Cuddy Cabin - add seating, or sell?

[nodima]

I have a 1990 230 which Ive done a bunch of work to and have most of it completed hardtop, fuel tank, electronics, trailer, etc., save for cushions and possibly a repower. I now know this boat inside and out, and I am very comfortable with how it is configured. For my fishing needs with one other person it suits me fine.

That said, Im feeling a bit confined in this boat as there is not enough seating for the family. We have family members in their 70s who like to get out, but dont come out as often as theyd like as it is not as comfortable as wed like.

Im torn between selling this and getting into something else most likely a Grady White Gulfstream, as it is a comparable set up. The major reason would be to add some of the creature comforts that the family would enjoy, without giving up the manageability of what I have. The Gulfstream is about 18 wider than my 230, which would solve most of the congestion at the helm area.

That said, if there was a decent option for improving the seating and reducing the congestion near the helm, Id strongly consider it. Currently it has the stock pair of pedestal seats, and I could swap those for a leaning post set up with a aft facing cushioned seat. Which might help some congestion, but it may simply be that Im trying to do too much with the 8 beam. Are there other options Im overlooking?

If I were to keep the 230, Id repower and reap benefits of a new engine such as a greatly increased range.

FWIW, it would also be possible to go longer/heavier with another boat,as I have a solid tow vehicle F350 and have room at home.

[DirtyOar]

On my 210 i used a massive cooler with a cushion on it as a seat in the rear. I would fold the rear door down and place it there then fill it with ice, drinks and food to keep it in place. This helped alot but have also seen some guys put a removable bench seat with backrest in that same place as well

[Holgatelbi]

I have a 1984 228. Not sure how it compares to the 230 in cockpit dimensions, but here is what we use.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/garelick--mariner-folding-deck-chair-with-sewn-cushions--14535967?recordNum=20

Maybe not this particular brand, but the same concept. Folded & stored in the cuddy while fishing.

Just be sure that the plastic feet stay intact as they scrath t he floor when missing.

They are very sturdy even when underway.

[keyman]

We thought about rear seating but didn't want that much weight in stern after moving batteries. Our leaning post has a fold down seat which has worked great. Deck chairs can slide around or jump up on large wakes and could be dangerous to passengers. For back bay cruising the chairs properly are ok.

[nodima]

Thanks, not as promising as I'd hoped.

Any thoughts on moving from the twin helm seats to some form of leaning post/integrated seating?

[IDBooch]

On my 220 I also has the problem of no seating I keep two folding chairs in the cuddy, when needed they fit side by side in front of the lift out panel. I had the garlelick chairs they were too heavy and big for my use, I went with the smaller lite weight chairs at WM on sale $49.00.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--crew-deck-chair--18766972?recordNum=9

[skmag357]

Here is the seating that Keyman was talking about. Rear seat folds up or can be removed for storage in cabin. Works well for us with 4 guys. Myself and my dad and leaning post and 2 guests on the rear facing seat

[nodima]

Hey, that IS pretty cool. Who makes it?

[Hoggercap]

I like Keymans post a lot. Where did that come from?

Here's a picture of mine when I did the tank. I'll post dimensions when I measure it. Cons are: Cooler is small and under-insulated, and while it will seat 2 people, you have to lean forward. The storage in the front is inaccessible and never used. It weighs a ton.

[img][/img]

[keyman]

If you look at the original console that a 250 has (TC) is an example , you'll see how much deck space it uses. PO had removed the console and installed a smaller leaning post which we sold to CM guy. The new leaning post also has a lift up seat for storage. Hopefully my son will add where he purchased it. Guy shipped it by Greyhound bus which reduced shipping costs. I changed the seat mounting screws to knobs but we don.t remove the seat when not in use, just fold it up and secure with provided strap.

[Hoggercap]

What size cooler do you put under that leaning post?

My dimensions are:

Footprint: 43" long by 29" wide

Actual size: 38" long by 24" wide

42" high.

I'd trade it for something like Keyman's got though.

[nodima]

Thanks guys, this is really helpful. I like the style and storage of the one you've got Hoggercap, but can't argue with how nice the other one looks too.

I think that i can go up to 32" wide and still fit it where I want it to go.

Thanks

Kirk

[keyman]

I think we use a small 32 qt. Cooler. Great for bunker and clams. We have larger coolers but again we like to keep the deck clear. While chunking we rest our feet on the small cooler and sit down holding rods in hand drumming and rod holders for stripers on free spool using bait runner reels.

[mbsbrett]

I made jump seats the had a fold down leg. they went right in front of the boxes. I will search if I still have any pics.

[mbsbrett]

found it in the project link.

http://www.classicmako.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=48282&whichpage=2