Boat Seats: Universal Or Custom-Made?

are boat seats universal

Boat seats come in a variety of types, including lounge seats, jump seats, helm seats, fishing chairs, and bench seats. While some seats are designed for specific boat types, such as pontoon boat seats and bass boat seats, there are also universal boat seats available that can be mounted to any boat. Universal boat seats, like the Avery Universal Boat Seat, offer a durable and comfortable design with features such as mesh construction for water drainage and a tough, long-lasting steel frame.

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Boat seat types

Boat seats come in a variety of types, styles, and levels of comfort. The right seat for you will depend on your personal preference, comfort, style, and budget.

Captain's Chairs

Captain's chairs are similar to bucket seats but tend to have armrests and can be adjustable. They can cost a couple of hundred dollars and can even run into the thousands for a top-of-the-line seat.

Bench Seats

Bench seats are longer and built for more than one person. They come in various sizes, usually ranging from 28 to 65 inches in length. They are similar to a love seat or couch and often have storage space underneath the seat cushions. Bench seats are commonly found on pontoon boats and cruisers.

Swivel Seats

Swivel seats are typically found on fishing boats as they allow the fisherman to move around with ease. They are usually smaller with a lower back, but higher backs and armrests are also available for a higher price. Swivel seats can be removed, spun 360 degrees, and fit most standard seat hole patterns.

Leaning Posts

Leaning post seats are typically used on center console and bass boats. They can come with or without a backrest, and if a backrest is included, it is usually removable. Leaning posts can be used as a seat, a bench, or a leaning post, and often have a foot rail and handrail. Most also have four holes at the back for fishing rods.

Flip-Flop Seats

Flip-flop seats are commonly found on fishing boats, bass boats, and recreational boats. They are reasonably comfortable, with cushioning in both the seat and backrest, and some have a storage area underneath.

Bucket Seats

Bucket seats are rounded or contoured and made to fit just one person. They are often used as captain's chairs and are considered very comfortable. They are made out of marine-grade vinyl, which protects them from the sun and makes them resistant to salt and mildew.

Pontoon Boat Seats

Pontoon boat seats are long and built to fit multiple people. They usually wrap around the boat to maximize capacity and are hinged to reveal hidden storage space underneath.

Lounge Seats

Lounge seats feature two connected seats that are built back-to-back. They have built-in storage and can fully recline.

Pedestal Mount Low-Back Fish Seats

Low-back, pedestal-mount seats are often used for fishing, offering lower back support and folding away when not in use. They come in a variety of colors and patterns to match your boat's upholstery.

Back-to-Back Loungers

The back-to-back lounger is a versatile seat that has been used by boat designers for decades. It seats two passengers in a small space and provides a backward-facing seat for a spotter when towing skiers or board riders. It can fold completely flat to form a sun lounge and offers storage space underneath.

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Boat seat brands

When it comes to boat seat brands, there are several reputable companies that offer a wide range of products to choose from. Here is an overview of some of the popular brands in the market:

Wise

Wise is a well-known brand in the boat seat industry, offering a diverse range of seats to suit various preferences and budgets. Their products include the Wise Economy Low Back Seat, which is an affordable option with marine-grade vinyl and thick compression padding. Wise also offers the Deluxe High Back Seat, providing exceptional support and comfort with its high-compression foam padding and solid moulded plastic frame. Additionally, they have the 8WD707P-1 Deluxe Lounge Seat, which provides comfortable contoured padding and storage compartments underneath.

NorthCaptain

NorthCaptain is another popular brand, known for its high-quality and comfortable boat seats. Their S1 Deluxe Boat Seat is a top choice for fishing enthusiasts, as it comes with two seats that offer exceptional weight capacity and are made of durable materials. NorthCaptain's T1 Deluxe Boat Seat is also worth considering, as it provides excellent value with its dense foam padding and marine-grade vinyl cover.

Attwood

Attwood is a brand that offers both comfort and style with their boat seats. Their folding boat seat features a camo-inspired cover and a heavy-duty construction, including a high-impact plastic frame and tough aluminium hinges. The seat also provides good back support and has antibacterial properties, making it a hygienic option.

DeckMate

DeckMate is a trusted brand when it comes to comfortable and durable boat seats. Their Classic Boat Seats are ideal for pontoon boats, offering custom-moulded cushioning and a sturdy aluminium frame. The seats are covered in marine-grade vinyl and come with all the necessary stainless steel mounting hardware for easy installation.

Tempress

For those seeking a premium high-back boat seat, Tempress is a brand to consider. Their ProBax Boat Seat features a dual-core foam support system, providing optimal back and upper body support. The seat is also designed in collaboration with leading spinal surgeons, ensuring an ergonomic and comfortable experience. The polypropylene seat shell is water and UV-resistant, making it a durable choice.

Millennium Marine

Millennium Marine is a brand that caters to performance-oriented buyers with their exclusive ComfortMax technology. Their B100 Boat Seat offers all-day comfort with its contoured padding and breathable fabric. The seat is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and has a high weight capacity of 400 pounds. Additionally, it is compatible with various pedestals, making it a versatile option.

Other Brands

In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are several other reputable companies offering boat seats, such as Springfield Marine, Moeller, Taylor Made, and Leader Accessories. These brands provide a range of features, including high-quality construction, comfortable cushioning, and UV-resistant materials. When choosing a boat seat brand, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, durability, ease of installation, and compatibility with your boat's pedestal or mounting system.

