Reinforcing squeaky helm chairs on flybridge

[HeadedToTexas]

The two helm chairs on our flybridge feel solid, but squeak terribly and do not instill confidence. Whether they get replaced and upgraded, or simply reinforced, what is involved in bolstering the mount to the flybridge deck? I have access to the underside of the chair mounts through the salon ceiling panels.

 

[Comodave]

If you have access to the underside then it will be pretty easy to fix. If you have room you can glass a large piece of 3/4” plywood to the underside and through bolt the seat bases to it. Slather on thickened epoxy to bed the plywood. If you don’t have room for 3/4” plywood then maybe a piece of G10 fiberglass or 1/4” aluminum. Again slather thickened epoxy on it and then through bolt the seat base.

 

[jleonard]

That’s pretty much how I would do it as well.

 

[Gdavid]

Sometimes the slop and especially squeaking is from the bracket that attaches to the pedestal. A plastic collar lives there, you might try adjusting that mount some.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

I'll check that pedestal collar and make sure of the access below. Thanks guys.

 

[Comodave]

If space above the headliner is tight and you want to use G10 fiberglass, Jamestown Distributers sells it. Use carbide blades to cut it.

 

[2savage]

Have you pulled the chair off the pedestal upright? I think pinpointing the source of the squeak might be easier if you do this and add some grease lube to the tube at the top before you start doing fiberglass work.

 

[Flatswing]

Have you pulled the chair off the pedestal upright? I think pinpointing the source of the squeak might be easier if you do this and add some grease lube to the tube at the top before you start doing fiberglass work.

This: I added a disc of starboard to the top of the tube - squeak gone. Ymmv.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

Great stuff. Fingers are crossed for a simple fix.