Helm removal

[WaterDoc]

First of all, thanks in advance. Lots of great threads in this forum.
I have a 1997 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer with 7.4L mercruiser and need to replace the shift cable. In order to do this, the large panel adjacent to the helm needs to be removed, but you can't remove this without first removing the helm. I don't see an 'easy way' to remove this helm bench seat. I was thinking of punching out the back stops and sliding off, but I may never get the wall side stop back in. You can't get a angle screwdriver under the bench nearest the wall.
Any ideas?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Can you get at bolts through the aft facing portion of the seat? Underneath... through the seat base?

 

[WaterDoc]

I can slide the helm seat forward and access one screw on the base, but there are three screws per side on this bench seat. There is no access to the screws through the aft facing portion of this seat; it's separate.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Maybe it's different than what I'm remembering, but if you pull the aft facing bench seat off, to gain access to the storage, doesn't the storage extend, at least somewhat, to underneath the front bench seat?

Otherwise, using a ratcheting box end wrench with a screwdriver bit taped into it can get you into some tight areas.

 

[WaterDoc]

Now I know exactly what you're talking about now. That storage goes way back, it's where we store life jackets etc. I'll get to the marina in a few days and I bet you hit a home run! I'll let you know.

 

[WaterDoc]

Went to the marina today. Those nuts holding the helm seat bolts were exactly where you said they were! Thank you! Now the 'boat mechanic' will have better access to the side panel to get at the shift mechanism and cable to replace. Might as well replace the throttle cable too since the boat is 22 years old. Now to see if the Sea Ray dealer will tell me the lengths I need (hopefully), otherwise I may be back here.

I don't even know you, however you were extremely helpful in answering a relatively simple Sea Ray question I just didn't know how to solve/figure out. Thank you for your reply > it was correct.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I usually get one right a few times a year. Glad it was helpful!

It's probably going to be easiest to just measure the cables once they're out. I'm not aware of any documentation available for cable lengths based on boat model and year. Measuring once they're out is pretty commonplace and shops can get new cables very quickly, usually a day or two, if they don't already have some in stock.