Reversible Pilot Seat Upgrade (To Newer Whaler Style Locking Seatback)

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Author Topic:   Reversible Pilot Seat Upgrade (To Newer Whaler Style Locking Seatback)

andrey320 posted 04-22-2014 11:55 AM ET (US)
Don’t know if you’ve ever marveled at the newer style Whaler RPS’s with the locking seatback that mimics a leaning post but I have…. I always thought that was a wonderful way to combine the versatility of an RPS with the comfort of a leaning post while running. After pursuing a couple of different options for modifying my Dauntless 15’s RPS (and failing at one attempt), I had a great idea that I’ve finally made a reality.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/members/122545-albums5121-picture72262.jpg
I used 1.5 inch wide, 1/8 (I think) thick aluminum to make the four brackets, secured with stainless hardware and drilled a 5/16 hole through the brackets and seatback post. To secure it in place, I am using some nice quick release stainless pins. The brackets came from scrap, so my total cost for the modification was about $35 ($10 for the SS hardware and $25 for the pins). Really easy and straight forward too.
It worked great on the first trip out! Easy and quick to secure and feels very sturdy. As far as the longevity of the modification, we’ll just have to wait and see….

dfmcintyre posted 04-22-2014 12:15 PM ET (US)
Nice job.
One suggestion: Consider a length of stainless steel wire and a nicopress fitting that would secure the stainless quick release pins to either the pole or bracket. Eliminate the loss factor.
Regards - Don
andrey320 posted 04-22-2014 01:00 PM ET (US)
Thanks Don, that is on my finishing touches list. The pins actually have a little hole on the collar just for that!
jwestwood posted 04-22-2014 01:11 PM ET (US)
That is pure genius. I too went to an RPS instead of the leaning post. Our boat will be used for multiple purposes, with children, young adults, etal. I was interested in a leaning post but didn't want to give the seating capacity. My concern with the RPS serving as a leaning post was that the seat back would move if leaned on. You have found the solution and I will figure out a way to incorporate your idea into my seat. Thanks much for post.
andrey320 posted 04-22-2014 04:41 PM ET (US)
Thank you James! The genious is in the simplicity.
andygere posted 04-22-2014 08:19 PM ET (US)
Nice job, looks factory. On my classic teak RPS, I use a pair of purpose made webbing straps through the handles on top of the seatback and threaded under the seat risers to secure the seat back in the forward position for use as a leaning post. It only takes a few seconds to deploy, and required no permanent mods to the seat. I am considering having a padded topper made for the seat back for more comfort when used in leaning mode.
jwestwood posted 04-23-2014 03:53 PM ET (US)
After looking at the configuration of my Springfield RPS, I thing I can accomplish this with a couple of Velcro strips. will give it a try although it will be a while until launch.

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Author	Topic: Reversible Pilot Seat Upgrade (To Newer Whaler Style Locking Seatback)
andrey320	posted 04-22-2014 11:55 AM ET (US) Don’t know if you’ve ever marveled at the newer style Whaler RPS’s with the locking seatback that mimics a leaning post but I have…. I always thought that was a wonderful way to combine the versatility of an RPS with the comfort of a leaning post while running. After pursuing a couple of different options for modifying my Dauntless 15’s RPS (and failing at one attempt), I had a great idea that I’ve finally made a reality. http://www.thehulltruth.com/members/122545-albums5121-picture72262.jpg I used 1.5 inch wide, 1/8 (I think) thick aluminum to make the four brackets, secured with stainless hardware and drilled a 5/16 hole through the brackets and seatback post. To secure it in place, I am using some nice quick release stainless pins. The brackets came from scrap, so my total cost for the modification was about $35 ($10 for the SS hardware and $25 for the pins). Really easy and straight forward too. It worked great on the first trip out! Easy and quick to secure and feels very sturdy. As far as the longevity of the modification, we’ll just have to wait and see….
dfmcintyre	posted 04-22-2014 12:15 PM ET (US) Nice job. One suggestion: Consider a length of stainless steel wire and a nicopress fitting that would secure the stainless quick release pins to either the pole or bracket. Eliminate the loss factor. Regards - Don
andrey320	posted 04-22-2014 01:00 PM ET (US) Thanks Don, that is on my finishing touches list. The pins actually have a little hole on the collar just for that!
jwestwood	posted 04-22-2014 01:11 PM ET (US) That is pure genius. I too went to an RPS instead of the leaning post. Our boat will be used for multiple purposes, with children, young adults, etal. I was interested in a leaning post but didn't want to give the seating capacity. My concern with the RPS serving as a leaning post was that the seat back would move if leaned on. You have found the solution and I will figure out a way to incorporate your idea into my seat. Thanks much for post.
andrey320	posted 04-22-2014 04:41 PM ET (US) Thank you James! The genious is in the simplicity.
andygere	posted 04-22-2014 08:19 PM ET (US) Nice job, looks factory. On my classic teak RPS, I use a pair of purpose made webbing straps through the handles on top of the seatback and threaded under the seat risers to secure the seat back in the forward position for use as a leaning post. It only takes a few seconds to deploy, and required no permanent mods to the seat. I am considering having a padded topper made for the seat back for more comfort when used in leaning mode.
jwestwood	posted 04-23-2014 03:53 PM ET (US) After looking at the configuration of my Springfield RPS, I thing I can accomplish this with a couple of Velcro strips. will give it a try although it will be a while until launch.