Flying bridge seating options

pschauss · Post by **pschauss** » Aug 8th, '22, 10:35

My boat has a bench seat on the flying bridge which, I suspect, is original. It leans back so far that I have to sit on the front edge of the bottom cushion when I drive. Any suggestions how I can modify the mounting of the original seat to give it a better angle? Alternately, can you suggest a replacement seat or seats?

Rawleigh · Post by **Rawleigh** » Aug 8th, '22, 12:45

I thought mine was just mounted on two pieces of aluminum angle. Couldn't you change the attitude of the angle mounting to correct the seat lean? You might have to drop the headliner to get to the nuts though. How about a wedge?

Amberjack · Post by **Amberjack** » Aug 8th, '22, 13:31

Rawleigh-I probably have the same seats. Mine have worn some but the structural metal parts don't look as though they would either wear enough or bend to affect seat back angle. Take a look at the wood underside and back to be sure they haven't deteriorated and make sure the fasteners holding the metal hinges to them are tight.

pschauss · Post by **pschauss** » Aug 9th, '22, 08:29

Thanks for all of the suggestions. My seat runs all of the way across the bridge and is secured to angle irons bolted to the sides. There is a post in the middle to keep it from sagging. It looks like I could change the pitch by simply repositioning the angle irons. I am thinking, however, about leaving the angle irons where they are and making the pitch of the seat adjustable by using longer bolts, extra nuts, and washers to hold the seat to the angle irons.

I will post pictures when I have something that works.

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Aug 9th, '22, 12:22

There a number of threads with different seat designs if you do a search. In considering what you are, raising the bench to a good height makes it much harder to step over which I think could be a problem. I went with two seats and some room to walk through as did Bob Lico. It wasn’t expensive. I’m considering changing the seats as I’m re-laying out my bridge. Maybe you’d want mine?

John F. · Post by **John F.** » Aug 9th, '22, 13:35

I have two seats on pedestals. They're higher than the factory bench, and I find them more comfortable.

Peter

If you decide to change your seating layout and pschaus isn't interested, let me know what you have. Crows Nest is due for a seat upgrade

John

pschauss · Post by **pschauss** » Aug 9th, '22, 17:12

PeterPalmieri wrote: ↑Aug 9th, '22, 12:22 There a number of threads with different seat designs if you do a search. In considering what you are, raising the bench to a good height makes it much harder to step over which I think could be a problem. I went with two seats and some room to walk through as did Bob Lico. It wasn’t expensive. I’m considering changing the seats as I’m re-laying out my bridge. Maybe you’d want mine?

Peter,

I am interested in your old seats. I have sent a PM with my contact information.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Aug 9th, '22, 22:40

Peter

I have the original bench seat on my boat. It sits pretty level. I found the height to be low, so I use a 6 inch foam cushion to give me more heiight.

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Aug 10th, '22, 10:03

The only regret I have with my seating, having done it ten years ago was that I wish I had pushed the seats forward a bit and bought chairs with flip up bolsters.

The only real question is if I reuse the base or not. Peter, they are yours either just have to decide that detail.

For the record, a lot of options are great and have their benefits and drawbacks. I like how Dug has a double wide centered. Buddy boy had an update bench which was comfy for cruising. And I really like my set up that is really comfortable when rocking and rolling with room for a passenger. They’re all valid.

Craig Mac · Post by **Craig Mac** » Aug 10th, '22, 14:03

Over the years I have bought 2 replacement seats from Pompenette---the original design with a plywood base----which eventually rotted.
I then purchased a second seat from Pompenete that was constructed of starboard with removable cushions----the starboard base is like
a wet noodle---and you have to get creative to support the middle---but it won't rot.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Aug 10th, '22, 23:03

We had a storage box made for tackle, and have it under the seat. Eliminated the middle leg, with the box supporting the seat. Box has lasted over 40 years, but is starting to show its age. Worked perfectly as someone can stand on the engine box and reach, lures, hooks, etc.

Stephan · Post by **Stephan** » Aug 11th, '22, 09:53

My solution was a Taco leaning post from Defender (I think this onehttps://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pa ... id=2329768 ) and then had a local cut the legs down just above where the foot rest hinge attached.
I like this solution very much. My 6 man raft will fit along side (pic below) or under the seat. For reference that's my (then) 7 yr old daughter Ellie running the show and looking for Whales north of Cape Cod.

