Catalina - Capri - 25s International Assocaition Logo(2006)  
Assn Members Area · Join
h.jpg Home.
a.jpg Association Forum
s.jpg Ships Store
c.jpg Cruising
r.jpg Racing
t.jpg Technical Tips
g.jpg Photo Gallery - New
o.jpg Boat Search - Updated
m.jpg Manuals & Brochures
3rdrpt.jpg Swap Meet
l.jpg Links
f.jpg Officer Flag Line & Staff
b.jpg Bylaws & Constitution
 
1.jpg Members Area
1.jpg Join the Association
 
Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
 
Association Forum
Association Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Forum Users | Search | FAQ
Username:
 Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Cat bird seat for a C25		  New Topic  Topic Locked
 Printer Friendly
Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 2

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

USA
5352 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/19/2017 :  09:36:32  Show Profile
While C-250s and many other Catalina yachts offer them, the stern pulpit of the C25 does not easily offer a way to sit over the transom at the rear of the cockpit on Cat Bird seats.

So the other day as I was sailing, I took two throwable square cushions and my West Marine Go-Anywhere stadium seat and I stacked them up in the back corner of the cockpit, sat down and leaned back on the stern pulpit. It was pretty comfy and I felt like I was held very snugly in place.

Has anybody built a wooden gizmo that somehow hooks over the aft gunwales and transom which could serve as a platform for a bootleg Cat Bird Seat for a C25?

Rather than hang a cantilevered seat off of the stern pulpit tubing, I'm thinking this would sit on top of the cockpit seat for support, but be secured to the gunwales, transom or tubing to prevent it from sliding around in choppy conditions.

Doesn't seem like it would be very tough to design from 2x4s and 1"-by pine boards as a prototype. And you'd need two: one for starboard and a mirror image for port. I already have 2 Go-Anywhere seats so I'd have to find a way to secure them to the platforms ...
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT

DavidBuoy
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
707 Posts
Response Posted - 07/19/2017 :  10:08:06  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Voyager

While C-250s and many other Catalina yachts offer them, the stern pulpit of the C25 does not easily offer a way to sit over the transom at the rear of the cockpit on Cat Bird seats.

So the other day as I was sailing, I took two throwable square cushions and my West Marine Go-Anywhere stadium seat and I stacked them up in the back corner of the cockpit, sat down and leaned back on the stern pulpit. It was pretty comfy and I felt like I was held very snugly in place.

Has anybody built a wooden gizmo that somehow hooks over the aft gunwales and transom which could serve as a platform for a bootleg Cat Bird Seat for a C25?

Rather than hang a cantilevered seat off of the stern pulpit tubing, I'm thinking this would sit on top of the cockpit seat for support, but be secured to the gunwales, transom or tubing to prevent it from sliding around in choppy conditions.

Doesn't seem like it would be very tough to design from 2x4s and 1"-by pine boards as a prototype. And you'd need two: one for starboard and a mirror image for port. I already have 2 Go-Anywhere seats so I'd have to find a way to secure them to the platforms ...


I'll put some money towards a kick-starter/go-fund-me for this

BTW, is it really called a "Cat Bird Seat"??

Captain Rob & Admiral Alyson
"David Buoy"-1985 C25 SK/SR #5053
Edited by - DavidBuoy on 07/19/2017 10:08:37
Go to Top of Page

dasreboot
Admiral

Members Avatar

803 Posts
Response Posted - 07/19/2017 :  11:15:40  Show Profile  Visit dasreboot's Homepage
here is one. yeah it is a 22, but similar. scary seats!
Todd Lewis
Eowyn 87 TR/WK C25 #5656
ARWEN 84 TR/SK C25 #4031
www.mainsailsailingschool.com
Edited by - dasreboot on 07/19/2017 11:17:00
Go to Top of Page

DavidBuoy
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
707 Posts
Response Posted - 07/19/2017 :  11:34:31  Show Profile
I actually sit on the rail like that sometimes. Probably not a good idea but I only do it in calmer conditions and if I feel comfortable that my crew could come pick me up if I fall off lol

Captain Rob & Admiral Alyson
"David Buoy"-1985 C25 SK/SR #5053
Go to Top of Page

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4018 Posts
Response Posted - 07/19/2017 :  12:01:13  Show Profile
Can somebody tell me the advantage of a catbird seat? Can't be better visibility because I'm always ducking down to see under a headsail. To me it would be a place you park Grandpa to get him out of the way in the cockpit.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Go to Top of Page

