Fatigue standing - helm seat too close to wheel

[HJ51]

Does anyone else have trouble steering while standing for long periods of time in their 27? I find that the available space is just too narrow to stand naturally or comfortably and can't do it for long without my back hurting. Autopilot helps but some situations don't allow it, and besides I like to sail my own boat. 

[BobK]

I normally sit when I steer for long periods of time.  The only time I stand is when docking.  I do sit on a cushion for better visibility.
BobK

[wes]

Agree - I mostly sit except when docking and in very choppy seas. I have a set of 2" cockpit cushions, and I rig a folded stadium seat as a back pad between me and the stainless tubes of the swim ladder.

I don't find it awkward to stand  behind the wheel when needed though.

Wes

[MomentSurf]

Definitely a tight spot!  I made a nice captains chair that sits between the stern rail and ladder...I'll try to dig up a picture. 

I was thinking of replacing that cockpit seat with a cooler.  Unfortunately I'm not near the boat...can someone send me measurements of the 'removable' helm seat?  I'd like to buy a cooler that fits in its place. 

Thanks in advance!

[MomentSurf]

At the boat now...for future reference, the dimensions of the area in which the removable helm seat fits are:
W - 20.5" bottom / 21.5" top
D - anything less than 16" would fit
H - Anything more than 13" would fit

Looks like a Yeti Tundra 35 would fit perfect.

[MomentSurf]

Pictures of captains chair

https://link.shutterfly.com/Y1pcTb8g58
https://link.shutterfly.com/fcvVXGih58

[wes]

Wow, that's so creative! A great idea. Love to see a photo from below showing the attachment of the seat to the stainless tubing.

Do you have a bimini on the boat? Any issues with the height of the seat relative to the bimini?

Wes

[MomentSurf]

Thanks!

The rear of the seat sits on the ladder rung.  The forward part of the seat sits on the nuts of two bolts I put through the vertical stainless steel tubing.  It took a bit of trial and error to build it.  I could literally trace the seat shape if you'd like.
https://link.shutterfly.com/FUhjwfAcf9
https://link.shutterfly.com/IMYwgIOcf9

I do have a bimini...no issues with the height at all...your head is a couple feet below the bimini. 
Also, the Yeti Tundra 35 fits perfectly where the removable 'captions chair' goes. 
https://link.shutterfly.com/FhQLmmQcf9