My new Overkill Center pod seat

boatster_sr4 · 23 August 2005, 22:14

FORMERLY "Boatster" (last account somehow got fragged)

I just received my new center pod seat made out of aluminum tubing and 3/16" aluminum plate. I also had mil spec vinyl no slip seating for the upholstry. This beast is quite overkill weighing in at 40lbs. Since my homemade pod didn't have a backrest and a grab bar for the rear passengers I opted to purchase this beast from a rib builder in Canada.
This pod seat is 29" tall from base to the top of the seat cushion, which is pretty farking tall. When I straddle this thing I'm somewhere between standing and sitting. I sit a full 8" higher than on my other pod seat. The cushion is super dense so it probably only compresses 1" down when I sit on it.

I'm wondering if the seat is too tall? Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this is too tall? All opinions are much appreciated.

I've read around in the rib.net archives and came across some discussion that a half seated half standing position is prefered but I'm wondering if that is the consensus (sp?)?.

If I have to shorten it I'm going to cut a section out of the base and have it welded back together. If anything I'll take 4" off. I think I need to try this seat out first before I do anything else.

Boatster_sr4

Chopppywaters · 23 August 2005, 22:22

how bout storage in the seat?

boatster_sr4 · 23 August 2005, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

how bout storage in the seat?

Storage in the seat is immense! Take 9 1/2 " X 23" X 23" and you have alot of internal volume. As you can see in the pic access is from under the cushion. I'm either going to put a hinge and have the seat lift forward or use straps and strap the seat down to the pod. I think the latter method is Searider esqe.

Chopppywaters · 24 August 2005, 00:33

wooops

i thoughtyou were gonna seal that off

bogib · 24 August 2005, 00:41

Like the height of it.

I am working on high bulk seat for my new boat with 4 pole click on belts (funny enough I do not buckle up in my cars why should I do it in my boat

).

Would like to see piccies when you have mounted on your SR4

Bogi

Hightower · 24 August 2005, 03:10

Looks nice, but how about the knife edge on the top of the backrest?

I like the height, but I am 6'6" tall.

Andy

Nos4r2 · 24 August 2005, 03:45

Looks like you've got a hell of a trick SR4 there...

I'd have the same issue with the knife edge though as I'm 6'2.

boatster_sr4 · 24 August 2005, 05:38

Shes all I can afford so I throw everything into her

First I'm going to file any burrs out, round the edges, and then get some auto door trim and wrap it around the aluminum edge, especially around the head and shoulder areas. The cushions haven't been mounted yet but they'll be mounted slightly over this edge so there is no chance for a lancing if I get some kind of whiplash. It all sounds a little scary but I'm confident it'll work out.

I'm only 5'9" but I can still sit comfortably in a half seated/ half stance position. If this doesn't work out I can always cut the lower part of the pod down to reduce the height and have someone re-weld the base. I will post the progress.

Jackwabbit · 24 August 2005, 07:30

If you are comfortable in the half standing/sitting position I think you have already answered you own question. (It’s the position I prefer myself)

What about you’re steering wheel, is that at the right height with the higher seat? or are you going to have to lean forward all the time just to reach it?
If you are sitting a full 8” taller, and the wheel is still in the same position it’ll be like riding a GP motorcycle (head down a** up)

Rogue Wave · 24 August 2005, 08:07

Thats a nice seat! I like the design

Simon B · 24 August 2005, 11:17

Does the stainless and ally touch? You may get differential electrolosis starting, would be a shame on such a good construction.

ollyit · 24 August 2005, 11:31

wicked design, looks the nuts