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Boat seat materials

Boat seats and their materials are an important consideration for any boat owner. Not only do you want your boat to look good, but you also want to make sure that the seats are comfortable and durable. When it comes to boat seat materials, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

One of the most popular choices for boat seat material is vinyl. Marine-grade vinyl is a synthetic faux leather material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is highly durable, UV resistant, and water-resistant. It is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of a marine environment, including sun exposure, mould, and mildew. Vinyl boat seats are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for boat owners.

Another option for boat seat material is canvas. Boat canvas, such as Sunbrella Marine Canvas, is often used for waterproof covers and bimini tops. It is highly durable and breathable, preventing the trapping of heat and moisture, which can lead to mildew. Canvas is also available in a wide range of colours, allowing boat owners to coordinate with their boat's existing colour scheme.

In addition to vinyl and canvas, there are other materials used for boat seats, such as leather and fabric. Leather boat seats offer a luxurious look and feel, but they may require more maintenance and can be susceptible to sun damage and mould if not properly cared for. Fabric boat seats, on the other hand, offer a wide range of colours and patterns, but they may not be as durable or water-resistant as vinyl or canvas.

Ultimately, the choice of boat seat material depends on several factors, including personal preference, cost, durability, and maintenance requirements. By considering these factors, boat owners can make an informed decision about the best material for their boat seats.

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Boat seat installation

Installing boat seats is a moderately easy task that can be done by DIY boaters. The process involves securing the seat base, drilling holes, and attaching the seat with screws or bolts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install boat seats:

Planning and Preparation:

Before starting the installation, it is important to determine the location of the seat. Make sure it is not too close or too far from the wheel or tiller, allowing you to reach the steering comfortably. Check the type of decking under the seat and the structures underneath. If the decking is thin, consider screwing or bolting the seat into a supporting structure. Additionally, determine the type of decking material, as this will impact the fasteners and installation process.

Installing the Seat Base:

  • Line up the base and pedestal to the desired location.
  • Drill a single hole through one of the base's mounting holes.
  • Insert a bolt or screw into the hole without caulking it.
  • Drill a second hole on the opposite side of the base.
  • Secure the pedestal in place by driving in a bolt or screw.
  • Drill the remaining holes.
  • Remove the two initial fasteners and the pedestal.
  • Clean the shavings and dust created by drilling.
  • Apply marine caulk or adhesive/sealant to each screw hole to seal any coring.

Attaching the Seat:

  • Replace the seat pedestal base, lining up the holes with the caulk.
  • Drive in all the fasteners to secure the base in place.
  • If your seat has a backrest, determine its location and secure it to the rear wall of the seating platform using the provided screws and plastic mounting bars.
  • Line up the seat cushion with the installed backrest and adjust the spacing between them.
  • Attach the hinge at the bottom of the seat cushion to the platform using the provided screws and vinyl piece.
  • Repeat the process for any additional seats, such as a center fold-down seat or fishing seats.

Important Considerations:

  • Avoid drilling into a fuel tank or through your boat's wiring harness.
  • If the deck is covered with vinyl or carpet, remove it from the area where the seat base will be located.
  • Use the appropriate fasteners for the type of decking material.
  • Consider using bolts instead of screws for better retention and to prevent the decking from weakening over time.
  • Allow the caulk or adhesive/sealant to completely cure before using the boat.
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Boat seat accessories

Boat seats come in a variety of styles, such as flip-up, bucket, beanbag, and bench, and can be made with either marine-grade vinyl or attractive weatherproof synthetic fabric. They are designed to be tough, waterproof, and breathable.

When it comes to accessories, there are several options to choose from to enhance the functionality and comfort of your boat seats. Here are some examples:

  • Seat Covers: These are essential for protecting your boat seats from the elements, such as sun damage and water stains. They are designed to be waterproof and breathable, just like the seats themselves.
  • Seat Cushions: Adding extra cushioning to your boat seats can provide a more comfortable experience for you and your passengers. Look for cushions made with high-compression foam padding and covered in durable marine-grade vinyl.
  • Seat Pedestals: Pedestals are used to raise or lower your boat seats to the desired height. They come in a variety of styles, including pillar, removable, pin, and wedge types. When choosing a pedestal, consider the height adjustment range and the stability of the base.
  • Seat Swivels: Swivels allow your boat seats to rotate, providing a greater range of motion and making it easier to get in and out of the seat. They can be installed between the seat and the pedestal or mounted directly to the deck.
  • Seat Mounts: Mounts are used to securely attach your boat seats to the deck or pedestal. They come in a variety of styles, including clamp-on mounts, quick-disconnect mounts, and locking mounts. Consider the ease of installation and the stability provided by the mount.
  • Seat Backrests: For seats that don't come with a built-in backrest, you can purchase one separately for added comfort and support. Look for backrests made with durable materials and adjustable features to customize your seating position.
  • Seat Cup Holders: Cup holders can be attached to the sides or arms of your boat seats, providing a convenient place to store beverages. They are typically made of waterproof materials and designed to drain away any spills.
  • Seat Storage: There are various storage options available for boat seats, including under-seat compartments, seat backpack organizers, and seat caddy organizers. These can be great for storing life jackets, fishing gear, and other boating essentials.

Frequently asked questions

Boat seats come in a variety of designs and sizes, and while some are designed to fit specific boat types, there are also universal boat seats available that can be mounted on any boat.

A universal boat seat offers the advantage of being able to be installed on any type of boat, making it a versatile option for boat owners. It also provides comfort and durability with its mesh construction and long-lasting steel frame.

When choosing a universal boat seat, it is important to consider the size, weight, and ease of installation. Ensure that the seat fits your boat comfortably and securely. Also, look for features like water drainage, integrated tie-down straps, and swivel plates for mounting.

Yes, the Avery Universal Boat Seat is a popular option with a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. It offers comfort, durability, and a universal design that mounts to any boat.

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