What do you do for a helm seat?

Rortega46 · June 12, 2015, 11:44:24 AM

I am the proud "new" owner of a 2001 C34 MKII. Love the way it handles and interior but don't understand the helm design. After standing at the helm for 24 hours over a couple days on the ICW, I put an ice chest at the helm to sit on. Helmseat.com has something that looks great but they stopped making 'em a couple of years ago. Also, I saw the article in the latest Mainsail on fabricating one and this is an option, but with all the C34s on the water there must be other good solutions. So, what do you do on your C34 MKII for a helm seat? It must be movable to allow access to the swim platform. Thanks in advance for replies!

Mike and Joanne Stimmler · June 12, 2015, 12:32:22 PM

Do you have the corner perch seats at the rear? That's what I used. If you have an auto pilot it's great but you can hold a pretty good straight course with your foot.

Mike

Roc · June 12, 2015, 12:36:05 PM

I always sit on the coaming off to the side and hold the wheel from there. Sometimes leaning on the lifeline. Very comfortable. The wheel on the C34 is nicely proportioned to do this.

dbpaul · June 13, 2015, 10:33:38 PM

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tommyt · June 14, 2015, 06:21:55 AM

I would agree with Mike and Roc, those both work best for me. Certainly there are some times when motoring in traffic that I would stand behind the wheel, but always found that the removable seat behind the wheel, hooked on the rail, works as a good backrest. It also gets it out of the way!

Ken Juul · June 14, 2015, 06:59:59 AM

walk thru transom, removable stern seat is home in the garage. Just takes up too much room on the boat and isn't used, can't see through the chartplotter. Stern perch seat, on the side coaming or sitting on the either of the side stern seats works for me.

Jim Hardesty · June 14, 2015, 01:02:53 PM

I'm the same as Ken. The only time I'm directly behind the wheel is when I need to reach the throttle and shift lever.
Jim

Rortega46 · June 25, 2015, 01:45:53 PM

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I need something more than steering for the stern perch seats or combing. I decided to put a Yeti 32 with cushion, tie down straps and a lock on top of the removable seat. It gives me and my 1st mate just the right elevation to see over the instruments. I'll live without arm rests and swiveling pedastel and instead opt for ready access to cold beverages!