kevrangray
New member
I'm looking at upgrading the seats in my C Dory and was curious if anybody on here has done that previously or any ideas/thoughts in the upgrade.
Thanks,
Kevin
Thanks,
Kevin
Upgrading seats?
- Thread starter kevrangray
- Start date
Kevin,
I upgraded the helm seat with mods, not a replacement. Although I am 6'3"' most of my height is in my legs and I found the seat too soft and low. First, I raised the seat with oak blocks (pics in our album). That got me a few inches of added height, but I wanted more so I took the seat to my local canvas guy and had him rebuild the seat bottom with denser foam, which made a big difference in both height and comfort. That cost me about $40.
Hope this helps,
Nick
"Valkyrie"
I upgraded the helm seat with mods, not a replacement. Although I am 6'3"' most of my height is in my legs and I found the seat too soft and low. First, I raised the seat with oak blocks (pics in our album). That got me a few inches of added height, but I wanted more so I took the seat to my local canvas guy and had him rebuild the seat bottom with denser foam, which made a big difference in both height and comfort. That cost me about $40.
Hope this helps,
Nick
"Valkyrie"
kevrangray
New member
It does a little. What I'm looking at doing is changing out all the seats to something more comfortable. Just not sure on where to start though. I'll probably keep looking around and see if there are any of the other C Dory's on here that have exchanged their original seats out with new and different ones.
Thanks,
Kevin
Thanks,
Kevin
One of the problems is that the dinette seats are made more for the bunk/conversion/storage than human ergonomics. We had to put pillows in the back for Marie to be comfortable in any of the seats.
One way to make seats more comfortable is to change the depth of the seat, and the composition of the foam. Some tricks are to use different foams--a denser and thicker foam in the front area, and then softer lower in the back part of the seat. Also some upholsters will use a dacron padding under the cloth cover of the seat. These are types of modifications we have made in larger boats. But then it affects the ability to use the dinette as a bunk.
One way to make seats more comfortable is to change the depth of the seat, and the composition of the foam. Some tricks are to use different foams--a denser and thicker foam in the front area, and then softer lower in the back part of the seat. Also some upholsters will use a dacron padding under the cloth cover of the seat. These are types of modifications we have made in larger boats. But then it affects the ability to use the dinette as a bunk.
I replaced my seats this year with Tempress Low-Back Navistyle Boat Seats from Cabelas and feel they were a nice up-grade. Much firmer foam and sits more up-right. My old seats you could feel the bolts through the cushion after a couple hours. These give me all day comfort.
Captains Cat
New member
Kevin, this might work but might need a little padding :roll:
Charlie
Charlie
Hi
I have faced the same problem of an un-comfortable seat. I planned on buying a nice van or truck seat from a junk yard and using it but decided that it would look strange. First I raised the back rest up which gave me a lot more back support which really helped. I also changed the foam in the seat so that it gives me more support. For the moment I am happy with these changes. There are so many boat seats on line that it is hard to know what to buy without sitting in one first.
I have faced the same problem of an un-comfortable seat. I planned on buying a nice van or truck seat from a junk yard and using it but decided that it would look strange. First I raised the back rest up which gave me a lot more back support which really helped. I also changed the foam in the seat so that it gives me more support. For the moment I am happy with these changes. There are so many boat seats on line that it is hard to know what to buy without sitting in one first.
I have a plan to install a Vanagon seat for the pilot. The color is compatible, it has adjustable armrests, the size is very similar to the original and most Vanagon owners say that it is the most comfortable seat of any car for long trips. Although they are somewhat sought after for upgrading the older Vans, I happen to have one. I will remove the headrest.
I could install it with the sliding tracks as well as a part that allows it to rotate, but I may not do that since it raises the height somewhat and I am fairly tall. The rotating part would be handy so you could face the passengers when dining, etc.
I could install it with the sliding tracks as well as a part that allows it to rotate, but I may not do that since it raises the height somewhat and I am fairly tall. The rotating part would be handy so you could face the passengers when dining, etc.
Captains Cat
New member
Brian, where do you buy one of those things?
Charlie
Charlie
Florida Explorer
New member
Here is a very comfortable,almost direct factory replacement. It has adj. folding arms;slider,approx. 2 in. travel;adj. suspension. Possible problems; you might set too high up and it's Black vinyl upholstery. $284.35 delivered From www.surpluscenter.com Item#1-3299 Cub Cadet Seat with armrests. I'm very pleased with it.
Hi Kevin,
I've considered something similar. I looked at a bunch of different helm seats, but I think the dinette seating is lacking even more with ergonomics. We have never had a need to use the table as a berth... coming up with comfortable seating there would be a big step forward. We use a pillow behind our backs, since the bottom of the seat area is longer than typical. I'm thinking a custom auto upholstery place may be a good starting point. At this time, I haven't felt the need to tear into it, but it is certainly on my consideration list.
BTW, we were up in Yellowstone last week to visit our friends Paul (Lake Queen Captain) and Pat. Saw your boat, and John's; Jay and Jo-Lee were out and about. I enjoyed seeing Paul's boat - his helm and co-pilot seat were very comfortable.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
I've considered something similar. I looked at a bunch of different helm seats, but I think the dinette seating is lacking even more with ergonomics. We have never had a need to use the table as a berth... coming up with comfortable seating there would be a big step forward. We use a pillow behind our backs, since the bottom of the seat area is longer than typical. I'm thinking a custom auto upholstery place may be a good starting point. At this time, I haven't felt the need to tear into it, but it is certainly on my consideration list.
BTW, we were up in Yellowstone last week to visit our friends Paul (Lake Queen Captain) and Pat. Saw your boat, and John's; Jay and Jo-Lee were out and about. I enjoyed seeing Paul's boat - his helm and co-pilot seat were very comfortable.
Best wishes,
Jim B.