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Has anyone put helm seats or captains chairs in a 17 Montauk?

The reversible seat that came with the boat is too low and not comfortable for cruising.

Any pictures would be appreciated.

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You are correct about the ridiculously low design of the Reversible Pilot seat legs. This design dates back to 1971, and seating standards have changed since then.

But the solution is easy and looks good in the boats. Install a set of teak riser blocks. You can see mine here, which I have designed, and can now be purchased directly from Black Duck Galleries, a sponsor here. i use the 6" rise, highly recommended, but 4" can also be done if preferred

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...3437914057

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...6029308726

Also consider raising the center console 4" or 6".

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...0573931797

These two simple changes will revolutionize the feel, ease of operation, and comfort of the boat. The riser block sets are designed to fit into existing holes in the boat floor.

http://www.blackduckgallery.com/WOODP...PARTS.html

You can't really use helm chairs in the Montauk, since you lose the capability of intalling the fuel tank(s) under the RPS. Raising the seat is the way to go, and it makes access to fuel filling much easier.

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Did you move the seat closer to the console also? I am tall with long arms, and it is an uncomfortable reach to the wheel, usually end up standing.

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Beardface,

If you do end up going the dual captain's chair route, do you have any interest in selling your RPS?

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This RPS seat and console extension legs seem like a great idea. How are they attached to the deck? And does anyone have the plans to build these? It seems simple enough. Also, if you raise the console, do you have to extend any of the wires?

Thanks

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I am the originator and designer of the "Block and Beam" style console and RPS risers, and have made the drawings and installation procedure available to only Walter Reynolds @ BlackDuck Galleries, a sponsor here.
Considering the cost of solid teak, Walter produces these for a VERY reasonable cost. See his website.

Both type of risers use existing holes in the boat floor - no new holes needed except for consoles in some cases.

Generally, the consoles can be raised up to 6" without extending any cables, wiring, etc. Usually there is plenty of slack, and nothing needs to be removed or disconnected.

Riser sets are available for all three of the classic standard console designs, Outrage or Montauk, from 1973-1991. They are also available for the 1971-1972 Ribside Outrage 21 teak console.

As you can probably tell, I highly recommend raising both the console and RPS on these boats, as I have done on my own boats. It completely changes and improves the feel and long term comfort of using these boats. There is also a considerable improvement in wind protection.

The raised console provides additional under-console storage space for things like jackets and cushions, and greatly improves access for rigging work, etc. Fuel tank access is facilitated under the RPS, or for an allowance for a pull out storage/cooler seat on Outrage models.

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Looks like Black Duck no longer does any boat work, would you know where else to get your "Block and Beam" style console and RPS risers? Just got an 1987 Montauk and having been on parents Montauk for years this has always been an issue given wanting to sit but also eyes on the large amount of crab pots in our area.

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Bob Latourelle in Central Mass is well respected by whaler owners for wood parts, consoles and full interiors of classic models. He does custom work and his hourly rate is respectable.

He is a one-man operation. Give him a call. (978) 837-8808

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I visited with Bob latourelle recently at his shop located in Haverhill, MA., on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Bob has doubled his production capability to respond to the increased demand for Boston Whaler OE wood products. He had a 6-8 week wait list for finishing individual orders. No doubt, springtime is when demand was highest. Place your order with Bob, send him a 50 percent deposit to secure your order, and wait until he finishes. You will find it was worth the wait and the product is high value.

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Thank you Phil!