Raise the height of captain's chair?

[bsquared]

I have a 1999 Sundancer 270 and would like to raise my captains chair about 8 inches. I find myself standing the majority of the time when cruising as that provides the best view. Sitting in the seat is too low. Any ideas about improving my seat height? Either raise the seat or get a large thick cushion?

 

[Lazy Daze]

For reference, which model 270DA do you have?

I take it you don't have the "flip-up" feature?

Double wide, right? You can build a substructure out of wood to whatever height you want - that's about the least expensive way to go, other than sitting on a cushion.

 

[HGM]

Building a flip up would be interesting. Has anybody ever seen anyone do it?

 

[electricaldoctor]

If you raise your seat 8", would you not look like a little kid with his feet dangling from his high chair? :smt043

You would probably have to install a foot rest bar.

 

[bsquared]

I do have the flip-up feature on the seat. When it is flipped up, it is at the height I want which is about 8". Unfortunately, it is not real comfortable and there is a gap behind the part that flips up and the back of the seat.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

For reference, which model 270DA do you have?

I take it you don't have the "flip-up" feature?

Double wide, right? You can build a substructure out of wood to whatever height you want - that's about the least expensive way to go, other than sitting on a cushion.

+1

Build a box and cover it with matching vinyl.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I do have the flip-up feature on the seat. When it is flipped up, it is at the height I want which is about 8". Unfortunately, it is not real comfortable and there is a gap behind the part that flips up and the back of the seat.

OK, that makes more sense. Just an FYI, the flip-up isn't meant to fully sit on - it's meant to be used as a leaning post. It takes most of the weight of your legs, but some weight is still on them for stability and extra shock absorption.

Could it be that when you are cruising, you have the bow set too high? Maybe try better adjusting your drive trim and tabs, first?

 

[OldSkool]

I built 6" riser under my seats, granted they are back to back but a platform seems to be the best of all worlds. Feet don't dangle and you retain the seats support on your back. The yellow vinyl around the bottom of my seat bases is the extended part. (Profile pictures)

 

[Nehalennia]

I do have the flip-up feature on the seat. When it is flipped up, it is at the height I want which is about 8". Unfortunately, it is not real comfortable and there is a gap behind the part that flips up and the back of the seat.

I put a throwable cushiont behind the flip up when I want to sit like that. Works perfect.

 

[No Name Sea Ray]

I understand your desire to raise the seat and this sounds like a nice idea, but.......

Raising the helm seat 8" on mine would put the seat back above the height of the windshield sides and then the cockpit cover would not fit properly.

Yours may be different and if you don't use a cockpit cover than it may not be a problem.

If you do raise it, you could make a nice little storage space under the seat. Capt's secret storage;-)

 

[billnpat]

For reference, which model 270DA do you have?

I take it you don't have the "flip-up" feature?

Double wide, right? You can build a substructure out of wood to whatever height you want - that's about the least expensive way to go, other than sitting on a cushion.

Hi Dennis...

We have that flipup on ours when we sit. i myself have no problem with sitting since 'm 6'2, but i do use the bolster at times also, but to be honest i love standing.....i have that shock mat to stand on that really saves the legs from fatigue:thumbsup:

 

[MonacoMike]

I do have the flip-up feature on the seat. When it is flipped up, it is at the height I want which is about 8". Unfortunately, it is not real comfortable and there is a gap behind the part that flips up and the back of the seat.

Was the flip-up feature added or a factory seat?

 

[billnpat]

Was the flip-up feature added or a factory seat?

Factory on mine...

 

[nickysc]

After standing for long periods of time on long cruises, finally figured out, if you kill the glare on windshield you can see sitting. Try laying a black towel on dash between you and windshield, makes a lot of difference.

 

[bsquared]

MonacoMike - the flip-up feature is factory.

 

[MonacoMike]

MonacoMike - the flip-up feature is factory.

Wasn't offered in 97, would love to have one. MM

 

[Michael La Prairie]

I have a 1999 Sundancer 270 and would like to raise my captains chair about 8 inches. I find myself standing the majority of the time when cruising as that provides the best view. Sitting in the seat is too low. Any ideas about improving my seat height? Either raise the seat or get a large thick cushion?

did you ever figure this out?

 

[2016FLD]

I too felt the double bench helm was too low, and I didn't like climbing over the admiral to get out, I replaced the bench with two adjustable captain seats, love it, can adjust height, forward/back, spin 360 and exit out the starboard side if I desire. The adjustable posts have ~1.5" of air shock absorber as well, makes for a very nice ride.

It was not a quick change, required adding reinforcement under the floor (ceiling of the mid-birth) and sourced the seats and posts separately, posts are Springfield Marine, seats from Tempress; the seat backs fold forward so they fit under the cockpit cover. Need to finish filling the original mounting holes (the taped areas).

 

[Michael La Prairie]

Interesting.....we have a bit of a different configuration. Captains chair which is next to the two seater bench. Are your pedestals adjustable and where did you get them?

 

[2016FLD]

They adjust 8" in height, slide forward / back 5" and spin 360, all with quick pull levers like an office chair. Got them direct from Springfield Marine online through their scratch and dent store, they were open box items, brand new.