seat

[strokeoluck]

We purchased a 2005 Bayliner 185 runabout recently. And we went to the MN boat show today. I have to say that I really like the driver seats that "flip up" so the driver is sitting about 4" - 5" higher than if there were no "flip up" seat. Our Bayliner doesn't have the flip up seat.

1) Do the rest of you agree that the flip up seat is desirable in a runabout boat? We have two young kids (9 and 10) and plan on doing the normal inland lake "fun" stuff w/the boat that you would imagine.

2) Is it possible to "easily" swap out the current driver's seat for the flip up type?

3) If yes to # 2, where would I find a reasonably priced (used?) flip up driver's seat?

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: seat

By flip up, do you mean height adjustable? If that's what you are after, all you need to change is the pedestal. Height adjustable pedestals are available anywhere boating supplies are sold including right here on iBoats, Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. My Alumacraft Navigator has this feature and it works well. Flip a lever and the seat is spring loaded to raise or lower it.

Just curious -- how busy was the MPLS Boat Show. I normally go but I passed this year. Nothing new excites me I guess.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: seat

Sounds like an excellent option to me, heck the backrest on my seat is all worn out from sitting upon it, the lower is still perfect cause I seldomly sit on that.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: seat

Thanks. I'll check out the height adjustable option. Maybe my boat has that option and I just don't know about it.

I'd never been to the MN boat show before so I have nothing to compare it to, but in talking w/the dealer guys working the show they said the traffic was down significantly. It felt pretty sparse.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: seat

I think what your are referring to is a bolster. Kinda like a booster seat.

I would find it useful, whenever you want to get a more visibility as to what might be floating in the lake as opposed to continuous standing. For your use, it would depend on how you sight line could be affected by the top of your windscreen when the bolster was used.

I see them more in the go-fast boats and used when running full out. Although I saw one today in a pontoon.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: seat

We purchased a 2005 Bayliner 185 runabout recently. And we went to the MN boat show today. I have to say that I really like the driver seats that "flip up" so the driver is sitting about 4" - 5" higher than if there were no "flip up" seat. Our Bayliner doesn't have the flip up seat.

1) Do the rest of you agree that the flip up seat is desirable in a runabout boat? We have two young kids (9 and 10) and plan on doing the normal inland lake "fun" stuff w/the boat that you would imagine.

2) Is it possible to "easily" swap out the current driver's seat for the flip up type?

3) If yes to # 2, where would I find a reasonably priced (used?) flip up driver's seat?

Thanks!

My guess is that your current driver's seat is the 'back-to-back'...that can be stretched out to be a lounger. That is what I have in my '05 Bayliner.

The 'back-to-back' is mounted on a structual box...and that box is glassed into the deck. You would have to physically remove this box, to make any changes.

The single Captain's chair that I think you saw, has a flip up bolster that you can sit on...raising you to a point that you are literally looking over the top of the windshield.

Can you change this? Sure...but understand what you have to do to achieve this.

I sit on the top of my 'back-to-back'...!

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: seat

My guess is that your current driver's seat is the 'back-to-back'...that can be stretched out to be a lounger. That is what I have in my '05 Bayliner.

No, we have a "regular" non-back-to-back chair.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: seat

No, we have a "regular" non-back-to-back chair.

Cool!

Then the sky...and/or your budget...is the limit!

I would try the Bayliner website, and use their 'contact us' link. They will probably send your request to your nearest Bayliner dealer...but at least the dealer will have the right parts number to reference.

Let us know where this goes...!

 

[schiprec]

Re: seat

iboats.com look under boat seats

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: seat

OldePharte is correct, it is a bolster seat. the front part of the seat moves up to make a perch.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: seat

OldePharte is correct, it is a bolster seat. the front part of the seat moves up to make a perch.

Yep, that's what I'm looking for. I checked the seat in our boat today. It will slide forward and back, but it won't raise up. I'll check to see what sort of deal I can find on a bolster seat.

 

[mrcool]

Re: seat

When I want to get higher for better vision, I just put a life jacket on the seat and then sit on that, works well and keeps the jacket close

 

[tmh]

Re: seat

Here's the definitive answer ..... the bolster option is one of the best upgrades you can do on a runabout with kids involved. I changed my seat to a flip-up bolster and it rarely gets set down. Most like to stand or sit high when driving and the bolster works for either. No downside - except you have to pay for it (but you can sell your old one for a few bucks too).

do it if you can find one at a reasonable cost.

 

[grego]

Re: seat

I like mrcool's advice, sit on a cheap pfd and not pay many dollars for over rated pfd. lol!!!

 

[DJ]

Re: seat

Our Crownline has a seat like TD posted. The cushion also drops away so you can comfortably stand and drive, while leaning against the backrest.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: seat

I like mrcool's advice, sit on a cheap pfd and not pay many dollars for over rated pfd. lol!!!

After adding up how much all the other boating "stuff" is going to cost, I'm starting to agree with him as well.