Pedestal Seats for A 27

[Schooner]

Hello....

New owner of a 1988 27SC. Looking to replace the double fold down helm seat with companion helm seats port and stbd on 26" pedestals. I recall reading that some have done this and might have advice. I purchased two seats and two pedestals and fabricated nine inch round backing plates out of quarter inch aluminum plate. Unfortunately, I did not look beneath the section of deck where the the P & S seats would need to be installed. The issue I'm running into is that there is a strengthening rib (approx 2"x5") running fore and aft on the small section of deck on both sides of the engine hatch where the pedestals need to go. This would keep me from being able to use an appropriate size backing plate to keep the pedestals stable as this rib will keep the backing plate from laying flat and distributing and loads. For those that have done this, how did you back the bolts that hold your pedestal? Did you use washers or something else? My concern is that there is a lot of leverage on those pedestals when the boat is rocking. Thanks for responding and look forward to your opinions on what to do.

Thanks very much

[tego]

Schooner, I had the same problem. I simply added about 1/4" of heavy fiberglass matting to the surface area, including the rib and then used 2" ss fender washers and nyloc nuts. I haven't had any problems yet, but if I do, I'll simply add a brace from the pedestal to the cockpit side. It's pretty solid without the brace now and my pedestals are 26" long. Ben

[coolchange]

I made a 2 by 10 cedar base and put the pedestal on that with t-lock (?) and bolts....then bolted that to the engine cover with bolts and washers (four corners for the cedar and all 6 base bolts)...this allowed me to straddle the rib and get good holding...been in some rough seas and never a problem.

Be sure to get the pedestal that will lower enough so that you can open the engine hatch.

[don123]

The issue I'm running into is that there is a strengthening rib (approx 2"x5") running fore and aft on the small section of deck on both sides of the engine hatch where the pedestals need to go. This would keep me from being able to use an appropriate size backing plate to keep the pedestals stable as this rib will keep the backing plate from laying flat and distributing and loads.

The simplest solution might be to make blocks to place on either side of the strengthening rib so that your aluminum backing plate has an even surface to attach to. Make the blocks whatever thickness you need so they are level with the underside of the rib and then bolt the whole 'sandwich' together just as you had original planned, but with longer bolts of course

Don

[Schooner]

Thanks everybody for great suggestions....

[eltombo]

I'm looking to replace my pedestal seat with the double fold down, where can you buy them?

eltombo/Tampa

[Vic K]

Here's how I solved that problem. The right seat front folds down and acts as a leaning post.
Vic

[eltombo]

those look great, but I want the seat to fold down out of the way when not in use. like I believe the old chris crafts did.

[rnummi]

Hey Schooner do you still have your old seats? I'm hunting for the originals to refurb. Ild be willing to pay and ship.

Rick

[rnummi]

Actually not just Schooner, anyone have their old benches? Condition unimportant.

[rnummi]

Ok, I'll settle for original seat hardware.... Anybody?

[rnummi]

Nobody has their old pieces parts for the seats? Reward offered!

[rnummi]

Has anyone looked at www.boatbox.com.au ? Seems like a great solution for the A27. Anyone seen anything like that made in the USA?

[Beta Don]

That looks like gear for pontoon boats - Lots of companies making similar items here in the USA

Don

[rnummi]

Maybe so, but darned if I can find one. BTB I read somewhere who the original hardware maker for the seats on the A27 was.... Do you recall who?