Pedestal Helm Seats versus Leaning Post - Moderated Discussion Areas

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Author Topic:   Pedestal Helm Seats versus Leaning Post

CHenry posted 08-03-2005 10:44 AM ET (US)
It is my understanding that the same leaning post was used on the 18-21-22 Outrages from 1999-2001-2002)
I have a 2000 Outrage 18 with the seats. I'm seriously considering installing the factory option leaning post. My problem with the seats is that while underway I am behind the helm with nothing to lean on and my two guests are hanging to either side of the console--not the most comfortable position for 20-30 miles. The leaning post would give two of us the ability to be centered behind the console and then the third person could be behind the leaning post on center. Combined with the fact that I would pick up more storage, this seems to make [a leaning post] a good choice for me. My only concern is that I do have a wife and two kids under five. The actual seating position on the leaning post looks to be rather high. How useful it is as a seat?
Thanks for your comments.
TomG posted 08-03-2005 09:56 PM ET (US)
I also have the pedestal seats on my 1999 18' Outrage and I have many of the same problems with them. They aren't that comfortable, they are too high to really sit in, and they aren't that great to lean on.
I'd be interested to hear what you find out as far as price and installation process for the factory leaning post. I've considered that direction many times, but figured it would be too expensive.
Tom
kingfish posted 08-03-2005 10:52 PM ET (US)
If you are seriously considering changing out to a leaning post, give close attention to Birdsall products: www.birdsallmarine.com
I replaced the factory leaning post in my Outrage 22 with a leaning post/rocket launcher from Birdsall that is deep enough to sit on and has great storage under the flip-up seat, and has both a back rest and foot rest and space for a 94 qt. cooler underneath. It can be upholstered to match your Whaler. I love mine.
John
rtk posted 08-04-2005 12:00 PM ET (US)
I second the recommendation of Birdsall Marine Design.
I replaced my captains chairs with a Birdsall leaning post. I purchased the removable backrest also. The backrest inserts into the rod holders on the leaning post when you want to use it. Turns the leaning post into a very comfortable bench seat. The backrest arms fold up so the unit is very compact for storage when not in use.
Excellent quality and they were very accomodating to my requests. Mine was semi-custom, the legs had to be cropped in because of my in deck fish boxes. They altered their standard desing no charge.
Rich
CHenry posted 08-04-2005 05:43 PM ET (US)
TomG-
Talked to Sue at Twin Cities...she's always great to deal with. There is a "kit" available (part # 500-05060) that contains the leaning post and all the neccesary hardware to mount it...total cost delivered would be about $1700.00
Install should prove to be straight-forward...unbolt the old / fill the holes / and bolt in the new piece
TomG posted 08-05-2005 09:02 AM ET (US)
Thanks, Chris...good info...and Twin Cities is always a good resource. As usual, the factory parts are a fair amount more expensive than the aftermarket.
I did check out the Birdsall website at John and Rich's suggestions...they look like very nice products. It appears that you can get a similiar product from Birdsall for approx. $1200...depending on size and options. Since I've managed to make it to August without doing anything about it, I'll do some more research and do something over the winter. Thanks again for the hlep guys!
Tom

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Author	Topic: Pedestal Helm Seats versus Leaning Post
CHenry	posted 08-03-2005 10:44 AM ET (US) It is my understanding that the same leaning post was used on the 18-21-22 Outrages from 1999-2001-2002) I have a 2000 Outrage 18 with the seats. I'm seriously considering installing the factory option leaning post. My problem with the seats is that while underway I am behind the helm with nothing to lean on and my two guests are hanging to either side of the console--not the most comfortable position for 20-30 miles. The leaning post would give two of us the ability to be centered behind the console and then the third person could be behind the leaning post on center. Combined with the fact that I would pick up more storage, this seems to make [a leaning post] a good choice for me. My only concern is that I do have a wife and two kids under five. The actual seating position on the leaning post looks to be rather high. How useful it is as a seat? Thanks for your comments.
TomG	posted 08-03-2005 09:56 PM ET (US) I also have the pedestal seats on my 1999 18' Outrage and I have many of the same problems with them. They aren't that comfortable, they are too high to really sit in, and they aren't that great to lean on. I'd be interested to hear what you find out as far as price and installation process for the factory leaning post. I've considered that direction many times, but figured it would be too expensive. Tom
kingfish	posted 08-03-2005 10:52 PM ET (US) If you are seriously considering changing out to a leaning post, give close attention to Birdsall products: www.birdsallmarine.com I replaced the factory leaning post in my Outrage 22 with a leaning post/rocket launcher from Birdsall that is deep enough to sit on and has great storage under the flip-up seat, and has both a back rest and foot rest and space for a 94 qt. cooler underneath. It can be upholstered to match your Whaler. I love mine. John
rtk	posted 08-04-2005 12:00 PM ET (US) I second the recommendation of Birdsall Marine Design. I replaced my captains chairs with a Birdsall leaning post. I purchased the removable backrest also. The backrest inserts into the rod holders on the leaning post when you want to use it. Turns the leaning post into a very comfortable bench seat. The backrest arms fold up so the unit is very compact for storage when not in use. Excellent quality and they were very accomodating to my requests. Mine was semi-custom, the legs had to be cropped in because of my in deck fish boxes. They altered their standard desing no charge. Rich
CHenry	posted 08-04-2005 05:43 PM ET (US) TomG- Talked to Sue at Twin Cities...she's always great to deal with. There is a "kit" available (part # 500-05060) that contains the leaning post and all the neccesary hardware to mount it...total cost delivered would be about $1700.00 Install should prove to be straight-forward...unbolt the old / fill the holes / and bolt in the new piece
TomG	posted 08-05-2005 09:02 AM ET (US) Thanks, Chris...good info...and Twin Cities is always a good resource. As usual, the factory parts are a fair amount more expensive than the aftermarket. I did check out the Birdsall website at John and Rich's suggestions...they look like very nice products. It appears that you can get a similiar product from Birdsall for approx. $1200...depending on size and options. Since I've managed to make it to August without doing anything about it, I'll do some more research and do something over the winter. Thanks again for the hlep guys! Tom