Helm Seat

[Witzend]

Think'en on using one of these attached to the stern railing so that I can see over my instruments. Swing it to the side and rotate the seat vertically to store. Any comments?

 

[Sail123]

That would not hold me, but it might make a place to sit my Big Gulp!

 

[bobgelb@gmail.com]

I have a blue heron helmseat...the best for my Catalina 310. See http://www.helmseat.com/
Bob

 

[Calif. Ted]

I've got a helmseat on my 320 from Al at Blue Heron also, it's the envy of other Catalinas nearby, wouldn't be room on it for Gary's big gulp however, kinda tight, thank goodness I'm one of those skinny old men.

 

[gpd955]

Same here. And all my fellow sailors are jealous as well! I would recommend it to anyone. Without trying it out, I would wonder about the stability of the Swing Out Stool and whether or not it would eventually get to the point where it would be wobbly. With the Helmseat, most of the weight is distributed through the two legs. And it has cupholders!!

 

[Witzend]

What I had pictured is from Crown,
http://www.crownltd.com/crownltd/yacht-swingout-stool
They did not advertise the price on their website, now I know why $2400!!!!@! you can buy an entire boat for that!!!
My little butt weighs in at 135lbs, so I'm just looking for something I can prop it on, nothing fancy. I looked at Blue Heron, expensive for my taste, but I may end up considering it. I may try to make one myself.

 

[gpd955]

There are some posts from last year with some plans on the 310 forum. I probably wouldn't have spent the money either but the day I went to move my boat from Maryland when I bought her the PO asked me to stop by his house an he handed me the seat and cover (and the receipt) and told me he forgot to put it on the boat. It was brand new. After using it, if I had a boat without it, I probably would have splurged! Very comfortable and good vision over the dodger. I really need to suck it up and learn how to build things!