Choosing the Right Helmsman Seat in 7 Steps

Being comfortable while navigating is crucial. Therefore, making the right choice when purchasing a new helmsman seat is essential. But how do you determine which seat is best for you? Peter van der Veen is a helmsman seat specialist at Hoenderop. He assists customers in selecting the appropriate helmsman seat.

The process starts with the dealers. Hoenderop has a broad dealer network in the Benelux and Germany. Skippers looking for a new helmsman seat can visit the bunker stations and other points of sales. If desired, they are welcome to visit Hoenderop’s showroom in Ridderkerk. Peter van der Veen says: “Here we show a wide selection of helmsman seats. This gives a good overview of the available options, but making the right choice always requires a step-by-step approach. With these seven steps, it's almost impossible not to purchase the right helmsman seat.”

1/ Design of the wheelhouse
The majority of customers who visit Hoenderop for a new helmsman seat are inland skippers. The first important question in this case is: does the wheelhouse have an overhead structure? If so, the choice is limited, but you can still opt for NorSap chairs NS1500 or NS1600. With these seats, the backrest can fold all the way back to align with the seat cushion, allowing the wheelhouse to lower.

2/ Size of the wheelhouse
The size of the wheelhouse is also important. A helmsman seat that barely allows you to walk around or is visually dominant is not desirable. In that case, it’s better to choose a smaller model, such as the NS1000 or NS1100.

3/ Height of the console
The height of the console determines the length of the helmsman seat column. All helmsman seat models offer two to three options for the column height. If a helmsman seat needs to be in the highest position for 90 percent of the time, it weakens the structure. In that case, a higher column is a better option.

4/ Delivery times for helmsman seats
Not unimportant: how quickly do you need the seat? Hoenderop keeps many models in stock, as well as spare parts. In our workshop, a helmsman seat can be assembled if there are specific preferences. A seat can then leave our warehouse within one day. If you prefer a special model or if you have specific requirements, it may take a bit longer.

After answering these questions, test sitting is an important part of choosing a helmsman seat. This can be done by appointment at Hoenderop’s showroom. “The most important aspect of a seat is, of course, that it’s comfortable. What’s comfortable varies for each person,” says Peter van der Veen. “It’s worth noting that the seat cushion of NorSap seats is always flatter than what people might be used to. NorSap designs work chairs that are easy to get in and out of. If someone prefers a bucket-shaped seat, we also offer other brands such as Recaro and our own in-house selection at Hoenderop.”

5/ Sitting a lot or a little in a helmsman seat
An atypical question when talking about chairs, but it’s worth considering how much time will be spent in the helmsman seat. In maritime shipping, people generally spend less time sitting compared to inland shipping. In that case, the NS800 from NorSap is sufficient. The NS1500 and NS1600 ensure higher seating comfort. Prefer standing to sitting? Then the NS4000 Agile - the so-called ‘stand-up’ seat - is ideal.

6/ Required installation equipment
For NorSap seats, the sky is the limit. The seats can be equipped with joysticks, regulators, buttons, and screens. Everything to make the work as ergonomic and easy as possible.

7/ Customizing the helm seat
In addition to standard configurations, it’s possible to customize any helmsman seat according to your preferences. For upholstery, you can choose between fabric or leather, and there are five standard colors, but any color is possible with a different approach. In addition, there are around 150 stitch colors to choose from, and you can embroider the logo or ship’s name on the backrest. You can also choose a flange base, a 5-legged base, or a flange combined with a rail.

Van der Veen says: “The possibilities are endless! This is also thanks to the close collaboration between Hoenderop and NorSap. NorSap has been our regular supplier of helmsman seats for about thirty years. We have almost daily contact with their team in Norway. We share the same goal: to send the customer onto the water with the most suitable helmsman seat, which also looks good.”