Craig Mac · Post by **Craig Mac** » Aug 11th, '22, 13:53

Page 4 of a late brochure shows a sportfish model with a storage box under the seat.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... 1891711802

The original brochure--orange boat shows a factory configuration with a fiberglass seat mount----I remember having seen a boat of early vintage

and think this could have been a water tank?

https://boatbrochure.com/products/bertram-31-brochure

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Aug 12th, '22, 05:33

I know this floating around, for anyone looking for a more modern take on the 3 seat bench.

https://www.nauticaldesigninc.com/image ... _0267.html

Amberjack · Post by **Amberjack** » Aug 12th, '22, 13:27

Stephan-What brand are your rod holders?

Stephan wrote: ↑Aug 11th, '22, 09:53

Stephan · Post by **Stephan** » Aug 12th, '22, 14:13

Amberjack wrote: ↑Aug 12th, '22, 13:27 Stephan-What brand are your rod holders?

The flybridge railing work was done before I bought the boat. I believe they are Taco weld on style with a coped blade mount for single rail mounting.
https://www.tackledirect.com/taco-flare ... ID=3624890

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Aug 12th, '22, 21:39

PeterPalmieri wrote: ↑Aug 12th, '22, 05:33 I know this floating around, for anyone looking for a more modern take on the 3 seat bench.

https://www.nauticaldesigninc.com/image ... _0267.html

Peter

Nice link. Someone to keep in mind for making storage or tackle lockers.

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » Nov 15th, '22, 10:21

Stephan wrote: ↑Aug 11th, '22, 09:53 My solution was a Taco leaning post from Defender (I think this onehttps://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pa ... id=2329768 ) and then had a local cut the legs down just above where the foot rest hinge attached.
I like this solution very much. My 6 man raft will fit along side (pic below) or under the seat. For reference that's my (then) 7 yr old daughter Ellie running the show and looking for Whales north of Cape Cod.

Stephen = do you have a height of what you cut the leaning post down to? Is there an ideal height for the helm? I currently have one captain's chair that's way too high - want to trade it out for a leaning post / combo like @stephan has - but I have someone local that builds these from scratch

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Nov 15th, '22, 18:55

I had measured my seats to the height of a normal dining room or desk chair since I don’t have an alternative foot rest. For me that feels much better then your feet dangling. If you are going to install a foot rest you can go higher. I may do that on my new double wide seat with flip up bolster.

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » Nov 15th, '22, 19:37

I am considering this one from Defender - But I'd still have to mount it

But there is also a guy locally that will make me a custom leaning post for two - similar money - but I'd need to get the height right

Stephan · Post by **Stephan** » Nov 15th, '22, 22:14

I don't have the measurement but will get if for you this weekend.
Best,
Stephan

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » Nov 16th, '22, 08:07

I would appreciate that very much - Big chair is on there now - that's way to high

Ironworker · Post by **Ironworker** » Nov 16th, '22, 08:12

I've been struggling with this issue for 2 two weeks. I was planning on going with three Pompenette Evolution chairs on pedestals. Remember I widened my flybridge. I have just over 79" clear from side to side. Its just not quite enough room to get 3 pedestal seats up there comfortably.

I'm considering a box with two swivel seats but I'm very interested in others ideas.

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Nov 17th, '22, 13:07

I’m going with a double wide seat, centered, with flip up bolster and flip up arms.

https://www.westmarine.com/taco-marine- ... 09260.html

My thinking is it allow me or a passenger to enter and exit on either side of the bridge, stand or sit comfortably when I’m the only one up there. It allows me to sit side by side with a copilot on long trips and hopefully flip up the arms and squeeze both kids on either side of me at least until they grow to big. I’m also going with a metal frame underneath it, I can slide my ditch bag or life raft under it, a bag of warm clothes or a cooler. Depending on what we are doing.

I think this is going to work for me.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Nov 17th, '22, 21:22

Peter

Is that going to give you enough room for two adults? You have to center one side on the helm, so not sure you will be able to walk around both sides to enter and exit.

