Chairs for lounging in the cockpit

T

tkaustin

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2014
Messages
56
Fluid Motion Model
C-26
Hull Identification Number
2501B010
Vessel Name
coming soon to a stern
Looking for specific suggestions for deck chairs to use in the cockpit. I'm thinking of something one would like to sit in for over 20 minutes, and with broad feet, so it won't apply high pressure points in the cockpit floor. Typical lawn chairs don't seem right. Need to be sturdy too, fit the inevitable rocking, and to fold flat for easy storage while under way.
Thanks.
 
Search in the Tugnuts forum for this. There are some great chairs that fit the bill, and that fold up very small (brand escapes me). I bought mine online from Camping World.
 
Pico chairs with telescoping legs are a great solution on a boat, very compact when folded for storage and very sturdy. Buy at REI and some other sporting stores.
 
Yep, two thumbs up for the Picos - Amazon, REI, etc. Expensive but good quality!
 
Zero Gravity chairs are amazing. Not the most compact, but we can (barely) fit two fully reclined in the cockpit of our R27, and they easily stow in the cave when not in use. You can find more compact chairs, and not much room for anything else, but can't be beat for comfort. Almost like having two hammocks aboard!
 
So I have a pair of the Kingfish II stainless-steel chairs from west marine. My feelings on them are pretty mixed and I'm not sure I'd buy them again. They're super expensive at $250 each but I got them for $150 each so felt like I couldn't pass them up. PROS: The chairs themselves are as comfortable as they get and you can ride in them with the boat under way at 20+ knots and not feel like you're setting in a folding chair. CONS: At 32 pounds they are WAY too heavy and a pain in the a** to stow away. So why do I keep them (other then the fact I spent $300 on them)

First, we primarily only use one and I stow it just inside the cabin when at port. First thing I do when I open up the boat is put it out in the cockpit where it stays for the duration of our trip. Yes its heavy but its about the same amount of effort to put out the chair as it is to fold down one of the gunwale seats in the cockpit so not a big deal. Passengers naturally want to set on the big and inviting transom seat of our C28 but the chair is the second favorite spot. It's truly the most comfortable seat in the cockpit.

Second reason is fishing... The cutwater isn't setup very well seating wise for fishing off the back of the cockpit. All of the integrated seats face inwards towards the cockpit so you need additional seating when fishing. These chairs makes fishing off the back of the boat about as comfortable as it gets.

I'm sure all I did was talk you out of even considering these chairs which is fine. Like I said my feelings are mixed but depending on your needs they can be an excellent option.

Steve
 
We like strongback chairs for their lumbar support http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/77020?page=strongback-elite-chair. Two fit well in the aft starboard lazerette on our R-25SC, with room for other items (a telescoping brush, cockpit table support, throwable cushion). There are lighter and more compact brands, but we haven't found any as comfortable. Drink holders could be a bit wider in diameter, but we found beverage holders that fit.
 
We have been researching Helinox chairs. helinox.com.au. They have four or five models of their chair which you can review at their web-site. We have friends who own a R31. They were gifted the Helinox "Chair One" which were obtained at Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC). It is comfortable but the seat to the ground is only 27cm which makes it hard to stand up. Helinox has recently come out with the "Camp Chair". It has longer legs and is, seat to ground, 36cm. It has yet to be stocked at MEC. It folds into a very small package. You may wish to check them out. There are reviews on UTube and in print. We have yet to purchase a pair so welcome comments from anyone who is familiar with them.
 
Dale777":12dhslik said:
Pico chairs with telescoping legs are a great solution on a boat, very compact when folded for storage and very sturdy. Buy at REI and some other sporting stores.
Click to expand...
We like the Pico Telescoping chairs also. I'm sitting in one as I type this. We are in our third season with them and no problems. They need to be on a sturdy base so you can't use them on the beach.
 
steven_ickman":315gkndu said:
So I have a pair of the Kingfish II stainless-steel chairs from west marine. My feelings on them are pretty mixed and I'm not sure I'd buy them again. They're super expensive at $250 each but I got them for $150 each so felt like I couldn't pass them up. PROS: The chairs themselves are as comfortable as they get and you can ride in them with the boat under way at 20+ knots and not feel like you're setting in a folding chair. CONS: At 32 pounds they are WAY too heavy and a pain in the a** to stow away. So why do I keep them (other then the fact I spent $300 on them)

First, we primarily only use one and I stow it just inside the cabin when at port. First thing I do when I open up the boat is put it out in the cockpit where it stays for the duration of our trip. Yes its heavy but its about the same amount of effort to put out the chair as it is to fold down one of the gunwale seats in the cockpit so not a big deal. Passengers naturally want to set on the big and inviting transom seat of our C28 but the chair is the second favorite spot. It's truly the most comfortable seat in the cockpit.

Second reason is fishing... The cutwater isn't setup very well seating wise for fishing off the back of the cockpit. All of the integrated seats face inwards towards the cockpit so you need additional seating when fishing. These chairs makes fishing off the back of the boat about as comfortable as it gets.

I'm sure all I did was talk you out of even considering these chairs which is fine. Like I said my feelings are mixed but depending on your needs they can be an excellent option.

Steve
Click to expand...

I 2nd Steve choice for chair(s). I bought two of the Alu WEST MARINE Kingfish II Folding Deck Chairs when on sale for $99 a few years back. They are super comfortable for extending sitting and have the padded armrests for additional comfort.

Yes, they are a bit heavy, but that's what makes them mechanically sturdy/stable. The Alu or the SS models will not discolor or rust, at least have not for me.

Their size can be a bit daunting when wanting to stow them. I usually fold them and place them in the two rear corners of the cockpit if no one wishes to use them when underway, otherwise they are left ready for anyone wishing to sit down and enjoy the ride. I only stowed them inside the cabin during extended winter times.

My only negative thought about these chairs is the lack of cup holder, especially when using them at a dock gathering and having to balance food plates and drink. 😉 🙁
 
Zero gravity chairs for camping can be purchased all over the place including camping world. They are very comfortable and fold for storage.
 
Call me cheap, but we just got two of the folding "bag" chairs for about $9 each. They store easily, do not mark the deck and are very comfortable. Getting them wet is also no problem. A cup holder is built in to one of the arms.
 
Check out my pics on
 
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