Sternperch

[Dhmosier]

Has anyone installed the ZARCOR stern perch seats on a Catalina 25? We chartered a larger Catalina this summer and my girls loved sitting on the stern seats. I am hoping putting them on the 25 will make the sail with "dear old dad" more. I am curious about how difficult the installation is and how useable the seats are on a smaller boat. I am worried that sitting there on the smaller bat will not be practical/fun. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[shipwreck66]

I've been waffling whether to put them on my C27 for a couple years now for similar reason. When we "do" have guests, the women tend to gather at those corners and try to perch themselves in the corners. But when it is just wife and me, most of time, they would definitely be an awkward add-on.

 

[KoniKoni]

I got the zarcor stern perch seats on my Beneteau 321. They are well made and easy to install. There was a leg to attach with a set screw and then two plastic rail mounts that attach to the rail with a thumb screw. They can be easily removed when you don't want them there.

I like how they keep passengers out of the way from the lines. They are also come with a handy cup holder that perfectly fits a bottle of beer.

Did you see this picture of the seats on a C27?

 

[caguy]

I made my perch seats for about $25. I used 1/4'' vinyl laminated aluminum honey comb panels for the seats $2/ lb. I used rubber rod holder clips from fishing store as clip on hinges $6 pair. The clip on the the lower stern rail. I used an aluminum tube laying around the house for leg with a ss flange from Minney's $2. I edged the panels with split vinyl tubing from WM (most expensive part $4.)
You can use plywood or starboard just as well.
As far as the back stays are concerned I got rid of the split stays and replaced with a single stay. In addition to not interfering with the seats it is much easier to use the stern ladder as well.
Here are some pictures.

 

[LuzSD]

Love ours on our 30 cat. I use them for the cup holder (put handheld in there), I brace myself using them when I need to, people flock to them when we have more than a couple sailing with us.......and I sit on them sometimes while steering when I need to sit high. I am really glad we have them. Our 27 had one, wish it had 2.

 

[Calif. Ted]

A friend put them on his Capri 26 and they became the most popular seats in the house, pretty easy install, should be similar to a 25.
My last 2 boats have em from the factory and I spend most my time in the windward one, you can see ahead and watch the helm.
At my advanced age I find seat and rail cushions are needed to prevent numbness of the nether regions for longtime use, and a nearby beverage holder.

 

[caguy]

The bottom is not my problem I have plenty of cush in the tush, but I do need to add noodles to the rails.

 

[Dhmosier]

Thanks everyone! Anyone have pictures of them installed on a boat with a tiller instead of a wheel? I am a little concerned about the space.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thanks everyone! Anyone have pictures of them installed on a boat with a tiller instead of a wheel? I am a little concerned about the space.

They are very nice. You can also make your own with 1/2" or 3/8" starboard material with two stanchion clamps and a simple aluminum or ss stick.

Not that hard folks. Go look at some, take some pictures, and decide whether you want to buy or build.

listen to caguy

 

[shipwreck66]

Thanks guys, my wife saw those pics, now I "must" get a set, the waffling has ended.

 

[Dhmosier]

Shipwreck ( one day you will have to explain that name to me) my boat is not even here yet and I am already on the hook for the seats. Only question now is make vs buy.

 

[shipwreck66]

Dhmosier, it discourages people from inviting themselves aboard. My last boat was previously named "Code Yellow", and also tended to discourage friends and family from unwanted visits, my wife made me rename that one.

 

[Dhmosier]

I love it. I have been thinking of names for my new boat and you just opened up a whole world of possibilities. Thanks for the input everyone. I will post pictures when I finish the install.