Raising helm chairs on 306 Canyon

[Rhumbline306]

I’d like to raise the helm chairs on my 306 canyon and curious if anyone has done this modification.

I’m 5’10” and would like to improve sight lines over the bow when running.
I typically fold up bolster and sit on top of that. This works well for sight lines but not as comfy of a seat.

Thanks.

 

[DennisG01]

Can you post a couple pics of your chairs - especially the underside and post hardware? That would help to know what we're dealing with.

Or... maybe you're running with the engine trim too high and/or not using tabs? You might only need to drop the bow a few degrees to make a very noticeable difference

 

[JJF]

Hi,

Before making any final modifations, I would suggest experimenting with it using 2x4s. If you like it, I would suggest having well made brackets fabricated. I'd even add storage drawers under the seats at that point.

 

[Express 360 Finally]

I’d like to raise the helm chairs on my 306 canyon and curious if anyone has done this modification.

I’m 5’10” and would like to improve sight lines over the bow when running.
I typically fold up bolster and sit on top of that. This works well for sight lines but not as comfy of a seat.

Thanks.

Had this done on my 360 express. Replaced my captains chair and port bench seat with a high back chair. The port bench seat didn’t give you any view over the console. Now the port seat is the same height as the captains seat.

Taylor Made Products builds chairs with marine grade vinyl.

The new pedestals were purchased from boat outfitters.

 

[VTski4x4]

I've always had issues on "high consoles" CC's since I'm a whopping 5'3" - but I can't remember having any issues piloting my buddy's old Canyon 306. I would play with running angle, maybe don't open the electronics box as high, or as a last resort raise the seats. I run mostly leaning on the post in my Regulator, but on some long runs I will sit up on the seat with my feet on the helm - but never at night or when it's congested.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I’m 5’10” and would like to improve sight lines over the bow when running.

That makes sense, seeing over the bow is essential for safety.
Not sure if the flip up bolster 2016 seat has same rail below as my 2011 306 Canyon.
Basically you could install spacer between seat rail and base.
But i ask myself how you climb up on the seat if so much higher?
I am 6ft tall and can comfortably sit on the standard height seat, but with 5.10" you probably need a step or similar.
And you need to move the foot rest up as they will probably too low to rest your feet.

My short captains from my former charter operation in Costa Rica used a box on the floor to stand on to see over the bow.

Chris

 

[Rhumbline306]

Thanks for all the suggestions, ideas. Here’s a few pics of my setup.

 

[VTski4x4]

Make a spacer for the base. Should be easy enough to mount. Probably need longer bolts. I wouldn't go up too much - maybe 2"

 

[DennisG01]

Perfect - good pics.

That's an easy one as you can just space it higher with, really, just about anything. Wood, HDPE, aluminum tube stock... you get the idea.

I "suspect" your access will be some combinatio of through the speaker hole or via the drawers.

Still try the drive and tab angle thing before you do any work. Next, though, sit on a Type IV PFD (as an easy starting point) to give you an idea of how much higher you need to be.

 

[Rhumbline306]

Perfect - good pics.

That's an easy one as you can just space it higher with, really, just about anything. Wood, HDPE, aluminum tube stock... you get the idea.

I "suspect" your access will be some combinatio of through the speaker hole or via the drawers.

Still try the drive and tab angle thing before you do any work. Next, though, sit on a Type IV PFD (as an easy starting point) to give you an idea of how much higher you need to be.

I do this today - for long runs I’ll place type IV pfd on seat and I get preferred sight line. I feel my bow is running optimal position, typically two bars on trim tab with engines trimmed up. Don’t want to push bow lower and drop MPG. My offshore runs are typically 100 - 150 miles round trip.

 

[VTski4x4]

I do this today - for long runs I’ll place type IV pfd on seat and I get preferred sight line. I feel my bow is running optimal position, typically two bars on trim tab with engines trimmed up. Don’t want to push bow lower and drop MPG. My offshore runs are typically 100 - 150 miles round trip.

If it's flat calm, you shouldn't need any tab down - have them all the way up and adjust with engine trim. I don't touch my tabs until I need to put more bow in the water to knock down some chop.

 

[Rhumbline306]

If it's flat calm, you shouldn't need any tab down - have them all the way up and adjust with engine trim. I don't touch my tabs until I need to put more bow in the water to knock down some chop.

Thx. I find my mileage improves with a little tab, even in FAC conditions. I consistently get 1.6mpg. Each boat runs a little different.