Slat seats in a Weekender

[Barry Pyeatt]

Thinking seriously about pulling out the cockpit seating on myWeekender, Spirit Wind before I get any further along and installing slat type seating instead. Leave it open below them for more foot room and storage access. Also a more open backrest style that would allow for some floatation just below the deck and still allow for some storage behind the seat while cruising. I'm working on the design parameters right now and would like to get it done so I can get to glassing and painting the hull and deck.

Dave, I have been trying to locate your drawings for your seating. Can't find them. Can you give me the links?

Anyone else with some ideas or photos on any that have been done I would appreciate some links or expression of your thoughts and ideas.

[Dave R1]

Barry, I just saw this. Let me see what I can find tomorrow when I get to work. I know I've got something for you.

Dave

[Barnacle Jim]

Hi Barry,

I believe Steve Downs in Utah used cane webbing for his seats. Steve has not yet posted any photos, but I'm sure Bill Olney will take a number of pictures this weekend at the double launch.

[capt jake]

No reason that it couldn't be framed to support a solid seat top (open underneath). I saw some pictures of this but couldn't locate them. Bu I found this one.

With this beefy material it wouldn't take much framing to support it.

Barry, BTW are we still on for Monday?

[Barry Pyeatt]

Capt. Jake,

I will be home on Saturday AM. Still planning on hitting the water with you, if the weather will cooperate, on Monday.

Thanks 8) 8)

I like the look of that but need foot room below. Spoiled by yours I guess.

Didn't really realize that until I thought about the others I've been sailing in. Also want to keep air flow at a max under and around everywhere I can and be able to check where you can't when it is closed up. My eyes need all the help they can get.

[cs]

Maybe by this weekend I will have some photos for you.

I'm doing that with my weekender. I started by putting a cleat on each side and than a vertical brace at the mid span. The slats will be 3/4 x 7/8 white oak. They are cut and routed and I hope to get them installled this weekend.

Chad

[Dave R1]

Barry, I found the drawing I did in the Gallery which is good because I couldn't find it on my computer.

I've been using this set up for three years now. There's no support under the center and I've had two 200 lb plus folks sitting on one seat with no problem.

I put a drawer under the port side seat for some hardware like the bolts used to keep the mast up and the forestay turnbuckle and other stuff. I think there's an eye patch in there, too.

These aren't the best photos of the seats but you can see them here.

and

I found a couple of shots from during construction. Maybe they'll help, too.

Unfortunately I couldn't find any showing the drawer.

In any case. I made the seats so their front edges are parallel. They are screwed to cleats on the cabin and laz bulkheads. There are only four screws at each end so the seats can be removed fairly easily.

The two cleats under the seats that join the slats really stiffen the assembly up. I was going to use narrow slats but decided they'd flex too much when you stand on them. I believe Chad is using narrow slats but with his center support I doubt he'd see too much flex.

I like not having the center support because I can stuff those inflated rubber dock bumpers under the seats while sailing.

If you have any questions let me know.

[Dave R1]

I forgot to add, I made mahogany trim pieces for the ends of the seats. You can see the front ones in the two pictures of the finished boat. Those pieces are held in place with double stick carpet tape so there are no visible fasterners there. I can pry the pieces out easily enough it I want to remove the seats.

So far, I figure the tape lasts about two sailing seasons but it is cheap and easy to replace. I always keep a roll in the shop for holding stuff I can't otherwise clamp and for making jigs.

[capt jake]

Well, that is exactly what I had pictured in my mind. There is a lot to be said for the open area below the seats. Mine is only open on the extreme aft of the cockpit. No overnighting this way, unless of course you are vertically challenged. D:

Looks great!

[Dave R1]

Jake, I'm 6' 1" and I can just lay down in the cabin stretched out. If the cabin bulkhead was vertical at the bottom my feet would actually fit better.

I've thought about doing it but have never slept in the boat.

[Stump]

Having slept in the boat with the spouse, I can't see sleeping in it without that extra area to put your feet. I'm 5'10" and I was about mid-calf into the "well." Just something to keep in mind. :wink:

[Barry Pyeatt]

Thanks Dave that is what I was trying to find.

I've planned on keeping the foot wells for the cabin, because overnighting is a serious consideration in this Weekender. So the design will of necessity have to deal with that incursion into the cockpit.

I've got some photos of other designed boat with slat seats that I'm also considering and appreciate the input. I always try to gather as much varied input as possible before settling down to the final decision. Not that I'm putting it off. I don't currently have a place to work on it so I'm back into the mental processes. :?

[cs]

First look at my slat seats.

Chad

[Barry Pyeatt]

Very clean looking arrangement Chad. Really opens things up. That looks like a good approach too. Should work for you! Thanks. 8)

[Guest]

The one thing I would offer for anyone thinking of this modification would be to consider wider planks for this open configuation if the materials consist of fir or simular woods. This is strickly for the safety factor of not stepping through the seat by standing on them or any jumping that maybe done even when boarding from the docks. This may require some tapering of the wide planks that will even carry into the center ones and across the complete width, to fit the curves. my .02 worth

[Dave R1]

Chad, your seats look nice but you must have a tiny bum. I don't think I could sit on anything that narrow.

[cs]

Dave, they aren't that bad. The are about 9" deep and you shouldn't have to many problems sitting on them. and yes do have a narrow bottom :wink:

I like the way they open up the cockpit and give plenty of leg room. They are plenty strong and don't even move when I sit on them. The brace in the middle provides plenty of support while not gettin in your way.

Chad

[Guest]

You are only 120 lbs, and thats with your helmet on. :wink: I bet if someone or even you step on just the edge of the first couple of ones, in the heat of the moment, or a novice that may join you on the boat, maybe or maybe not, the slat will give way. Not a problem, my post was a very generic one for the readers. I wish you well.

The one thing I would offer for anyone thinking of this modification would be to consider wider planks for this open configuation if the materials consist of fir or simular woods

[Dave R1]

Oh to be skinny again....

Those seats do make your cockpit look bigger, that's for sure. The curve is nice as well.

[cs]

Mike, I don't think that stepping on the end of them will break one. I sat on one when it was the only one in and it had no give.

The slats are 7/8" x 7/8" with only 20" between supports.

Chad