Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

[theoldwizard1]

First timer, so be gentle !

I have a 2001 Starfire 170 LE ...



... that I want to replace the pedestal seats with more "family friendly" back to back "sleeper" seats. You could optionally order a back to back "sleeper" on the port side at that time. Not a huge project, but I have couple of "issues"

1. I would like the seats to be upholstered in the same colors and hopefully style as the original seats
2. I would also like the back to back seats to be (reasonably) easily removeable so that I could install the pedestal seats if I wanted to. Possibly held down by the existing pedestal mounting plate center holes (Atwood ?) ?

Do you think a Starcraft dealer could order a pair of these, or would the price be just ridiculous ?

I'm sure a marine upholster could make something up based on the color and pattern of the pedestal seats. Any one want to guesstimate the cost ?

Has anyone figured out a way to connect a back to back pair down to pedestal mounting plates ?


BTW, the boat is awesome. A little heavy in the stern with a 115 4 stroke EFI Mercury, but it sips fuel.

 

[barato2]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

yo Great and Powerful Oz--

yes, i think price from SC or a dealer would be heart attack inducing. no idea what a marine uphostery place would charge. however, i doubt SC makes these seats themselves....they are likely made by todd, Attwood, Wise, etc. If you can figure out mfgr, you might be able to order same ones. since your boat is so new, might be worth a call to SC factory to find out whose seats they buy?

on the removable aspect....what if you mounted the back to back onto a 3/4" ply base plate and then attached something that drops into the pedestal socket to bottom of base plate? doesn't need to be as strong as if you were installing a pedestal seat, just to keep seat from sliding around. ???

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

... i doubt SC makes these seats themselves....they are likely made by todd, Attwood, Wise, etc.

Well the pedestals appear to be Attwood, but the seats don't seem to line up with any of their current product line. Attwood does not sell back to back seats.

what if you mounted the back to back onto a 3/4" ply base plate and then attached something that drops into the pedestal socket to bottom of base plate?

My thoughts exactly, just wanted to see if anyone has done this.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

Agree with barato, Starcraft will need a right arm for such a purchase.

You could go with something like...

Wise Deluxe Lounge Seat - Walmart.com

Boat Lounge and Jump Seats


But, honestly, I think in the end you'll find they will be more hassell that what they are worth.

Yaknow?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

You could go with something like...

Wise Deluxe Lounge Seat - Walmart.com

I did a lot more research last night and those seats are the "best bang for the buck" !

Wise does make a couple of "higher" end seats. The WD1225 Bayliner Capri and Classic Replacement Lounge Seating" (?) seem to be the top of the line, at least they are the most expensive !

As far as matching the upholstery, I could could pay half again as much for some shop to make custom upholstery or just live with it.


As for hassle. I have grandkids and need more/better seating !! :joyous:

 

[barato2]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

I could could pay half again as much for some shop to make custom upholstery

or you could pore through Glen's (Dozer II) holiday thread, where you can watch a self-taught upholstery master at work and then recover em yourself eventually...???

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

Definitely going to buy some Wise seats. Now, of course, which ones ?

The 3 I'm looking at are Wise "Bayliner", "Contemporary" and "Classic". I prefer one with a gray/charcoal color combination. Any feedback on the differences ?

 

[barato2]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

harumph. nuttin called "Bayliner" is goin in MY tin. (where's that "curmudgeon" smiley...??)

Wiz, we may or may not be all that much help. the way most of us decide what seat to use is what we find cheap on CL or on sale. "Last year's color pattern" is a favorite seat model around here.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Convert a Starfire 170 LE to a SS, sort of

harumph. nuttin called "Bayliner" is goin in MY tin. (where's that "curmudgeon" smiley...??)

Wiz, we may or may not be all that much help. the way most of us decide what seat to use is what we find cheap on CL or on sale. "Last year's color pattern" is a favorite seat model around here.

Yeah, I gathered this is a "budget" crowd. Nothin' wrong with that. My first boat, was a fixer-up glasser (Duo) until I realized that the floor was rotten, the stringers were rotten, and I needed a whole lower unit on the 50hp Merc from the 60s. The Admiral said "buy new", so I did !

Personally, if I had the space, I would love to re-do an old Chieftan or a hardtop Islander. I would go big time. New 4.3L EFI GM V6 and Alpha drive or a bracket with a big outboard ! Sigh. Just a dream