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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

New helmsman seat

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Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/03/2003 : 09:11:12

I have noticed that the helmsman seat is a bit too low to get a good view when under sail. I noticed at West Marine yesterday they had a new rectangular (tall)cooler - yes this may be less efficient vs. the traditional cooler- but it seems to fit my need for - a taller seat while at the same time getting the cooler outside and freeing up more space in the cabin.
Has anyone else retrofitted something different to raise the helmsmans seat for better viewing?

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2003 : 13:11:49

Great idea!

Extra seat height has been done once that I know of...they used a rounded seat so as to provide good sitting regardless of the heel... it may be in the tech section.

Your idea sounds good if a cooler can be found to provide a good height as there is a need for extra cooler space (easier access). Or, if one cruised... perhaps extra fuel capacity in the space.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2003 : 14:14:48

-Arlyn - I have purchased the cooler, and was too busy getting out to sail to have time to figure out a way to mount the cooler. I think I will use a nice looking stainless steel cable or strong strap - and attach it to the back rest of the helmsman seat.

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcgolbal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2003 : 16:58:46

In Academy Sporting Goods, I saw some heavy duty stainless clamps....the ones that look like broom stick holders. If the cooler is wide enough to mount two or possible four of those to clamp it to the stern railing...that should hold it in place as well as be easy to remove.

Not sure if screws would hold in the cooler skin. If bolting thru... nylon bolts might transfer less heat inside. Stand the clamps far enough away from the cooler so that the lid can be opened.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - arlyn stewart on 03/03/2003 22:06:48

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2003 : 00:14:24

Dragonfly,

Coldducks did this and post the following about a year ago.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>we have a 99 C250 and we were also sick of the cooler in the cabin that never kept ice more than a day. we bought an ULTRA COOL 50 by Igloo. it is supposed to keep ice for 5 days. (of course it does not) but it keeps ice for a few days. we keep it on top of the seat behind the wheel. a couple of bungie cords to the rails, keeps it firmly in place. and as a bonus, it doubles as a seat for the captain. it is the perfect height. it is all white and looks like part of the boat!! removing the cooler from the spot in the cabin next to the sink allowed us to put shelves in the space where the origional cooler fit and with a little ingenuity, made stationary curtains out of matching fabric to hide the shelves. we can now keep our clothes neatly hidden away.

coldducks FANTASY #409 C250WK
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2003 : 08:45:07

That sounds exactly like what I am going to do. I too thought about the bungee cord - but I would be curious to see how that 40 pound cooler slid when tacking, etc. I am looking for something a bit stronger to hold the cooler in place.
Thanks.

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2003 : 18:58:50

hi guys, I AM COLDDUCKS...i was pleased to see one of my ideas show up after a year. thanks for remembering it. as far as the cooler sliding around on the fuel locker, just get some of that rubbermaid shelf liner and cut it to fit the locker. it will hold that cooler no matter how much the boat heels. and you wont be able to see it. works great...

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2003 : 22:07:18

Finally am putting that Coleman cooler that came with the boat to good use... Y'alls idea has solved a couple of my problems.

One, space for extra fuel storage on the upcoming cruise to the Bahamas. A three gal Honda tank and a two gallon gas can from Lowes Home Center fit perfectly. I will remove the plug on the side and cut a vent hole in the back and put a pvc elbow in it.

Two, there is space left over for Coleman gas canisters for stove and grill. Will run a gas line from the locker to the stove.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2003 : 22:32:32

Thanks COLDUCKS- I have some of that stuff left over - I will attach it to the top of the seat. I am also thinking that for most of my weekend sailing a smaller cooler is better- maybe a 30 gallon will do. What size do you have on your seat?

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2003 : 00:27:19

Here is one idea and the game plan I will use to secure the old coleman cooler used as a fuel locker. It will hold the cooler away from the stern rails so that the lid will freely open.

<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/fuel locker.jpg" border=0>

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2003 : 06:44:53

DRAGONFLY, i have the coleman 50. i didn't even attach the rubbermaid shelf liner to the seat. i just lay it on the seat and set the cooler on the top. then i attach a bungie from the handles to the rails. we have a grill attached to the rail on the back of the boat and the cooler acts as a little table for grilling. its the perfect fit and height.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2003 : 08:33:23

Since I am two hours from my boat, does anyone have the dimensions of the helmsman seat? Length x Width.

The next time (2 weeks)I get up to the boat I will try both systems. I do like Arlyn's idea - as a more permanent option, but the ease and simplicity of Coldduck sounds good also.

I am comtemplating a smaller cooler - and found the IGLOO 25Q Marine (all white)for about $25. I will order this. I am unable to find a 25Q cooler in the "Ultracool" (extra insulation) style. My idea is to have a 1-2 inch lip on the helmsman seat once the cooler is in place, this would allow a small foot rest whilst sitting on the cooler and navigating. The width of the 25Q cooler is 11.25 inches, so hopefully the width of the helmsman seat is 12.5 inches or wider.

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2003 : 08:55:05

If you are going to buy a new cooler, look into one that has a padded lid. That way the helmsman will have a cushion under their butt.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2003 : 17:09:38

our igloo ultra cool 50 is larger than the fuel locker, a few inches on each side. it is not a problem. especially because it is not "attached", if we have to move it slightly to use the swim ladder or lift the motor, we just unhook the bungies and move it. so i am sure the 25q will fit perfectly. i do like your idea of having a few inches for a footrest though. either one will work. the best part is having the extra space in the cabin. not to mention something to sit on during those extended trips.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2003 : 20:09:41

Yes - Byran - that was the second thing that I looked for, but the only cushions I found were made by IGLOO and they were only for the 48 and up coolers. Haven't found any for the smaller coolers - maybe custom made?

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

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