changing helm pedestal

1

1st grady

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
537
Reaction score
3
Points
18
I have an Islander and the helm chair height seems to place my eyes right in line with the top edge of the windshield frame and horrizon. The pedestal support tube is 5 inches and appears that it has been cut. Guys with the Islander, is this an issue and/or what is the height of the pedestal? I am 5-6". If I install a taller pedestal, I will need a foot rest as the one on the cabin bulkhead is too far away, too low, to be usefull. Sometimes I stand on a tackle box when it is rough in order look over the windshield. Any solutions??
Higher pedestal + footrest?
 
1st grady said:
I have an Islander and the helm chair height seems to place my eyes right in line with the top edge of the windshield frame and horrizon. The pedestal support tube is 5 inches and appears that it has been cut. Guys with the Islander, is this an issue and/or what is the height of the pedestal? I am 5-6". If I install a taller pedestal, I will need a foot rest as the one on the cabin bulkhead is too far away, too low, to be usefull. Sometimes I stand on a tackle box when it is rough in order look over the windshield. Any solutions??
Higher pedestal + footrest?
Click to expand...
I have similar issues. Depending on speed and trim, the top edge of the windshield is in-line with my eyes.
I used to stand when cruising to be able to see clearly. Now I have a simpler fix.
I just place a thick cushion on my seat to give me a little lift. I do have a footrest which helps a bit. I think a more user friendly approach would be to install a telescoping pedestal with a built in footrest.

You can spend 100+ bucks for a manual pedestal and a lot more for a gas assisted model. Take a look at this site
http://www.toddusa.com/productdetails.aspx?id=106&f=40
for an example. I do not have any experience with this company though. I also found swing away foot rests. You can see a picture of one at the Overtons web site.
West Marine also have pedestals in their catalog.
 
If you want to consider a possible more economical DIYer choice, you can replace your pedestal with a new one taller. Rent a pipe cutter for the diameter of the tube.
Since aluminum will cut like butter relative to steel with a pro pipe cutter, it's easy to trim it for the custom height. Just use books or pieces of wood on top of the existing chair to get the height you want first.

I had done this myself on a 20 ft Mako I replaced the entire seats on, to get them lower for more wind protection behind the console.

The pipe cutter will make an even cut, don't try it with a hack saw, seat may wobble later.
 
Since the base is flat on one edge, I will purchase the Arrigon extender. I can probably shorten it a little if needed. I haven't seen any bases with a flat on one side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.