how about a high-end recliner chair/cot for boat use.

Something like this but with few added features.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GL971FY/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1G907UFRR3YJ6

1)While the Zero Gravity chairs have infinite adjustment, all the full recline to cot I've seen have only 3 positions. I want not just infinite adjustment with position clamp like Zero Grav chairs, but also a spring/rocker feature.

2)Needs to be easier to get in and out than current models.

3)Armrests need to fold out of the way, but not be in the way when folded. With armrests out the way, one side could be tied to a wall and unit would function as day bed or couch/bench seating.

4) Legs and feet should be curved in for much smaller base, for more restrictive on-board deck space, including interior use. Don't worry about stability too much. Could be 2/3 current stance and still fine.

5)"XL" size needs to be longer than 70" in cot configuration. If it requires an extra foot support to fold out to keep the chair config ergo-metric, especially as to getting in and out of chair, so be it.

6)Painted aluminum frame. Paint should be semi-insulating for cool in sun, warm in freeze touch.

7) Overhead shade and cup holders (both sides) AND provision for mini desk/laptop holder.https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-...sr=8-5&keywords=zero gravity chair with shade
Attachments should be robust and "universal" (such as hole for 1/2" dowel) to allow for easy customization/repair. Also provision for fishing rod holders. Provision for clamping portable random small lights and/or smart phones.

8)Cleats or other means to secure a fabric or sheet covering without additional cords to keep unit covered when occupied (with overhead shade), unoccupied (keep bedding dry and free of seagull droppings), or semi-folded. Also, means to use standard size bed sheet to cover seating area, for easy laundering and nicer feel.

9)Just enough closed-cell foam padding to make the unit buoyant, but not so much it can't fold. Standard models are about 4-6" thick when folded.

10)Comes with self storage bag with elastic and/or compression straps which would enclose the folded unit and keep it svelte as possible. Backpack straps (unit will weight 20lbs or more) and so bag can be duel propose for lugging groceries, laundry, kids, animals. When chair unfolded the bag would hang off back for storage of large light weight items like clothing or bedding. Bottom of bag would attach to bottom of chair back so if fully reclined the bag would not lay on wet deck. When folded and bagged, the unit would provide comfy "on the floor" seating pad, or backrest, without any frame sticking out uncomfortably.



MSRP of $400-900?

 

Sorry, I don't see the utility. It would get in the way more than it would be useful as a seat or berth. Those don't fold up very compactly unless they are like an army cot, which is a PITA to set-up take down. So you would wind up with a lot of "dead" volume that can't be used for storage because you have to accommodate the chair in each of its configurations (folded, seat, flat, etc.) . They tend to be shaped for lounging, not sitting up at a table eating or working on stuff. If you get knocked down, you and your chair/bunk are going to go flying around the cabin.

 

I'm thinking about it for my riding mower.

 

Mostly for sitting in while getting drunk, then passing out, in large cockpit of sport fishers in evening. During "the heat of battle" and when Cleared for Action, it could reside next to the doughnut shaped life-preserver outside the fly-bridge. Also for comfy temp-seating during long voyage to and from fishing grounds, and when action is slow.

I've been using a loaded(shade, cup holders, XL size) Zero Grav chair in a van as chair/cot and folds up pretty good and secures with bungie to above rear wheel well. Seems about perfect, better than any reclining automotive chair including any full size lux-van seating. People really like it when driving around, but its a safety hazard and they would fly straight through front in even mild crash.

""dead" volume that can't be used for storage because you have to accommodate the chair in each of its configurations (folded, seat, flat, etc.) ." Idea is to use what is open deck space for lounging/sleeping with compact portable system that its self can be stored out of the way. Similar to traditional Japanese tiny house, but with traditional Western lounging instead of kneeling, and staying off the floor with shoes still on.

Yes, current Zero Grav chairs not good for working at table, which is why I mentioned provision for small laptop table. IMO folding lounger COULD be made much better or even great and adjustable for sitting at table with a couple more joints and extra $100. This would not be for interior use at existing typical table with wrap around booth seating opposite galley. Maybe extra sleeper in gangway between galley and booth.

PS-RVs and Yuppies actual main target customer, just want some yachting cachet. Current trend for undersized overpriced Yuppie dwellings is to have little balconies that are just a couple inches too small for current Zero Grav with big "outdoor camping" footprint, hence the need to spend money curving legs/feet inward. Not sure how that would work, yet. Also feel there is market for patio use from upscale Soccer Moms who reflexively buy The Best especially for entertaining and leisure. Seems to be an oversupply of low level mechanical manufacturing, especially in China for items like this, so I'm trying to give it a place to go.

 

RVs and patios usually don't heel or roll in a swell or the wake of a passing powerboat.

 

Stability about the least of my worries. Figuring out a folding mechanism to get feet under chair a bit so others can walk around chair in close quarters is a "design challenge". I've seen normal tall shop stools used on fairly small boats such as pictured on famously choppy SF Bay. Worst case you will barely be 15" off deck to begin with, with better than 1:1 width to height in shortest stance. REAL issue with chair/cot is getting the back feet far enough back so your upper body weight doesn't tip you back on your head when reclining, especially in "negative gravity" position with feet above heart/head (supposed to be good for circulation).

 

Try the cot chair upgrade:
Go to a medical supply and get a gurney. Saw one last Friday at a medi-vac. Occupant was extremely comfortable......- wheeled, multi-position, electric raising/lowering, drink holders, bag holders, pole holders, lights, even a back-up beeper.
One problem- does not float.