unihelm inflatable boat seat specifications, seats, seating and steering options

Unihelm Installation

1) Check over Unihelm for any shipping damage. If you find damage, contact the shipping company for instructions to file claim.

2) Inventory all parts. Everything is shipped attached to the Unihelm, but check to make sure that there is

    a) Stainless steel frame
    b) White and gray upholstered seat
    c) Steering wheel
    d) Steering cable

3) Set Unihelm in boat and check fit. The Unihelm should be located far enough forward to allow the outboard motor to tilt up. Start with the back edge of the mounting plates approximately 16" forward of the transom, and then adjust for your outboard. If you mount it further forward, it will affect the ride of the boat.

If your outboard is significantly less than the maximum horsepower your boat is rated for, there may be a problem getting the boat to plane. Discuss this with your outboard dealer regarding ways to make the boat plane more readily. The dealer may suggest trim tabs or to get weight further forward in the boat while accelerating onto a plane.

If you think you may need to move the Unihelm forward in the boat you can temporarily mount the

Unihelm with just two fasteners in the middle holes, secured without sealant. This will allow you to move the Unihelm forward or aft as needed to adjust weight distribution in the boat without having to re-drill mounting holes.

This suggestion is for testing purposes only and on-the-water tests should be performed with the utmost care and caution. The Unihelm will not be well fastened to the boat during this testing and a chance for unintended failure of the fasteners is high. Please be careful during this testing session. After determining the optimum location, follow rest of the mounting instructions.

4) Mark location of holes in mounting plates. Remove Unihelm from boat. See picture #4.

5) Drill pilot holes for fasteners (sheet metal screw or snap toggle). Fasteners will differ depending on hull material and mounting location. If you are unsure of what fasteners to use, contact your boat dealer for advice.

6) Apply a polyurethane sealant/adhesive liberally around fastener holes and put a bead between fastener holes in the area that will be covered by the mounting plate. Use enough sealant/adhesive to achieve a small amount of "squeeze out" around the edges of the mounting plates. See picture #6.

We recommend using 3M 5200 brand or Sikaflex 241 brand polyurethanes on fiberglass hulls. Check with your boat dealer for sealants compatible with other hull materials.

7) Attach steering cable to outboard motor. Follow outboard manufacturer's instruction manual for installation. See picture #7.

8) Install your throttle and gearshift control box on stainless steel mounting plate. Follow outboard manufacturer's instruction manual for installation. See picture #8.

9) Test steering and throttle/shift controls, put boat in water and test handling of boat.

Click here to download PDF version of instructions.