Forums › General Discussion › Comfort of the Salon and the Cockpit

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    • #68568
      Hull152_Patrick
      Spectator

      Now that we’ve been out a while I wanted to ask about the Salon settees and
      the cockpit seating. Ours are just plain uncomfortable, we never sit in the
      salon and hardly ever in the cockpit because of it. I believe the foam in
      the salon is original, VERY firm but it has new (6 yrs) cloth which still
      looks good. In the cockpit, we have a set of those covered closed cell foam
      cockpit seat cushions. I should also mention we removed the salon table so
      we don’t need diningwork seating.

      Does anyone else find the seating in the salon to be like sitting in wooden
      church pews? I think the seating lacks depth, makes you sit at attention.
      The settes as-is are too narrow to lay on without pulling them out. I’ve
      been thinking about permanently modifying the settee seating so its slid
      out 2-3 inches and then putting in thicker foam with some depth and give to
      it.

      The cockpit is too deep, constantly looking for something to put behind my
      back. And it too is too narrow to laydown, one shoulderarm is always
      flailing around. I was thinking about putting in a removable corner
      sections to port and starboard of the companionway to essentially widen
      those areas.

      Curious what you all think about your setups and if you’ve done any
      improvements.

      Gracias!
      -Patrick
      Punta de Mita, Mexico

      —
      s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.com |
      @DeepPlaya<http://twitter.com/deepplaya> |
      W7PEA
      _______________________________________________
      maillist mailing list

      https://pearson424.org/mailman/listinfo/maillist_pearson424.org

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

      Owners no more...
      Thanks Dawn and Patrick!

    • #78562
      kalinowski
      Participant

      Aloha Patrick: we bought a set of Bottom Siders, which go all the way around the cockpit (they have the pattern to make them for the 424). These have been very comfortable for us. We take the piece that goes in front of the companionway and use it as a back rest most of the time.

      The seating in our cabin is new foam, which we recently updated with new upholstery. When using the throw pillows, we find it to be comfortable. Your foam might be loosing its cush. Of course, good foam is really expensive. Perhaps Mexican prices might be better.

      Dan Kalinowski
      Jolly Lama #135
      Ko Olina, O’ahu

    • #78563
      RichCarter
      Participant

      I replaced the bottom cushions in the main cabin settees a few years back. I used mattress foam, about 6″ thick. Its very comfortable but raises the seat by a few inches. The extra height makes it difficult to raise the table leaves when you are seated. You of course don’t have this problem if you’ve removed the table. If you think the settee too narrow, why not leave it pulled-out a couple of inches?

      If you think the back cushions to be too vertical, you could taper them.

      The only original cushions I have left are the V-berth cushions. They are very uncomfortable. We don’t sleep there because its a bit short for me. My wife and I plan to replace them in the next few weeks. I plan to buy a memory-foam mattress and cut it to fit. I think a king-size mattress will do. I think the thinnest I can find is 10″ however. This will raise the bed too high. Still looking…

      I’ll put a water resistant mattress-cover on it rather than pay to have it covered. No sense spending money on fabric that will just get covered by bedding anyway.

      Rich


      Original Message


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    • #78564
      Paul Lefebvre
      Participant

      Rich

      Lots of memory foam suppliers out there. One is ikea that has several thicknesses, including a 5 1/2″ king size for $300.

      http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30139835/#/80139828

      Ikea also carries latex mattresses if you want to go that route.

      Paul

      Quote:
      Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:45:48 +0000

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

    • #78565
      john stevenson
      Participant

      Patrick,

      Like Dan, I have BottomSiders for cushions in the cockpit. They are a
      great improvement over the vinyl covered, closed cell foam cushions that
      came with the boat. The cockpit benches are too narrow for me or any one
      who crews for me to sleep comfortably. I view that as a good thing. The
      main ergonomic problem I have with the cockpit is the height of the
      coamings. I get very little back support as the top of the coaming comes
      about my mid back. They are also nearly vertical, which is not that
      comfortable. My solution are the bench seat cushions sold at the Boat
      Shows. They have racheted back that provides support full back support at
      several angles. These are not the cheap ones WM sells, but I don’t
      remember the make. I had two of them in the cockpit 24×7 for 15 years
      before I replaced them in the last 2 years. The cushions were still fine,
      but the ratchets had broken.

      As far as the cabin cushions go, I replaced mine with new foam and covers
      about 8 years ago. I went with 5″ foam, which still leaves another inch
      below the back rests. I wish I had gone with 6″ foam as Rich did. I also
      wish I had gone with a slightly firmer foam. I sit mostly on the starboard
      side and that cushion gets most of the wear and tear. Fortunately the
      cushions are symmetrical and are covered by an Ultra-Suede-like product on
      the tops and bottoms. Every month or so I switch them.

      I agree the settees are not deep enough for comfortable lounging, but I am
      normally sitting on a settee only when working on the computer or eating
      they and they are OK for that use.
      If and when I replace these cushions I will go with firmer 6″ latex foam
      and have the inside edge of the cushion raised with bunting or extra foam.
      That will provide additional support for the thighs when lounging. I would
      also add another knotch to allow the settee to be fixed inboard 1 or 2
      inches for some extra depth. I would slide them to the normal outboard
      position when sitting at the table.