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 07/19/2017 :  14:46:28  Show Profile
Catbird seats are for passengers, not the helm person. I've seen guys use a short-leg beach chair on the cockpit seat, seemed to work fairly well.
DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN
Go to Top of Page

dasreboot
Admiral

Members Avatar

803 Posts
Response Posted - 07/20/2017 :  05:02:42  Show Profile  Visit dasreboot's Homepage
quote:
Originally posted by islander

Can somebody tell me the advantage of a catbird seat? Can't be better visibility because I'm always ducking down to see under a headsail. To me it would be a place you park Grandpa to get him out of the way in the cockpit.
on bigger boats its a nice place to sit that gets passengers out of the way of the action. on the 25 someone could sit in the stern quarter without getting in the way of the tiller.
Todd Lewis
Eowyn 87 TR/WK C25 #5656
ARWEN 84 TR/SK C25 #4031
www.mainsailsailingschool.com
Edited by - dasreboot on 07/20/2017 05:04:02
Go to Top of Page

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9076 Posts
Response Posted - 07/20/2017 :  06:47:50  Show Profile
Boy, if that C-22, with those platforms with no backs, came around Fishers Island Sound with our slop, the skipper would need to sharpen up his MOB skills!
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Go to Top of Page

Bladeswell
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
490 Posts
Response Posted - 07/20/2017 :  07:24:53  Show Profile  Visit Bladeswell's Homepage
Hello Everyone,

Ask and thou shall receive. Here is a link for stern rail seats. For our boats, you would also need the available center rail add on for installation. They even have seat cushions for them. Looks like both sides could be installed in about an hour. no 2x4s needed.

http://www.zarcor.com/products/sternperch/pads-cushions.php

Bladeswell
C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5352 Posts
Response Posted - 07/20/2017 :  17:12:30  Show Profile
This Zarcor seat is close to what I was envisioning. It might be a little more like the short leg beach chair. I've got a piece of 8"X11" 1by pine that I can try out.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Go to Top of Page

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4303 Posts
Response Posted - 07/20/2017 :  19:43:23  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Voyager

This Zarcor seat is close to what I was envisioning. It might be a little more like the short leg beach chair. I've got a piece of 8"X11" 1by pine that I can try out.

I like this version better.

http://www.zarcor.com/products/sternperch/index.php

Association Member

GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX
Edited by - GaryB on 07/20/2017 19:43:45
Go to Top of Page

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 07/20/2017 :  22:34:02  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
quote:
I like this version better.
http://www.zarcor.com/products/sternperch/index.php

At those prices, I would hope it includes the cover and padding shown in the first photo.

-- Leon Sisson
— Leon Sisson
Go to Top of Page

Bladeswell
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
490 Posts
Response Posted - 07/21/2017 :  05:37:25  Show Profile  Visit Bladeswell's Homepage
Ha...!

You would hope so but just like every other company out there, anything extra also costs more. But at least with the picture you get an idea of how to build a pair for your self. Though you may want to spring for the add on center rail to ease installation. The accessory shown sitting on it in the second photo has been known to cost far more....LoL.

Bladeswell
C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.
Go to Top of Page

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9076 Posts
Response Posted - 07/21/2017 :  08:45:35  Show Profile
Leon!! Long, long time! (C-25 owners: this is Doctor Sisson--THE guru of C-25 maintenance and restoration!) I agree on the "padding"!

Are you still aboard?
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/21/2017 08:52:06
Go to Top of Page

JamesBird
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
68 Posts
Response Posted - 07/21/2017 :  12:21:20  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by GaryB

quote:
Originally posted by Voyager

This Zarcor seat is close to what I was envisioning. It might be a little more like the short leg beach chair. I've got a piece of 8"X11" 1by pine that I can try out.

