Chair or bean bag for the bow?

[family affair]

My wife loves to lay-out and soak up the sun. Aft deck is too low and she
can't get enough air on hot days. I'm wondering if anyone has had luck with a marine bean bag placed in the walk around between the anchor locker and cabin? I'm thinking of checking out what West marine has at the store.
This summer she saw the WM folding lounger. She thought she might like that on the bow, but I think she will be too high off the water. The rocking and potential to fall off is a safety issue IMO, unless someone has experience otherwise.
https://www.westmarine.com/west-marine-go-anywhere-outdoor-beanbag-chair-20724258.html?&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D%5BPLA%5D%20Most%20Categories_Test&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9vS6BhA9EiwAJpnXw3_VBrAMwcNXACMd3cfqNdguN2aUFVrYJ5D83AkE6Z6_d8ojjoFkYhoC1Z8QAvD_BwE

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I had several bean bags and me and my clients absolutely loved them and they are much more adaptable and comfortable than a hard frame lounger.
Either US Bean Bag producer has a lot of sizes and my build you one on your specified size to fit there.
Chris

 

[drbatts]

We use bean bags on the bow for lounging. I also had cushions made for the bow which my wife much prefers. The downside of the bean bags is storage as hey take up a lot of space.

 

[family affair]

We use bean bags on the bow for lounging. I also had cushions made for the bow which my wife much prefers. The downside of the bean bags is storage as hey take up a lot of space.

Agreed, storing on or off the boat will be one more thing I'll have to deal with. However, the plan would be .to only have it aboard when she goes out and on days where she would have a chance to use it. Happy wife - happy life!

 

[Fishtales]

I have 2 bean bag teardrops. I think your concerns are legit. The bean bags can be used in the cockpit area as well. Plus at the end of the season I take back to the summer house. The kids enjoy them there too.

 

[family affair]

I have 2 bean bag teardrops. I think your concerns are legit. The bean bags can be used in the cockpit area as well. Plus at the end of the season I take back to the summer house. The kids enjoy them there too.

Have you tried them on the bow? You have a marlin, correct?

 

[Fishtales]

Yes, have the marlin. I've used mostly in the cockpit. I would think they would be the best option for the bow area as they mold to the deck. I think this coupled with the weight of the person would hold them in place (over the hatch, up to the windshield comes to mind). They make may different configurations. Maybe they make one that is more like a mattress than a chair? Another option is to make one yourself. Pattern what you want, buy some marine material off the net and get the filler from Amazon. Would have to sew it up, but really not hard to do. I've topped off/refilled my chairs 2X with pellets from Amazon over the years.

 

[Fishtales]

Now that I think about this, I may have to make one up myself.....

 

[Peter A]

A more expensive approach but if you have a recommended good marine upholstery shop they can give you ideas and options.

 

[JJF]

How about a fan and/or a mister for the aft deck?

 

[family affair]

How about a fan and/or a mister for the aft deck?

She likes the scenery, so being up on the bow is preferable. That and typically the kids and dog are out back causing a ruckus.

For what I need, I don't think custom upholstered bow cushion really benefits anyone other than the upholstery shop.

I saw the bean bag at WM today. I think we will give that a go. If she doesn't like it will get used at the house or a kid dorm.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

Check the sizes on manufacturers websites
https://e-searider.com/
https://ocean-tamer.com/
https://themarinebean.com/

I had 4 normal teardrop ones and one bench style, two tear drop and the bench style fitted the step to the bow deck on my Venture 34 and made sit 4 people comfortably.

The big advantage is that you can squeeze them in tight spaces or use them on the raised deck above the cabin.
I would install a system to strap them down when not in use, either on deck or on the hardtop and when boat is not used the bean bag goes on helm deck where he is protected from sun and rain.

Chris

 

[Ekea]

100% bean bag chair, especially on the bow where the ride is rougher. it will be much more comfortable as well as fit in and conform to odd places better

 

[Sdfish]

Get the Bean bag - best seat on the boat! When not in use, it is stored in the cabin.

I have an Adventure 208,the bag fits great on the bow, it is comfortable anywhere on the boat.

 

[family affair]

I'll be picking one up this week! On sale at WM.

 

[Peter A]

I'll be picking one up this week! On sale at WM.

Good call. I have two ocean tamer teardrop bags on my 208. One stays aboard most of the time, throw on the second for sandbar days. Take some of the stuffing out! Anchored, I jam it on top of the bowsprit/windlass it’s the best spot. Can go onto the beach.

Main issue with anybody riding up front on the 208 underway is visibility from the helm can be obstructed. New Jersey State Patrol boat also pulled me for having a person on a beanbag in front - At 20kts - On a nice day - Behind the rail seated with no feet/legs overboard. I respect those guys but there was no danger.

 

[Fishtales]

You really shouldn't have people up front when driving anyway. Visibility and safety are #1.