      When using the settees for berths (only when I have crew), I put down one
      of those mattress toppers sold at Walmart. People who have crewed for me
      find them very comfortable. At these times the settees bunk boards are
      pulled fully in board, which still leaves enough room for people pass
      between the port settee and the table to get to the forward cabin. The
      only problem with the mattress toppers is what to do with them when the
      settees are not being used for berths. I stuff mine in those Space Bags
      and compress them with the vacuum cleaner and store them on top of the
      forward water tank.

      So I agree, Pearson did a poor job of ergonomically designing the settees
      and the cockpit benches, but there are workarounds I can live with.

      Regards,
      John Stevenson
      http://www.svsarah.com

      On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 9:04 AM, Paul Lefebvre wrote:

      Quote:
      Rich

      Lots of memory foam suppliers out there. One is ikea that has several
      thicknesses, including a 5 1/2″ king size for $300.

      http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30139835/#/80139828

      Ikea also carries latex mattresses if you want to go that route.

      Paul

      Quote:
      Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:45:48 +0000

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

    • #78566
      madsailor
      Moderator

      John, I don’t think ergonomic was a word in 1978…

      I can only assume that Pearson designed the boat for someone 5′ 9″ or so
      because I’m perfectly comfortable wherever I am – although I find the
      cockpit seats a little too deep, but generally speaking, I’m sitting on the
      coaming anyway. When I put the cockpit cushions down for company, I use a
      few WM throwable cushions as back rests and it’s totally comfortable. I
      can sleep on the cockpit seats quite comfortably.

      I’ve found the settees need the back cushions removed for sleeping unless I
      open them to the mast. But then I need to figure out what to do with 7
      oddly shaped cushions so I don’t do it.

      All my interior cushions are 4 inch thick of the hardest foam available and
      that’s my preference. Comfort is a personal thing so what works for me may
      not for others.

      Bob

      On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 11:03 AM, John Stevenson
      wrote:

      Patrick,

      Like Dan, I have BottomSiders for cushions in the cockpit. They are a
      great improvement over the vinyl covered, closed cell foam cushions that
      came with the boat. The cockpit benches are too narrow for me or any one
      who crews for me to sleep comfortably. I view that as a good thing. The
      main ergonomic problem I have with the cockpit is the height of the
      coamings. I get very little back support as the top of the coaming comes
      about my mid back. They are also nearly vertical, which is not that
      comfortable. My solution are the bench seat cushions sold at the Boat
      Shows. They have racheted back that provides support full back support at
      several angles. These are not the cheap ones WM sells, but I don’t
      remember the make. I had two of them in the cockpit 24×7 for 15 years
      before I replaced them in the last 2 years. The cushions were still fine,
      but the ratchets had broken.

      As far as the cabin cushions go, I replaced mine with new foam and covers
      about 8 years ago. I went with 5″ foam, which still leaves another inch
      below the back rests. I wish I had gone with 6″ foam as Rich did. I also
      wish I had gone with a slightly firmer foam. I sit mostly on the starboard
      side and that cushion gets most of the wear and tear. Fortunately the
      cushions are symmetrical and are covered by an Ultra-Suede-like product on
      the tops and bottoms. Every month or so I switch them.

      I agree the settees are not deep enough for comfortable lounging, but I am
      normally sitting on a settee only when working on the computer or eating
      they and they are OK for that use.
      If and when I replace these cushions I will go with firmer 6″ latex foam
      and have the inside edge of the cushion raised with bunting or extra foam.
      That will provide additional support for the thighs when lounging. I would
      also add another knotch to allow the settee to be fixed inboard 1 or 2
      inches for some extra depth. I would slide them to the normal outboard
      position when sitting at the table.

      When using the settees for berths (only when I have crew), I put down one
      of those mattress toppers sold at Walmart. People who have crewed for me
      find them very comfortable. At these times the settees bunk boards are
      pulled fully in board, which still leaves enough room for people pass
      between the port settee and the table to get to the forward cabin. The
      only problem with the mattress toppers is what to do with them when the
      settees are not being used for berths. I stuff mine in those Space Bags
      and compress them with the vacuum cleaner and store them on top of the
      forward water tank.

      So I agree, Pearson did a poor job of ergonomically designing the settees
      and the cockpit benches, but there are workarounds I can live with.

      Regards,
      John Stevenson
      http://www.svsarah.com

      On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 9:04 AM, Paul Lefebvre <

      wrote:

      Quote:
      Rich

      Lots of memory foam suppliers out there. One is ikea that has several
      thicknesses, including a 5 1/2″ king size for $300.

      http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30139835/#/80139828

      Ikea also carries latex mattresses if you want to go that route.

      Paul

      Quote:
      Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:45:48 +0000

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

    • #78567
      Anonymous

      We have 4 inch cushions in the cockpit and pillows for the back. Last year I did a full enclosure so the cat could get outside. About a month ago I picked up an 18,000 btu a/c from a friend for no money and payed to have it installed. It cools the aft cabin and I have 2 outlets in the cockpit. Basically bug free and comfortable. I have a 16,000 btu in the locker in the V-berth.

