31TE Pilothouse Seating

[RobS]

Been looking at some 31TE's. They all seem to have this port side couch seating. Ok for sitting around but not ideal for when on the run.

31TE port side pilothouse seating.jpg

I would prefer a pedestal seat on the port side, has anyone done a modification here? Like where my red line is, end the couch there and have new back & seat cushions made up for a smaller couch area, and then mount a pedestal set where I put the green mark.

31TE port side pilothouse seating 2.jpg

[DougSea]

Looking at expanding Rob?

Certainly seems like your solution is possible. Might even do a variation where you split the backrest and bottom cushions forward so that they can be replaced when in port, allowing for a more social seating area.

Another thought - what would it take to make a larger, double helm seat? Get Erica snuggled right in there next to you. Make a pivot and swing it sideways out of the way when not in use.

[Pitou]

In my quest for the holy grail I did see one 31TE where the owner left the settee as is, but split the seat cushion roughly where you have drawn your red line and mounted a removable pedestal seat on top of the FRP seat where you have the green circle. When wanting to use the entire settee the pedestal seat could be moved to another mount in the cockpit port side up against the hardback and the seat cushion was placed back on the settee. A little bit of a step up to the companion seat pedestal, but with a box it was pretty easy and was a workable solution as that was a concern for me as well.

[robonurse]

I have a pedestal seat on the port side of my 31 TE. It hinders the forward seating on the couch but the visibility to my passenger is awesome. It is a compromise. Three bolts remove the pedestal seat (the base stays) when I want the couch to be more accessible.

[Pitou]

I have a pedestal seat on the port side of my 31 TE. It hinders the forward seating on the couch but the visibility to my passenger is awesome. It is a compromise. Three bolts remove the pedestal seat (the base stays) when I want the couch to be more accessible.

Could you post up a picture of your set-up? I'm looking for ideas and I know others would be appreciative too.

thanks

[robonurse]

31-4.jpg

Not quite sure if I got this right. Here is a pic of the pedestal seat on my 31 TE.

[DougSea]

I'll bet you could make a table top that you could swap out for the seat if you wanted to serve or eat in the pilothouse.

And how about an adjustable (height) post to allow the seat to be lowered for more comfortable views aft?

All kinds of ways you could take this good start and build on it.

(Kevin - Are you looking at a 31? I'd love to see a new Pitou in the AOG family!!)

[Pitou]

(Kevin - Are you looking at a 31? I'd love to see a new Pitou in the AOG family!!)

Stand-by Doug ...

Thanks for the pic robonurse. Very much appreciated.

[jcollins]

Been looking at some 31TE's. They all seem to have this port side couch seating. Ok for sitting around but not ideal for when on the run.

I'm with you. That is the only thing that I don't like about the 31. Robonurse - You may have solved my issue. Just a thought for my negotiations...what did that setup cost you?

[robonurse]

Hi John- That was in the boat when I bought it. At first I didn't like how it blocked part of the couch but my wife had no visibility. She is always my lookout. I put the seat back and its been there ever since. The mounting plate is through bolted with a support ring on the headliner in the aft cabin. I am able to remove the seat with 3 allen head bolts. It would be an easy installation. Just price good quality materials. I believe mine was purchased at Niemiec Marine in New Bedford. They have an extensive parts department and I'm sure could get one for you. They would also do the installation if you're not comfortable doing it.

[loubennett]

What diameter is the post on your companion seat? If I were to put one in that tall, I would use a six inch diameter post. I think the four inch diameter post used on the 28 TE flush deck pilot seat is part of the reason it feels less than substantial. The other part is that it's mounted on the engine hatch, rather than a more rigid surface.

[robonurse]

The boat is winterized and covered so it's difficult for me to measure but I'd guess it is 5 or 6".