Prototype hiding lean-back
Finished Product
SolidWorks cad renderings
Passenger reversible Chase lounge
When replacing the dated 226v in 2009 the dealers did not want to loose the forward facing passenger seat that was a huge success in the previous model. They also wanted the chase lounge that has become so popular in all the other models.
Challenged with trying to find a compromise I set to work first creating a mock-up with foam and plywood in an existing 226 scrap boat. I developed a concept of a retractable lean-back that would disappear under the passenger seat bottom. To comply with with ABYC seat impact tests the lean-back would need to lock into position and withstand the weight of a person sitting on top of it in the upright position. I created a gas assisted hinge mechanism that locked upright using an off the shelf Sea-doo latch. Once the seat bottom is opened a lever is pressed and the lean-back retracts into position.
A small extension deploys from the same seat bottom opening to fill the gap between the dash pad and the front of the passenger seat bottom. A folding dash pad allows you to lean on the passenger dash facing aft or access the stereo head concealed behind.