Reversible Pilot Seat Legs Group Buy

[whalerron]

I just sold a set of Reversible Pilot Seat Z-Legs in MARKETPLACE. The response that I had to that For-Sale post was tremendous. If enough people are seriously interested in buying sets of these legs, you should group together and try to get the manufacturer to make a manufacturing run of these legs for you. We did this with Tom Clark about 25 years ago and it worked out well.

Tom talked with the manufacturer and found out how many legs it would take to make an order viable. He then gathered names here on Continuous Wave until he had enough orders to meet the minimum required by the manufacturer. After that, I think we all sent money to Tom and he placed the order. The cost per set of legs in that order was substantially cheaper than could be found anywhere else.

- Ron

[biggiefl]

I believe Z-legs are available at Specialty Marine in both brown or white and are not very expensive, about $350. I remember Tom doing the legs and OEM windshields back in early 2000's. I have a technique to restore them to like-new condition as long as they are not cracked.

[Phil T]

The Z legs offered by Specialty are not OEM. The construction is not the same. I would be wary of their durability given their product description.

[jimh]

See the prior discussion in THE GAM from the old forum in 2003 on this topic for more information:

Reversible Pilot Seat Legs
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/004236.html

[whalerron]

biggiefl, I agree with you about the durability of those new legs that are sold by Specialty Marine. The original RPS legs were each made of a monolithic plastic resin casting with gusseting in the critical areas and those OEM legs were extremely tough. The legs sold by Specialty Marine are made of Starboard and they appear to be made of multiple pieces of Starboard that are screwed together. Maybe someone who has bought a set of the Starboard legs could let us know how the legs have been holding up in everyday use.

- Ron

[jimh]

I am confused where this thread is heading.

RON mentions there was a tremendous response to his for-sale post for an OEM RPS leg set, but so far not much response here indicating interest in a group buy of more of them.

If there are many Boston Whaler owners that want to get replacement OEM RPS legs, perhaps they can jump in this thread and indicate that interest.

If the Specialty Marine non-OEM legs are a worthy replacement, perhaps no group-buy is needed.

[biggiefl]

The [notice of For-Sale in MARKETPLACE by WHALERRON for RPS] legs received a large response mainly because he sold a brand new pair for $70. If he would have asked $250 I doubt the response would have been anywhere near the same. For $70 I would have bought 10 sets.

I did look at the Specialty legs after Phil mentioned it. To me it looks like only the top parts that bolt to the seat bottom are separate. The leg part looks to be one piece. I too would like to hear feedback on their quality.

[Phil T]

A fellow owner and group purchase participant recently sold his set of legs for the original purchase price of $165.

[biggiefl]

That is a great deal too. Not sure what it would cost to make 25 pairs again but after 17 years I doubt it will be $165.

[JaySul]

Biggiefl, would you mind sharing your technique for refurbishing the old legs?

[biggiefl]

Depends on how chalky they are. If not too bad a light sanding to get the chalk off and then a few coats of penetrol. If really chalky I put them in a media blaster. You need to get the chalk off in order to make them look new.

[dcamp]

I am interested in participating in a group buy for reverse pilot seat legs. Especially since I have had difficulty finding a complete seat for an Outrage 17. Are there others with an interest?