Helms seat

[Mystic144]

I just purchased a 1999 445 Carver and would like to add a second helm seat.
Looking for a matching seat...anyone have one or where to get one?
Thanks

[BH_AtEase]

Did you ever find one? We have a 1997 445, and are interested in the same. How did you wind up mounting the second seat?

Thanks,
Ben

[Polestar]

Qr Bbpost Did you ever find one? We have a 1997 445, and are interested in the same. How did you wind up mounting the second seat?

Thanks,
Ben

Wow! Three years and no response to this email? I am also looking for a way to add a second helm seat to a 445. If anyone has any pointers for where to get a good matching seat and how to mount that in the area to the starboard of the captain's seat I would very much appreciate hearing your ideas. Thanks,

Michael

[rjr]

Polestar: We reconfigured the seating next to the helm. The PO had installed a navigation equipment box where the original passenger seat was located. We removed the top part of the box which left an elevated platform. We then reinstalled the original passenger seat on the platform. So the passenger seat is now much higher and provides good visibility for the Admiral as well as the dog. Still need to add a footrest of some type - maybe a fold up bar. Not quite a matching helm seat like you're interested in but we like it.

Here are pix:

IMG_20180915_141726.jpg

This shows the relation to the helm seat and the platform.

IMG_20180905_174528.jpg

A closer look at platform and storage cabinets. You can see under the cabinets is where the passenger seat was originally mounted.

IMG_20180905_174606.jpg

We added a storage box behind the seat back and use that for the seatback support.

[Polestar]

rjr: Thanks for the reply and pictures. That is a a really nice solution to the low seat problem. I think I like that even better than adding another helm seat! I am very seriously thinking of going with this design! The raised seat and the addition of always needed storage space is a great solution.

I have several questions--
Do you know what the PO used to construct the addition/elevated platform (eg. fiberglass, starboard, plywood)? Is it fiberglassed in place or constructed and then bolted in or otherwise fastened to the original structure? It looks very professionally constructed from looking at your pictures. Is it gel coat, paint or some other finish?

Is the seat bottom mechanically fastened to the new elevated platform or just gravity/friction fixed?

How are the doors in the elevated platform hinged so that they open (sides, bottom, top)?

I like your idea of putting in a folding foot rest.

Thanks very much for the reply and the pictures.

[rjr]

Polestar: The material was/is white starboard. There were a couple small pieces of wood. The platform is bolted and screwed to the structure. I'm not positive but I believe the box was constructed and then bolted in. He did a good job. The cabinet doors are painted wood, hinged on the sides. Seat bottom is fastened using good old gravity and velcro. Let me know if you need more info.

[Polestar]

rjr, The additional information is much appreciated. Is there a hatch, port, or door (or two) on the top of the elevated platform, under the cushion, to make access down into the structure easy? I'm already drawing up some plans in my head!

Thanks again.

[rjr]

No there isn't but I like that idea.

[Polestar]

We converted our seat this summer to raise it and provide storage beneath the seat as an added bonus. We used Starboard. We also built a small storage container between the seat and the helm seat, also out of Starboard. Everything is removable with bolts and screws. While we were at it we raised the floor section in front of the "passenger seat" to match that under the helm chair. No more tripping and it allowed us to open up another path to route cables, wires, etc. back under the seat. That had been a problem when we needed to replace the transmission control cables after one broke.

The new seat height is much improved and allows better view.

[RGrew176]

Nice addition.