Raising Boat Seats?

[cjkeeme]

Hi All,

I have a 2001 Bayliner 185 Capri Sport. I really want to raise the seats to a proper height (it's just to low for me). I have attached a couple images. Does anyone know if just the pedestal base can be replaced to increase the height? It is easily removable via lever and seems like there should be some type of aftermarket upgrade for this part.

If not, I am also looking at this on Amazon: Amazon.com: Wise 8WP21-18S Adjustable Boat Seat Pedestal 12" - 18": Sports & Outdoors

It seems like it will be a direct swap out. Does anyone have any experience with this part? I'll probably just order it so I can properly test the fit.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

Get some aluminum pipe of the same diameter and get a welder to add some to it. The cost of the item at Amazon is about what it would cost to have it welded. So if the bolt pattern is workable get the tall one and cut to fit

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

The heighest will be about 2" from the top of the base. Looks like the PO had it all the way down. Other options are as previous post or new...

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

Yes, and have (at least) two options:

The first - and easiest - is to buy an extension to your existing pedestal post. The advantage is that you can generally find a number of different lengths and you can choose how high to make the seat. The downside is it won't be adjustable.

The second option is a bit costlier. You can find a replacement adjustable pedestal that allows you to raise or lower the seat. Some have nifty pneumatic levers just like a fancy office chair. There are some available here on iBoats. The downside is that they are quite a bit more expensive.

I went the second route and I've been very happy. I bought this model and I've been very happy with it.

I guess a third option would be to replace the seat and get one with a folding bolster that you can raise or lower depending on your need. Those can be pricy and if you replace one seat, it might not match the others -- if that sort of thing is important.

Good luck!

Jim

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

Low seating in a boat is seldom satisfactory for driving; it's an established design defect in boats like that which are made to look like a car's driver seat. Once you raise the seat to a proper level your controls and wheel are hard to reach and the dash conflicts with your knees. And you can't stand up in the hole either. At least you have pedestals and something to work with, rather than back-to-back seats.
So consider moving the seat back if you are raising it. The best set-up for driving a boat is to be able to stand most of the time, but sit and still see, adn without having to climb around to move from standing to sitting.

 

[britisher]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

As an alternative to adding a longer pedestal, you can a wood space to the boat floor. Don't know if your boat has a GF deck or wood. You could just cut a base of ply, glass it in, then screw the pedestal to new the new spacer.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

I don't know about AZ regulations but here in PA. it is illegal to stand at anything over no wake speed in anything less than 20 feet.

And you don't need a welder. Get some aluminum pipe the same od and id as the pedestal. then get something that will nest inside. A couple of countersunk screws to hold everything together and presto--Bob's your uncle!

 

[mippel]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

Hi All,

I have a 2001 Bayliner 185 Capri Sport. I really want to raise the seats to a proper height (it's just to low for me). I have attached a couple images. Does anyone know if just the pedestal base can be replaced to increase the height? It is easily removable via lever and seems like there should be some type of aftermarket upgrade for this part.

If not, I am also looking at this on Amazon: Amazon.com: Wise 8WP21-18S Adjustable Boat Seat Pedestal 12" - 18": Sports & Outdoors

It seems like it will be a direct swap out. Does anyone have any experience with this part? I'll probably just order it so I can properly test the fit.

I am 6'8", on both my boats i did this:
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...edestal-seats-too-low-578425.html#post3976637

It is cheap and well worth it for me. You can add pieces to get where you want it.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

I think that pedestal your looking at will do the job nicely and at only $58 it's no major loss if it doesn't.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

So consider moving the seat back if you are raising it. The best set-up for driving a boat is to be able to stand most of the time, but sit and still see, adn without having to climb around to move from standing to sitting.

This is a really good idea. When I restored my boat last winter, I moved the driver's seat back about4-6". It wasn't much, but it made a huge difference. I can now drive the boat standing up if I want, and when I'm perched on the seat when the pedestal is fully up, my knees don't get jammed under the dash. An excellent suggestion!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

I don't know about AZ regulations but here in PA. it is illegal to stand at anything over no wake speed in anything less than 20 feet.

that's one of the dumbest laws I've ever heard of. Certainly wouldn't fly for coastal boating.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Raising Boat Seats?

I agree. I violate it all the time but only when there are no boat police on the river. I suspect that legislators were worried about people being thrown out of small boats by big wakes.