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Nov 17th, '22, 23:13

Mine is 160 cm so you can almost take a nap on it.
It has a backward sloping seat cushion which is very comfortable and you can only get in and out from one side.
Three can sit in full comfort, only the captain is not centered 100%, but since there are no pedals this slight deviation from the center doesn't seem to be a problem.

https://imgur.com/ESC6NpL

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Nov 18th, '22, 07:14

Tony Meola wrote: ↑Nov 17th, '22, 21:22 Peter

Is that going to give you enough room for two adults? You have to center one side on the helm, so not sure you will be able to walk around both sides to enter and exit.

The seat will be centered on the wheel, so there is enough room from either side, similar to Dugs set up. Two adults sitting side by side I will be sitting offset but close enough to have a hand on the wheel. Running around the bay or moving the boat for another drift I’m up there solo. For longer ocean runs I’ll be using the auto pilot so sitting offset from the wheel shouldn’t be a big deal.

Also the legs of the base will be set in from the edge of the seat, giving you more foot space to get around. A box the full width of the seat would make it very tight.

Snipe · Post by **Snipe** » Nov 19th, '22, 09:34

Pete I was looking at that seat as well. It is a pricey little bugger I was going to call the port supply rep and get my pricing as well as check availability since it is a supply by vendor item some times it is hard to get. If I go with it I will have a friend make me a custom base.

Stephan · Post by **Stephan** » Nov 20th, '22, 09:53

JeremyD wrote: ↑Nov 15th, '22, 10:21 Stephen = do you have a height of what you cut the leaning post down to? Is there an ideal height for the helm? I currently have one captain's chair that's way too high - want to trade it out for a leaning post / combo like @stephan has - but I have someone local that builds these from scratch

The top of the seat cushion (firm) is 24 inches above the deck.
Best,
Stephan

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » Nov 20th, '22, 12:20

Stephan wrote: ↑Nov 20th, '22, 09:53 The top of the seat cushion (firm) is 24 inches above the deck.
Best,
Stephan

Thanks Stephen - appreciate it very much

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Nov 22nd, '22, 13:35

Snipe wrote: ↑Nov 19th, '22, 09:34 Pete I was looking at that seat as well. It is a pricey little bugger I was going to call the port supply rep and get my pricing as well as check availability since it is a supply by vendor item some times it is hard to get. If I go with it I will have a friend make me a custom base.

Turns out I can reuse the base I previously had made. The guys doing the engines used his PS account, I forget how much it is but it’s a great seat. After you make a few calls about a teak helm chair your perspective on what expensive is changes.

Ironworker · Post by **Ironworker** » Nov 23rd, '22, 10:05

The Pompanette Evolution on a pedestal is roughly 3K.

jackryan · Post by **jackryan** » Nov 28th, '22, 19:41

If you go to the fourth picture in this brochure from Craig Mac's earlier post (link below) and enlarge it, the 31 sportfish model in the bottom right corner appears to have a storage box or ice chest with 3 seats on top of it. The 3 seats seem to possibly have reversible seat backs, so that each passenger on the flybridge can independently face either forward or backward. Am I seeing that right--was this a common layout from the factory? I've never personally seen this layout, but it seems like it would be a cool way to set up the flybridge seating.

I have 3 seats on my flybridge, but they all face forward. I personally like having 3 seats up top--we routinely have 3 people up top while running. The seat back on my flybridge seats fold forward so that its easy to step over the bench to get into the seat.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... 1891711802

JR

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Nov 28th, '22, 22:53

Jack

I have the same set up as you, except when the Boat was about a year old, my father had a tackle locker made for the bridge. We removed the middle leg and the box fits right under the seat and supports it. We removed the bottom bolts from the seat and put in a longer bolt and pass them up through the box so the seat is bolted to the box.

Unfortunately after 42 years the box is showing its age. I am now in the hunt for a new box, unfortunately I will never get this one for the price my father paid for it. One of his customers who was a cabinet maker, built it in exchange for my father to tune up his truck.

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » Nov 29th, '22, 06:16

Couple more options out there that I have found in my searches

https://www.birdsallmarine.com/?s=leaning+post

These guys do custom stuff
http://nauticaldesigninc.com/images2014 ... 20Copy.htm

as well as
https://essenbaymarine.com/products/cop ... 5d4c&_ss=r

https://www.llebroc.com/category-s/169.htm

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Nov 29th, '22, 10:55

Tony Meola wrote: ↑Nov 28th, '22, 22:53 Jack

I have the same set up as you, except when the Boat was about a year old, my father had a tackle locker made for the bridge. We removed the middle leg and the box fits right under the seat and supports it. We removed the bottom bolts from the seat and put in a longer bolt and pass them up through the box so the seat is bolted to the box.

