Leaning out of helm window on R29 S/CB models ?

[baz]

Subject: Leaning out of helm window on R29 S/CB models ?

I've now had two instances of leaning out of the helm window on a 2019 R29 CB. One when doing a sea trial and the other at a Boat Show.

In both instances I find I cannot lean out far enough to get a clear view of the boat's starboard side, that is important/essential when docking bow in with a starboard tie.

In my previous RT boats there has been a flip down bar step allowing me to get some extra height off the floor to be able to lean out sufficiently for safely docking etc.

On the 2019 R29 S/CB I'm thinking a flip down step will be very helpful for me. I'm 5'-10" tall and I don't intend to start wearing high heel shoes...

In a previous post some nice adjustable flip down steps were referenced and I'm thinking seriously in buying one. I would need to attach it to the wall beneath the helm window but to do so will be a real challenge (if not impossible) to have it secured properly as getting behind the wall is likely not possible. This step cannot be attached to the wall under the helm seat and close to the adjacent wall as the R29 S/CB has a cabinet door in the area where the step would need to be installed. This cabinet door opens up to a storage area behind the Microwave (Northwest Edition model).

I think the only real option is to somehow convince RT to install this step for me as the boat is being built, unless others here can suggest how this can be done as a DIY after having the boat delivered.

As a last resort I guess I can simply use a small foldable step or a fixed height step that can be deployed when needed, such as these....

https://www.amazon.com/America-Crafted-Kitchen-Bathroom-Children/dp/B01DFRQIWS/ref=sr_1_4_acs_osp_osp46-f3b9b0d3_cov_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549736235&sr=1-4-acs&keywords=foldable+step&tag=bestprodosp-20&ascsubtag=f3b9b0d3-71b7-4bc6-af42-59185e21d90e&linkCode=oas&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.f3b9b0d3-71b7-4bc6-af42-59185e21d90e&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&pd_rd_w=TyHKI&pd_rd_wg=O74Us&pf_rd_r=46PG2JK9A9BDDG9WM760&pd_rd_r=e4fe5822-597f-491c-890b-191163c33e18&pf_rd_p=7f6b8bb9-631f-46f6-b8ad-496a9af123d5&creativeASIN=B01DFRQIWS&pd_rd_w=TyHKI&pf_rd_p=7f6b8bb9-631f-46f6-b8ad-496a9af123d5&pd_rd_r=e4fe5822-597f-491c-890b-191163c33e18&pf_rd_r=46PG2JK9A9BDDG9WM760&pd_rd_wg=O74Us&pd_rd_i=B01DFRQIWS

https://www.amazon.com/Pawaca-Folding-Arcuated-Lightweight-Plastic/dp/B07MDX9QD3/ref=sr_1_18?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549736436&sr=1-18&keywords=foldable+plastic+step

Thanks...

Here's the step I'm contemplating buying.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XBKFX8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1. There are less expensive steps but they aren't height adjustable.

[Hydraulicjump]

Barry,

I am shorter than you (5'8") and discovered the same problem right away. I solved this pretty simply. I got a nice sheet of 1/2" clear fir plywood and built a handsome box with a hinged top.

Dimensions are simple. Must be no more than 6" high so that it clears the opening to the storage underneath the helm seat. It's maximum width fore-aft is 16" (beginning of curve to vertical) and its length (parallel to beam) is negotiable. If centered on the helm (that is equidistant with center on the helm) then 28".

I store stuff in this box that I want to get to quickly (lately it has been my documentation thanks to several stops by the Coast Guard). It is great to stand on when docking not just for leaning out of the window, but it gives better vision for the port side as well. And if you need to lean out the window to pull in a fender, it makes it easier still.

Took me an afternoon to build (use a piano hinge) and I finished it with three coats of marine urethane. It looks like I "meant it", meaning that the factory made it.

Hope that helps.

Jeff

[baz]

Well I received the step from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XBKFX8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 and found it was not suitable as it's design so that the step angles down 18º and that makes it unsuitable for my purposes. So I promptly returned it for a full refund without issues.

I'm now looking for another soln.

Jeff: I'm likely to adopt your soln.

[SgtAlf]

Barry,
I like the "Have RT build the step into the build." idea. I'm thinking that's what I'd do if I found myself in your position. I'm 5'10" too! The build the box idea isn't bad either, but some of us are limited in building things. I'd have to have someone build it for me. I'd do the finish work myself. A little extra storage space is always a good thing.

[baz]

Tony & Kathy:

I'm apt to agree with you about having RT address my thoughts here. I will be visiting the RT Monroe factory next Wed to take photos of my R29 CB being built up. I will be discussing the 'step' issue with them to see what can be done and hope they can address having a flip down step/bar without too much ado.

If it weren't for the 18º slope of the step I bought from Amazon it would have been perfect for me. I looked at it and was thinking I could modify it to make it work for me with having the step locked at right angles to the brackets that attach to the bulkhead, but decided against that. The Garelick/Eez adjustable flip up/down step is well built and it was a shame about the 18º step slope. For its $180 cost I should be able to find another soln surely. For 'short' Captains, getting up onto the helm seat takes a bit of heaving/jumping, but once there it's fine.

[baz]

Barry,

I am shorter than you (5'8") and discovered the same problem right away. I solved this pretty simply. I got a nice sheet of 1/2" clear fir plywood and built a handsome box with a hinged top.

Dimensions are simple. Must be no more than 6" high so that it clears the opening to the storage underneath the helm seat. It's maximum width fore-aft is 16" (beginning of curve to vertical) and its length (parallel to beam) is negotiable. If centered on the helm (that is equidistant with center on the helm) then 28".

I store stuff in this box that I want to get to quickly (lately it has been my documentation thanks to several stops by the Coast Guard). It is great to stand on when docking not just for leaning out of the window, but it gives better vision for the port side as well. And if you need to lean out the window to pull in a fender, it makes it easier still.

Took me an afternoon to build (use a piano hinge) and I finished it with three coats of marine urethane. It looks like I "meant it", meaning that the factory made it.

Hope that helps.

Jeff

I checked your Photo Album and it shows the R29 Classic and no pictures of the hinged box you made for your R29 CB. Can you provide a photo for me. I know it's not that necessary as you provided a clear description of the lidded box in your posting here. Thanks...

[Hydraulicjump]

Just PM'd you. Will do.

Funny, I posted lots of pictures of my first tug--Tugnacious--and haven't posted anything of my R29-CB, La Barka. Kind of like what happened between our first child and our second child. Based on the photo collection, the second one never happened! He reminds us of this all the time.