Flybridge seating option

[Captn_Dwt]

to the problem of the bench seats on the Fly Bridge..I've seen many solutions, even pedestal seats.
For us, the bench seats are horrible. Too low, and too far back from the wheel. So, I needed something. My canvas shop wanted almost $800 for a custom cushion that would lift me up and forward... but that's too pricy.
I like a good pedestal seat; I've put them on our last 2 17ft skiffs and they're great. Kits begin at just under $200.
Before I went that route, I found West Marine has a portable, folding seat that looked good. I got one, and wow, it's darn close to perfect. It has an adjustable backrest angle and headrest, it's about 4" thick with medium-firm padding, good fabric, arm rests...and best of all, it sits at a good height (for me anyway, I'm 5'8) when placed on top of the OEM cushions (and the backrest cushion removed).
So, no mods to the bench seats! No holes drilled in the bench seats! Just make the bottom of the West Marine seat a bit sticky with that no-slip rubber matting; or some heavy duty Velcro, and I'm good to go.
West Marine calls this a "Go Anywhere Seat", part no. 10967917. It's their product, so you can't find it elsewhere. Hope this helps.

[jleonard]

We had the same issue. We built simple frames using a 2x6 on edge and covered them with white vinyl.
Then we built plywood covers, padded then covered with sunbrella. They are the prefect height, and I find I am the right disatnce from the helm.
The added benefit is more storage height under the seat.
I can post pictures tomorrow.

[psalbin43]

Hi, we just bought our Albin 43 and the past owner fount this as a problem too. They added a pedestal seat. I brought the boat back to Massachusetts from Florida and I found this seat to be very comfortable. I hope the pic I attached come through so you can see it for yourself. If not reply with your emil and I cn forward a copy to you. Good luck with your solution.

Best,
Paul

[jleonard]

Pics of our seat mods. We have since modified the aft facing seat as well. When we first bought our boat the previous owner had installed helm seat similar to the above post. It was worse than the original arrangement. The seat was so high I had to bend down to reach the wheel. That was one of the first things to get removed from the boat.

[psalbin43]

Wow! I actually like the full bench seat picture than the pedestal seats I have. OK, just another project we may work into our new boat.

Best,
Paul