Unfortunately after 42 years the box is showing its age. I am now in the hunt for a new box, unfortunately I will never get this one for the price my father paid for it. One of his customers who was a cabinet maker, built it in exchange for my father to tune up his truck.

http://nauticaldesigninc.com/imagesNov2 ... _0267.html

Ironworker · Post by **Ironworker** » Nov 29th, '22, 18:29

Here are some pics of a 31 in Spanish Wells, Bahamas of the Flybridge seats. It was custom made with a bench seat in the front and two seats in the back. Plenty of storage underneath.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Nov 30th, '22, 22:01

PeterPalmieri wrote: ↑Nov 29th, '22, 10:55 http://nauticaldesigninc.com/imagesNov2 ... _0267.html

Peter

That is a nice option. It would have to be bolted to the floor which is easy, with some reinforcing. Question would be what the length should be. I believe we have about 50 inches to play with.

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Dec 1st, '22, 19:08

Tony Meola wrote: ↑Nov 30th, '22, 22:01 Peter

That is a nice option. It would have to be bolted to the floor which is easy, with some reinforcing. Question would be what the length should be. I believe we have about 50 inches to play with.

That was custom made for a 31 so I’m sure they have the dimensions.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Dec 1st, '22, 21:53

Peter

Did you install it already or are you waiting for them to finish the boat up? Just wondering how it is getting in and out.

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Dec 2nd, '22, 08:55

Tony Meola wrote: ↑Dec 1st, '22, 21:53 Peter

Did you install it already or are you waiting for them to finish the boat up? Just wondering how it is getting in and out.

Tony. I’m putting in a different seat, this wasn’t done for my boat. It’s been up on their site for at least a few years. I bet if you called them they’d have some installation photos.

I’m going with a double wide bench seat centered, it will probably be the last thing done on the boat.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Dec 3rd, '22, 00:35

I will take a look.

Thanks for the heads up.

Dug · Post by **Dug** » Dec 4th, '22, 08:24

Pete said, I have a bench on the bridge that I had made by a great aluminum guy years ago. He is deceased now, but, I am sure it could be replicated by a talented pipe guy. It sits in the middle of the bridge on a small storage box. Its wide enough for three but not wide people, When Marly was alive she was the bench owner and would lie across it, leaving little room for me which was fine. I would like it to be able to slide closer or further away from the wheel, and shock absorbers would be nice. But it is what it is and I’m not going to change it at this point.

I will say that comfort at the helm is important. You spend a lot of time there so make it comfortable. I would be happy to send pics to anyone interested.

Dug

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Dec 5th, '22, 21:45

Dug

I remember seeing your boat up at the last Long Island get together but the seating escapes me. Post up a picture if you get a chance.

jackryan · Post by **jackryan** » Jan 2nd, '23, 01:57

Tony,

The tackle locker under the helm bench on your boat sounds like a great idea. What kind of material is the locker made out of? Would it be possible to repaint the locker to bring it back to life so you don't have to replace it?

JR

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Jan 2nd, '23, 22:40

Jack

Believe it or not it is made of Marine plywood that has a white formica coating. It held up since around 1976 or 77. But unfortunately, the feet are now on their way out and the formica is delaminating and it is showing its age.

It worked perfect for what was available back then. Especially since the cost was more than right. The cabinet maker traded my father the box for work on his car. It had two sliding doors on it, with draws. But the drawers are not on slides. They actually fit into its individual cubby hole and there is a lip so the drawer can not slide out. It worked great, need something, stand on the engine box's, slide open the side you need and lift and pull out the drawer. Set it down on the bridge, get what you need and put it back in.

We had one side with smaller drawers to handle hooks, bait rigging equipment, snaps, swivels etc. The other side the drawers are deeper and handle spoons, plugs, offshore lures etc.

But unfortunately it is time to rethink the box and find one that works. It will serve me for a few more years if I need it too, but would like to upgrade it.