helm cushion)
 
Aug 23, 2014
164
Catalina 310 Guntersville, Alabama
Please post pic if possible...

I stand on a little stool made with 4 x 4 and 1" deck on top of those. Rubber on the base so it does not move. That almost 5" makes all the difference in the world to see over the frame.

I will post a photo and model number of the cooler we use.

A picture would help a lot. Thanks to all for their comments.
 
D

Deleted member 117556

I tied 3 or 4 throwable cushions to the bottom of seat cushion and it props it up high enough so I can sit, see and steer.
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
I am surprised by the number of people behind the wheel.

With the 135 Genny out I can't see anything behind the wheel. I am always off on one side or the other. The only time I am behind the wheel typically is when powering in heavy seas like trying to run up Buzzards Bay into the wind and a 4-foot chop to make the current in Wood's Hole. I wouldn't want to be sitting in an elevated seat in those conditions. Other times if we powering its typically light wind and calm seas and I have the autopilot doing most of the work.

When are you guys sitting in these seats?
 
Dec 16, 2011
260
Catalina 310 Atlantic Highlands
I am in the seat when motoring in/out of the marina (using sails is prohibited). My day sails are frequently in Sandy Hook Bay under light wind so we're usually not heeled much, and I have enough people on the boat keeping watch that being in the seat isn't an issue (my 8-year-old is particularly good at pointing out the powerboats).
 
Aug 23, 2014
164
Catalina 310 Guntersville, Alabama
Behind the wheel...

I am surprised by the number of people behind the wheel.

With the 135 Genny out I can't see anything behind the wheel. I am always off on one side or the other. The only time I am behind the wheel typically is when powering in heavy seas like trying to run up Buzzards Bay into the wind and a 4-foot chop to make the current in Wood's Hole. I wouldn't want to be sitting in an elevated seat in those conditions. Other times if we powering its typically light wind and calm seas and I have the autopilot doing most of the work.

When are you guys sitting in these seats?
Well, I am old, fat, and tired. We will be bringing out boat home next week on a 340 mile trip up the Tennessee River. I think I will be behind the wheel for several long days of motoring. I also think the type of sailing we do on our home lake is pretty casual and sitting will be very comfy.
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
Well, I am old, fat, and tired. We will be bringing out boat home next week on a 340 mile trip up the Tennessee River. I think I will be behind the wheel for several long days of motoring. I also think the type of sailing we do on our home lake is pretty casual and sitting will be very comfy.
haha. That's a long river trip.

Out of curiosity do you have an autopilot?

Our PO, installed the full boat of electronics in 2001 when he bought the boat. But the chart plotter is old grey scale and could use an update. Not in our budget. But I am very glad he installed an autopilot with remote. I use that all the time. When it's time for a long day of powering, I will plug in the remote (30-foot cord) and either jump up in one of the perch seats or go up on the bow with a cushion. Might be worth looking into a used autopilot with remote if you don't have one. Well worth it, IMO.

Fair winds,

Jesse
 
Aug 23, 2014
164
Catalina 310 Guntersville, Alabama
Remote...

A remote sounds like a great idea. I do have auto pilot. I will look into it. Thanks for the tip.

Neal
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,944
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Remote sort of useful

I picked a new in the box ST50 remote at Bacon's for $25 - like it. :D Works well with my ST60 instruments and S1 AP. :dance:

FWIW, my dodger was a bit in the way when standing behind the wheel so I cut 2" off each side. Did not really have to do much with the canvas as it had shrunl an RCH, but then I replaced the canvas last year.
 
Mar 22, 2009
360
Catalina 310 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, MS
Didn't see anyone mention this type of seat. Think it is from Walmart...came with my boat. Base screws into the fiberglass helm seat. The seat itself pulls out of the base to store down below. Works well. Comfortable. And plenty strong...I weigh 230.

When sailing I can pivot the seat and sit sideways leaning towards the windward side and lean back against the backstays.

Cheers,
Jim
 

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D

Deleted member 117556

Jim,
I am intrigued by your helm seat. Attwood has a wide selection of these so it is hard to figure out which would work best. Does your swivel? Does it tilt at an angle? Is the height of yours adjustable? Does the pole pull out of the base and that is how you stow it? Just trying to determine which of the many options you have. Thanks.
Bob
 
Aug 23, 2014
164
Catalina 310 Guntersville, Alabama
Jim,

That looks nice. I think that might be the way to go.
Thanks,
Neal
 
Mar 22, 2009
360
Catalina 310 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, MS
Bob,

The seat has a "pole" that slides down into the "tube" of the base. Seat is pulled out every night and stored down below. The base stays permanently attached to the helm seat.

It swivels great. it does not "tilt" but the seat back folds down. It is not height adjustable.

Pretty sure I have a backing plate on the underside of the fiberglass helm seat...just don't remember if I do or not.

I like it and it works great. Guests feel very comfortable using it. Very nice height...but I am 6' 2" so works well for me.

Cheers,
Jim