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Wanted: Humped Helm Seat

slipstreamer

Junior Member
I have an Ericson 35.3 with a flat lazarette cover at the helm. I would prefer a humped helm seat. I know this is an acquired taste - not everyone likes them.

Does anyone have one for sale, or would like to swap a humped one for a flat one?? I don't have dimensions to hand but will check when I am at the boat next weekend.

If you are interested, please let me know!
 

MarineCityBrian

Apprentice Tinkerer
I realize this is an old thread, but I'd also be interested in a humped helm seat (and also have an E35-3 with a flat one at present). Looks like this thread didn't go far, but I'd be curious if you ever found a solution or a seat, or even perhaps made one. Shoot - I'd even be interested in someone giving dimension for the factory "curve" on their factory curved helm seat (either a tracing of the forward edge of the helm seat or a map of the height of the seat a 1" increments across the forward edge).
 

goldenstate

Sustaining Member
Blogs Author
My boat has a "humped" helm seat, but the shape is integral to the form of the hull.

The cockpit locker lids (also curved) would have to be replicated. I think some black-belt level fiberglass work would be required unless one wants to build a plywood "topper" that would have to be bolted down and removed in order to access the transom area. I think the rise from the middle peak to the lower curve is about 4".

It would be quite a project.
 

Mark F

Contributing Partner
Blogs Author
Hi Brian, I made one for Lotus Flower (E27). It bolts to the existing flat seat from underneath. I removed the hinges on the lid and added two 1/4" pins that slide into holes with rubber grommets. To remove the aft lazarette lid/seat you unlatch, lift a little and slide forward. All in all a pretty easy project.
 

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MarineCityBrian

Apprentice Tinkerer
Hi Brian, I made one for Lotus Flower (E27). It bolts to the existing flat seat from underneath. I removed the hinges on the lid and added two 1/4" pins that slide into holes with rubber grommets. To remove the aft lazarette lid/seat you unlatch, lift a little and slide forward. All in all a pretty easy project.
Absolutely gorgeous!

The E35-3 actually benefits from having the aft lazarette seat hinged from the side rather than aft, such that a seat in this configuration wouldn't even need to be removed to access what's within. Just bolt it straight to the existing flat helm seat and leave it.

In terms of measuring the existing seat (in response to earlier replies), I was thinking perhaps there was a bit of thought/ergonomic engineering put into the OEM seat, which is why I asked. I do think I could make such a seat by fabricating a fiberglass mold, but for ease/time would likely go the route of the teak plank bolt-on. But I was thinking if I could get the 'curve' just like the original there may be some ergonomically studied benefit.

Finally, for the teak planked version, do you have a cushion you use with it (perhaps just one of your throwables?) or just sit straight on the planks?

Thanks to all for the input!
 

Christian Williams

E381 - Los Angeles
Senior Moderator
Blogs Author
Slipstreamer mentioned acquired taste, and I never acquired it for a humped helm seat. The purpose seems to be increased visibility, or at least a place to rest at the helm.

I found that I rarely sit down at the helm, simply because I seldom steer. A wheel pilot does that, equivalent to a tiller pilot. In heavier air, daysailing, I'm standing at the wheel anyhow, braced. The hump, unless you're Lawrence of Arabia, is about as comfortable as riding a camel.

So: I installed a jump seat, making use of the curve of the stern pulpit. From there seated visibility is good, I'm out of the way of guests, and I can push the Raymarine buttons. Perhaps not for everyone, or for every cockpit design. But if your use is similar to mine, worth a thought.

 

MarineCityBrian

Apprentice Tinkerer
I've thought about these as well, having seen them (or something similar) on either pulpit corner of a friend's Hunter 336.

Zarcor (who made the swiveling drink holders I have on either side of my steering pedestal hoop, and make a very quality product) offers them, albeit not for free.
www.zarcor.com/products/sternperch

They also include a cupholder in each, seat pad, and rail cover to serve as a backrest. But my rationale for this not being a good solution for my situation is listed below:

My chief concern/reason for wanting a humped helm seat is for seated visibility. I don't have an autopilot, and sail in water requiring constant steering attention (both from a windshift standpoint and avoiding commercial vessels). So I'm either standing at the helm or attempting to place an appropriate number of cushions beneath my keister to see over the coach roof. When heeling, the latter no longer works, but I'd think it would with a humped seat keeping 1 seating surface relatively level through most heel angles. I do have a concern with foot placement to allow for good leg circulation (feet dangling for hours at a time would be less than comfortable), but had some ideas for accomplishing that without ruining standing room at the helm.

If anyone with a 35-3 who dislikes their humped helm seat is interested in a trade for a flat one, if be interested (assuming the molds for the perimeter/fit of the seat remained common).

Thanks again to all for their input - I love discussing these problems and hearing all of the creative solutions others have arrived upon.
 

Dave G.

1984 E30+ Ludington, MI
I have a humped seat cushion that is flat on top and provides a firm but comfortable place for the old butt bones to rest on. I've never measured it but guess it's 10-12" tall which provides much better view forward while sitting. It is fitted to the width of the laz with the helm position "humped". It came with with the boat and I have to say I wouldn't sail without one now. See post #6 for the vendor link.
 

MarineCityBrian

Apprentice Tinkerer
I have a humped seat cushion that is flat on top and provides a firm but comfortable place for the old butt bones to rest on. I've never measured it but guess it's 10-12" tall which provides much better view forward while sitting. It is fitted to the width of the laz with the helm position "humped". It came with with the boat and I have to say I wouldn't sail without one now. See post #6 for the vendor link.
I'll need to check yours out the next time we take the S.S. Badger to Wisconsin.
 

Dave G.

1984 E30+ Ludington, MI
Does it snap or secure in some way to the lazarette?
That cushion just sits on Laz as it's pretty weighty. Never had it even move so no issues. I do have a flat fitted cushion for that Laz and that one has 2 snaps fitted on the aft edge. I'm sure you could do the same for the humped cushion if you wanted. If you look at the starboard Laz in the pic you'll see one of the snaps for that cushion just aft of the hinge about an inch up on the coaming. The thinner ones will move a bit if you don't snap them in.
 

markvone

Sustaining Member
Not to rub it in but...... standard on the two Holland Ericsons. Real 1981 rain forest teak. Clamps down on each side. I store it inside to save the varnish. This seat is the same as I got it 10 years ago
I never sit in the middle, only outboard on the low side so I can see the genoa. The hump helps prevent sliding downhill if you sit on the high side.
I just stand up every two minutes to look to windward to see who's coming. More important when on port tack.
I DO NOT have anything taller than the compass in the center of the pedestal. Also no dodger.

Mark

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