Thinking about converting to captain's chair

[superbenk]

I'm considering converting my back-to-back driver's seat to a swivel captain's chair for a couple reasons:

1. Make more room in the boat
2. Make it easier to turn around in the chair to watch watersports
3. Adjust height for better visibility depending on speed

My boat is pretty narrow & as you can see doesn't provide a whole lot of seating as it is. I'm concerned that converting the back-to-back to a swivel chair will reduce seating too much, but I really find the back-to-back seating extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient for driving.

Here's some pics - just looking for some opinions...

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

I'm considering converting my back-to-back driver's seat to a swivel captain's chair for a couple reasons:

1. Make more room in the boat
2. Make it easier to turn around in the chair to watch watersports
3. Adjust height for better visibility depending on speed

My boat is pretty narrow & as you can see doesn't provide a whole lot of seating as it is. I'm concerned that converting the back-to-back to a swivel chair will reduce seating too much, but I really find the back-to-back seating extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient for driving.

Reason #2 should be removed; if you're driving you should be looking ahead, not behind.

I have the same main cockpit seating as you; I prefer two back-to-back seats. My seats allow me to convert them to two lounges when fully opened, or as two facing bench seats. The bench seat configuration is great when having lunch afloat.

If I need more height when driving I sit on my throwable cushion.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

I'm concerned that converting the back-to-back to a swivel chair will reduce seating too much

depends on how ya use your boat. how many folks do ya usually have on board? 2, 4, 6? if 2 or 4. yer good to go. if ya take 5 or 6, then i'd leave well enough alone. i also have the same seating arrangement. like DB, i also use the fold out seats as lounges/beds. mostly beds. for me, i don't want to give that up. like DB again. if i want height, i sit on a type IV throwable.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

Usually just myself, the wife & 2 kids. Very rarely I bring my parents too (obviously the part that could cause a problem).

Reason #2 should be removed; if you're driving you should be looking ahead, not behind.

Good point & you're right. I do keep my eyes ahead, but take a glance back occasionally to make sure everything is ok & see how the rider is doing. This is in addition to the required spotter that I always have. Also, it's not just when we're moving, but when the rider is back there getting ready to go before I get the "hit it!". Being aware of what's going on all around me is extremely important to me.

Getting a throwable cushion to put on top is an idea, but I also find that the base of the seat is either too close to the wheel or the back is too far away. I'm thinking a pedestal seat might be a little shorter with a more upright back which would also be more comfortable.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

I think captains chairs are the ticket, they allow you to free up lots of room, and the back seat people are looking at where you are going, not where have been. It also allows for better communication from back to front passengers. I have 4 of these in my 19 footer and they can be pulled out if there is only 1 or 2 of us, freeing up tons of space for fishing or what ever you want.
The back-to-backs are nice, but they consume huge amounts of space. If you go that route, make sure you purchase the ones that have air shocks, they will provide a very comfy ride, they are expensive, so at least make sure the captain?s chair has this. Let us know what you find, I'm looking for a set of them too, but I would buy used not new, cant find any sources just yet.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

Getting a throwable cushion to put on top is an idea

don't know about your state, but in NE. a type IV throwable is required equipment. a safety violation if ya don't have one on board.

more food for thought.

as for when ya have 6 on board. if ya go with swivel seats. that will open up a lot of space between the back and ft. seats. room enough to put a patio chair? maybe?

a thought against the swivel seats. when ya have 4 on board. if ya remove your back to backs, that means that 2 will be sitting as far aft as possible. in my boat, when someone sits aft, it most certainly changes the attitude of my boat, i plane less efficiently due to the weight in the very back.

The back-to-backs are nice, but they consume huge amounts of space.

this may be true, but on my boat, assume the ops too. this space is usable. i keep lots of stuff under my back to backs. ladder, spot light, anchor + rode, extra lines, extra prop, on occasions, even a coleman cook stove. this storage space will be eliminated if ya go swivel seats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

I think the seating arrangement of a lounger on the one side and a pedestal on the other is a great one. Been seeing it on a lot of newer boats.

I love my pedestals. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2728-2.jpg

 

[skargo]

Re: Thinking about converting to captain's chair

I have 2 pedestal style seats, but have been considering swapping out the passenger seat for a back to back.

p.s. I wouldn't leave a pedestal loose enough to turn while underway.