I like this version better.

http://www.zarcor.com/products/sternperch/index.php


I don't think she comes with the seat!
Jim
Danvers, MA
79 Cat25/SR/SK/(1185)
Go to Top of Page

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4018 Posts
Response Posted - 07/21/2017 :  13:24:19  Show Profile
There might be a conflict with accessing the motor and opening the gas tank locker. The gas tank not so much because you might not open it frequently but the motor?....Something to consider in your design.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Edited by - islander on 07/21/2017 13:27:39
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5352 Posts
Response Posted - 07/21/2017 :  16:14:50  Show Profile
Scott - you have a good point on accessing the fuel locker, so the seat would have to be 100% locked down in use but easily removed. A pinned hinge or collar might do it. Regarding accessing the engine (mostly to raise/lower and tilt up/down at the start and end of a trip), again there's a need for a secure but easily removable gizmo.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5352 Posts
Response Posted - 07/24/2017 :  18:43:31  Show Profile
So this weekend, I stacked up three throwable square cushions and my Go-Anywhere seat and created a spot in the back corner of the cockpit where I could steer the boat, lean back comfortably and see over the cabin top. When I needed to run the engine, I adjusted slightly then hit the starter, flipped the transmission into forward and steered with the tiller all the way up inside the harbor to my mooring.
If I could create a wooden platform that would take the place of the cushions, that would be ideal. I've got some 1-by pine and some thick dowels that should do the trick. Maybe some Velcro straps to keep it in place ...
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Go to Top of Page

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9076 Posts
Response Posted - 07/24/2017 :  18:58:36  Show Profile
Bruce: Where or on top of what would your pine platform go?
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Go to Top of Page

Bladeswell
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
490 Posts
Response Posted - 07/24/2017 :  21:38:16  Show Profile  Visit Bladeswell's Homepage
Hi Guys,

Bruce, you could make your platform from pine just for sizing and design trial but I promise you the pine wont work for your permanent version. Pine will quickly warp in the sun light and moisture no matter what finish you choose. But pine is certainly a cheap way to experiment and find out what design will work best.
Good luck and have fun.

Bladeswell
C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.
Go to Top of Page

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4018 Posts
Response Posted - 07/25/2017 :  04:25:29  Show Profile
You could possibly use a wood 3 legged stool or a step stool and cut the legs down then a pool noodle on the rail for a back rest?Even a 3gal. White bucket upside-down. They are about 12" tall and 12" diameter. Also a square plastic milk crate could be used. They are 12x12 and 11" high.Strapped to the rail uprights with a square throwable on top.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Edited by - islander on 07/25/2017 06:37:38
Go to Top of Page

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9076 Posts
Response Posted - 07/25/2017 :  06:33:44  Show Profile
More stowable, with non-skid feet (I have one):
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5352 Posts
Response Posted - 07/26/2017 :  17:59:49  Show Profile
Dave, That's funny, my wife bought me the exact same plastic fold up stool to allow folks to more easily step up from the dock onto the gunwales. I keep it below until the guests arrive.
Scott and Bladeswell, I agree pine will not hold up, but as you say it would be a cheap and easy way to create a prototype.
The pine gizmo would sit on top of the rear cockpit seat, either the gas locker on port or the gear locker on starboard. It would allow me to sit back and be cradled against the stern pulpit.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Go to Top of Page

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1773 Posts
Response Posted - 07/26/2017 :  19:16:26  Show Profile
Call me whatever but . . . . on boats like ours I fail to see the benefit of the stern rail "cat bird" seat. I kind of get it with larger boats, but seems to be less beneficial on smaller craft. Just saying . . . .
Peter Bigelow
C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Go to Top of Page

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 07/26/2017 :  21:19:35  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
quote:
Originally posted by Stinkpotter

Leon!! Long, long time!... Are you still aboard?

Hi all,

Yes, I still have my Catalina 25.

I also recently picked up a neglected Catalina 22 on Craig's List. (I need to stop surfing Craig's List when I'm bored.)

I've been absent here because I spent about 10 years doing homeless cat rescue, foster & adoption. In case anyone had any doubt, that's an all-consuming undertaking. A couple years ago, I decided I'd done enough for one person, and slowly tapered off my involvement to a level where I have time to enjoy sailboats again.

-- Leon Sisson
— Leon Sisson
Go to Top of Page

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9076 Posts
Response Posted - 07/27/2017 :  06:26:11  Show Profile
Welcome back! As my lady says, that "neglected Catalina" just fell into a tub of butter!
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 2 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Next Page
 New Topic  Topic Locked
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Association Forum © since 1999 Catalina Capri 25s International Association Go To Top Of Page
Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000 Version 3.4.06
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.