Stern rail seats

[Ed Schmitt]

Recently purchased stern rail seats for my Hunter 1980-33. In order to install I have to move the back stays from the last opening on the toe rail, forward two openings (about 10in.). Does this require a rigger or can I do it w/o affecting the tension? I am also concerned that by moving the stays it will cut down on the room to move around the pedestal. Anybody have any experience or suggestions.

 

[Jay Hill]

Backstays on toerail?????!!!

They are actually attached to the toerail? Hmmmm...never heard that one before. The H33 I'm used to has deck loop with backing plate on the stern gunwale. It seems to me the toerail is not as strong as a loop, but if it works, it works. Moving them forward will shorten the length of the backstay required. HOW much room do you have in the turnbuckles? If you run out of room in the turnbuckles and don't want to replace the backstay, you might consider an adjuster made of blocks that "lives" above the bimini. Of course, if you have a bimini where the stays go THROUGH the bimini, you will have to rework the bimini as the holes will be in different places.

 

[Tom FitzGibbon]

Stern Rail Seats Fit Fine For Me

I installed stern rail seats (purchased here at HOW) on my 33 (1979 model) last year and did not have any problems. Perhaps your seats are different models, brands or shapes or you have chosen to spin them 90 degrees and mount them on opposite sides (they do seem like they would be more comfortable that way), but mine fit just fine.Just like Sam's 33, my back stays are not fitted to the toe rail. I would be concerned about that placement and look for a better, more secure way of attaching them to a structural member of the boat. Good luck.