Wanna put in a really big, comfy, ultra plush helm seat....but how?

[skippythedog]

....Not monstrously big like the crab boats on Deadliest Catch but at least something more plush, about the size of an automotive seat. (The real reason is that I'm a bit.....um chunky)....A nice seat with the ability to swivel maybe, would make the boat so much more usable but the stepped cabinet design totally precludes that. Yes the factory will build you a custom one but the other hangup I had was the lack of self bailing cockpit which I think I've solved by targeting 25'+ models (a 22 would be fine if it self bailed and had a comfy seat) but now we're approaching a quarter million.....I called the factory to see if they had measurements that would tell me if any older models had more belly room at the helm but they have no info at all on anything before the 2014 fire.....They didn't even have measurements on the current models that were designed before 2014...just the molds. Granted I haven't actually been aboard anything bigger than a 16' years ago, so I don't know what's possible modifying or moving the starboard side cabinet/heater.....I'd love some input from anyone that has addressed this or can provide some insight....Thanks.

 

[thataway]

You would be best served by seeing a boat in person--yes the Tom Cat 255 and C Dory 25 are self bailing--but the 255 has deck boxes which can leak into the bilge. The C Dory 25 has in the floor hatches, of which the factory hatches leak into the bilge. Some of these have been repaced with. hatch covers which do not leak. The older C Dory 25's had wooden furniture, and might slightly be easier to modify to make more room for the helm seat--many different types have been installed. You can certainly modify fiberglass interiors, but I feel that fabrication is a bit more difficult.

If you post your location, it is probable that there may be a C Dory 25 or Tom Cat 255 nearby that an owner will allow you to look at, and perhaps even take you on a trip---Where do you live? I was 6'2" and 180# and found the seat to be "comfortable, but at times I liked to run the boat standing up. My son has a 25 and he is 6'4" and in the 230 lb range--and can fit in the stock seat (1995 model). The largest bunk is in the Tom Cat 255 and is full beam athart ship.

 

[srbaum]

Skippythedog,

I put a lot of time in the helm seat of my 26. After the first 100+ hours, I could no longer stand the existing seat and was willing to pay (almost anything) to have a comfortable seat. I spent a lot of time searching for a seat that would fit the space and not impact the pathway down the center of the boat. After extensive searching, I was about ready to have a seat custom made, or as a last resort, have my existing seat, redone with higher grade and custom cut foam. I had done this on my previous 22.

As I was about ready to redo the existing seat, I found a seat that fit the space, had a back that folded forward, has foam molded to fit your body, had a durable fabric cover and has armrest. I purchased the seat on eBay, but the seat can also be purchased at Tractor Supply.

About 400 hours of time on the new seat and I still am very happy with it.