Helm seats 02 Gulfstream

[FatBoatsRule]

Hello all,
I am looking for suggestions, or how someone else resolved a similar problem.

My last post was the raccoons eating my boat! Now I am debating on whether to have the helm seats redone... or buy new ones. Pompnette? Is the manufacturer. New seats are literally 3x (plus shipping) the price of having the old ones redone, BUT, the new seats have fold away arms. I/We find the stationary arms are a pain in the neck. Our canvas/upholstery guy said he could "remove" the arms if I wanted. (I'm guessing just hacksawing them off)
I'm not sure thats a great idea b/c when you are crashing thru the inlet they are most helpful.
But otherwise they are frequently in the way if someone is sitting in the chair and you try and get in or out of the cabin, the person has to get up. They frequently get caught on sweatshirt pockets. (I know, first world problems)
Does anyone else have this problem? What are your thoughts on Pompanette seat? Worth the money? Is there somewhere other than Pompanette, who would sell a folding arms seat that is compatible with the holes for the pedestal?
Thanks for your time! Bonnie

 

[seasick]

I am not sure what the Pompanette helm seats runs, maybe $2000? The Todd signature is about $1200.
Pompanette seats in general are top notch but there have been issues with armrest coverings. The fold up arms are what limit your choices. Maybe there are other choices but I didn't find many doing a quick search

 

[FatBoatsRule]

Hey SeaSick,
Thanks for the speedy reply!
I started my search but there is a crusty looking anodized aluminum flange looking cover over the seat bolts. I'm kinda afraid to start poking at it to measure the actual spots for the bolts. I fear once I get it off, its either gonna shatter, or not go back down securely and drive me mad flopping around under way. Do you know if there is a way to tell based on the VIN or yr what the number and spacing for the pedestal bolts?
Regards, Bon

 

[Rlloyd]

When I researched having the armrests redone, I could not find a source for my 03 Gulfstream. So, I did the "women's size 9 sock" covering route - which works ok. So if someone says they can redo the seats - make sure they have a solution for the armrests as well (which are molded foam - not upholstery). Otherwise, I do like my Pompanette, especially on the helm side.

 

[seasick]

Just to be sure, are you looking to possible change seats and sliders, or pedestals and pedestal bases? If the pedestal and slider is in good shape, you can usually just replace the seat (assuming those bolts come off and that is not a given)
If the seats are bad, I recommend changing the seat sliders since they tend to get wobbly as they age.
Removing the pedestal and base can turn into a pretty horrible job.

 

[FatBoatsRule]

Hello again,
Love the sock idea, Rlloyd, just toss it when it gets scuzzy, but I am looking for a more permanent solution.
I have no idea what fresh hell awaits under the anodized flanges, but I am going to wait until we pull her for the season, before I go poking around. If the bolts look as crusty as the flange is, all will be replaced. (Professionally) I am too old to go flying backward into the cockpit if they snap off! (Been there done that, 30yrs ago, bored, and bouncing in and out of the Shinnecock inlet for fun. Luckily when you are 20's you are unbreakable)
I'm gonna keep looking around, this community has been very kind and helpful, maybe someone will know!
Regards, Bon