      Bob

      Spell check

      Quote:
      Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 11:39:55 -0400

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

    • #78569
      petedd
      Participant

      We are putting in two easy chairs on lazy susans on the port side.
      These are made from leather office chairs and an adapter plate I
      fashioned that goes between the bottom of the chair and the lazy susan
      bearing. I will publish an article on this in a few months.

      Pete

      On 5/23/2012 5:45 AM, wrote:

      Quote:
      I replaced the bottom cushions in the main cabin settees a few years back. I used mattress foam, about 6″ thick. Its very comfortable but raises the seat by a few inches. The extra height makes it difficult to raise the table leaves when you are seated. You of course don’t have this problem if you’ve removed the table. If you think the settee too narrow, why not leave it pulled-out a couple of inches?

      If you think the back cushions to be too vertical, you could taper them.

      The only original cushions I have left are the V-berth cushions. They are very uncomfortable. We don’t sleep there because its a bit short for me. My wife and I plan to replace them in the next few weeks. I plan to buy a memory-foam mattress and cut it to fit. I think a king-size mattress will do. I think the thinnest I can find is 10″ however. This will raise the bed too high. Still looking…

      I’ll put a water resistant mattress-cover on it rather than pay to have it covered. No sense spending money on fabric that will just get covered by bedding anyway.

      Rich


      Original Message


      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

    • #78570
      Anonymous

      Pete,

      Cool! I’ve always liked easy chairs in a boat big enough to accommodate
      them. Thought about puttikng them in Silverheels, but having 2 salon
      crew berths has proven useful during offshore passages, when I sometimes
      have extra crew along. Have you considered ways to convert the chairs to
      a temporary pilot berth?

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


      Quote:

      Original Message


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    • #78571
      petedd
      Participant

      Only if the pilot wants to sleep sitting up…. (ala international
      economy class….) ;^)

      I figured that having the chairs on the port side gives us the pullman
      on port and the settee on starboard.

      Pete

      On 5/25/2012 5:07 AM, Silverheels wrote:

      Quote:
      Pete,

      Cool! I’ve always liked easy chairs in a boat big enough to accommodate
      them. Thought about puttikng them in Silverheels, but having 2 salon
      crew berths has proven useful during offshore passages, when I sometimes
      have extra crew along. Have you considered ways to convert the chairs to
      a temporary pilot berth?

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


      Quote:

      Original Message


      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

    • #78575
      Hull152_Patrick
      Spectator

      Thanks everyone for all the info. I just wanred to know if I was crazy.
      Sounds like we’re all in the same spot with the comfort of the seating. I
      will add that my Nvv Station modification is VERY comfortable. Its where I
      spend 80% of my siting time.

      I’m really interested in this chair idea. So you’re going to take a chair,
      put it on a swivel and attach it to the boards covering the water tank….
      is that it?

      -p

      —
      s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.com |
      @DeepPlaya |
      W7PEA

      On Fri, May 25, 2012 at 9:05 AM, Pete Dubler wrote:

      Quote:
      Only if the pilot wants to sleep sitting up…. (ala international economy
      class….) ;^)

      I figured that having the chairs on the port side gives us the pullman on
      port and the settee on starboard.

      Pete

      On 5/25/2012 5:07 AM, Silverheels wrote:

      Quote:
      Pete,

      Cool! I’ve always liked easy chairs in a boat big enough to accommodate
      them. Thought about puttikng them in Silverheels, but having 2 salon
      crew berths has proven useful during offshore passages, when I sometimes
      have extra crew along. Have you considered ways to convert the chairs to
      a temporary pilot berth?

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us



      Original Message


      Quote:

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

      Owners no more...
      Thanks Dawn and Patrick!

    • #78576
      petedd
      Participant

      yup

      On 5/26/2012 9:50 AM, Peaboy Walters wrote:

      Quote:
      Thanks everyone for all the info. I just wanred to know if I was crazy.
      Sounds like we’re all in the same spot with the comfort of the seating. I
      will add that my Nvv Station modification is VERY comfortable. Its where I
      spend 80% of my siting time.

      I’m really interested in this chair idea. So you’re going to take a chair,
      put it on a swivel and attach it to the boards covering the water tank….
      is that it?

      -p

      —
      s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.com |
      @DeepPlaya |
      W7PEA

      On Fri, May 25, 2012 at 9:05 AM, Pete Dubler wrote:

      Quote:
      Only if the pilot wants to sleep sitting up…. (ala international economy
      class….) ;^)

      I figured that having the chairs on the port side gives us the pullman on
      port and the settee on starboard.

      Pete

      On 5/25/2012 5:07 AM, Silverheels wrote:

      Quote:
      Pete,

      Cool! I’ve always liked easy chairs in a boat big enough to accommodate
      them. Thought about puttikng them in Silverheels, but having 2 salon
      crew berths has proven useful during offshore passages, when I sometimes
      have extra crew along. Have you considered ways to convert the chairs to
      a temporary pilot berth?

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us



      Original Message


      Quote:

      Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

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