Decker: The Folding Yacht Chair

A Compact and Stylish Solution for Yacht Furniture

Yachts are known for their luxurious and elegant interiors, but space is often limited. Bulky furniture or plastic chairs simply don't belong on these high-end vessels. That's where the Decker folding yacht chair comes in. It offers a flexible seating solution that can be easily stowed away when not in use, without compromising on comfort or style.

What sets the Decker chair apart from others is its unique design and features. The chair is made from teak wood slats that are secured to webbing straps, providing flexibility and added comfort in the seat. The over-center design of the backrest creates tension on the straps, ensuring a secure seat that flexes and gives with the user.

When unfolded, the Decker chair measures 660 mm wide x 730 mm deep x 673 mm tall (26” wide x 28.75” deep x 26.5” tall). When folded, it shrinks down to a compact size of 660 mm wide x 570 mm deep x 100 mm thick (26” wide x 22.5” deep x 4” tall). This compact form factor allows for easy storage and transportation, making it ideal for yachts with limited space.

The Decker chair is made using high-quality materials commonly found on yachts, such as stainless steel, brass, and teak. The stainless steel frame is meticulously fabricated with trapezoidal tubing and cast lugs, creating a seamless and durable structure. Brass hardware is used for pivot joints and fastening, adding a touch of elegance to the design. An optional pad with outdoor fabric is also available, ensuring the chair can withstand the elements encountered by yachts.

Operating the Decker chair is a breeze. To close the chair, simply flip the backrest down onto the seat. The teak slats relax when folded, as the webbing is no longer under tension. The chair can then be easily picked up by the handle on the back of the seat frame. The front legs are folded followed by the back legs, which are held in place by magnets embedded inside the tubing. Opening the chair is just as simple, with the legs unfolding first, followed by the backrest. The teak slats are tightened with the webbing, providing a secure and comfortable seating experience.

The Decker folding yacht chair was designed and prototyped in Seattle, Washington, USA, with the project completed in January 2022. The chair's ergonomic model underwent extensive research and testing to ensure maximum comfort for users. The design team, led by Cameron Smith, overcame various challenges, including creating tension in the webbing and teak slats through the over-center design of the backrest.

The Decker folding yacht chair has garnered recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations. This award recognizes the chair's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

With its sleek design, compact form factor, and exceptional functionality, the Decker folding yacht chair is a must-have for yacht owners who value both style and practicality. It offers a comfortable seating solution that can be easily stowed away, allowing for more space and flexibility on board. Whether you're lounging on the deck or hosting guests, the Decker chair is the perfect companion for any yacht adventure.