Lifehacks: These four reader tips will help you create comfortable seating on board

Rear basket for retrofitting

We wanted to retrofit a rear seat, but couldn't find what we were looking for in specialist shops. The models available there didn't fit our rear basket or blocked the rear box lid with the support. So we had to do it ourselves. A piece of plywood, hinges and pipe clamps were all we needed. We sawed out the seat and the support from the plywood. This is how the force is channelled into the railing support. The construction is attached to the horizontal and vertical tubes of the pushpit with a few pipe clamps and secured to the support with Velcro. We sealed the wooden surfaces with clear varnish. This looks good and protects the material from moisture. Sitting on the coaming, the seat can also serve as a small table. It can simply be stowed away when sailing. The material cost around 20 euros. Markus Sturn, Lochau

Mobile seat in the dry

When motoring under autopilot, we use the wind-protected and dry space under the sprayhood as a lookout. In order to be able to sit there comfortably and in the direction of travel, we have made a small special plug-in bulkhead. A seat is placed on this bulkhead, which is around 20 centimetres high. The advantage of this is that the raised position provides a better view, is well protected and the split construction makes it easier to stow the seat below deck. Jürgen Kruse, by e-mail

Folding shower seat

Showering in a seated position is much more comfortable in a small space. That's why we have produced a folding shower seat made of POM plastic (polyoxymethylene). A plate attached to the bathroom wall serves as a support and transfers the forces to the floor. The seat is attached to it with hinges and rests on the plate in a horizontal position. The front support is guided in a groove on the underside of the seat. Andreas Mengen, Spay

Cushion for round coamings

If you are sitting lengthways on the dinghy, you like to lean your back against the cabin bulkhead. On many modern yachts, this area is very rounded, so you are always pressed slightly towards the centre of the cockpit when leaning against it. To prevent this, we have made seat cushions with a suitable fit that are bevelled straight at the front. To ensure that the locker lids remain accessible, the reclining surface was cut into accordingly. Rubberised pads help to prevent slipping. Andreas Mengen, Spay

Do you have any advice for other sailors?

We will honour the publication of your tip with 50 euros. Please add photos or sketches. We also need your address. Send submissions to: YACHT editorial office, Gänsemarkt 24, 20354 Hamburg or: mail@yacht.de