The comfort of the water is often underestimated until you have to spend hours in a boat, your back is stiff, your legs are numb, and fishing or cruising becomes an ordeal. boat-chair It's not just a luxury, it's a necessity for health and concentration, and a properly selected seat allows you to quickly change the field of view without making unnecessary body movements, which is critical when you're hauling a trophy or maneuvering.
The current market offers many solutions, from budget options for inflatable PVC boats to professional models of marine aluminum. However, the choice is complicated by many technical nuances: type of fastening, resistance to salt water and compatibility with floorboard. In this article, we will discuss how to make sure you do not go wrong when buying and installing, so that your boat becomes truly convenient.
Many boat owners make the mistake of buying the first seat they get without regard to the load capacity and deck type, which can cause damage to the bottom or, worse, injuries while driving. ergonomics And the reliability of the design, two whales that are the mainstays of safety and the pleasure of swimming, let's look at the key aspects of the choice in detail.
Key criteria for choosing a seat for a vessel
The first thing to look at is the fabrication material of the framework, and freshwater water bodies are good for high-quality plastic or dyed steel, but seawater requires high-quality plastic. sea-aluminum Or AISI 316 stainless steel, which is a type of steel that will rust after the first season, even when carefully maintained, which will spoil the appearance and reduce the strength of the structure.
The second important parameter is the turning mechanism, which must be protected from sand and water, otherwise it will soon creak or jam. Good models have closed bearings that do not require lubrication for years, and it is also worth checking the presence of a position retainer so that the chair does not rotate randomly during the sharp rolls of the boat.
- 🛡️ Anti-corrosion coating: Required to extend service life in an aggressive environment.
- 🔄 Smoothness of courseThe mechanism should work silently and without jerks, even under load.
- ⚖️ Load capacityAlways take a stock of 20-30% of your weight for safety.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use car seats without special adaptations, their mechanisms are not designed for the constant humidity and vibration characteristic of boats, and the upholstery quickly absorbs water and the smell of fish.
Seat dimensions also play a role. A seat that is too wide can interfere with cockpit movement, especially in narrow metal boats. Narrow models are more functional but may be less comfortable for long periods of sitting. It is important to find a balance between freedom of action and personal comfort.
Features of installation on PVC and aluminum boats
Mounting a chair on an inflatable vessel requires a special approach, since it is absolutely impossible to drill floorboards. overlay Or inflatable cylinder seats that are sling-mounted, and the alternative is removable bases that are installed between banks, but they are often less stable in high waves.
In metal boats (Kazankas, fireworks), the situation is simpler: the base can be screwed with bolts or welded. However, the issue of corrosion comes into force. corrosion-proof And paint it, or the water will start to corrode the metal around the fastener.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of the chair
If you plan to take off your seat frequently to use the boat for other purposes (e.g. overnight stays or cargo transportation), consider a quick-removal base, which allows you to disassemble the chair in a second, freeing up space, which is especially true for small craft where every centimeter counts.
| Type of boat | Recommended type of attachment | Basic material | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (inflatable) | Overhead platform / Folding belts | Plywood/Plastic | Low. |
| aluminum | Bolt connection / Welding | Aluminum/Steel | Medium |
| Fiberglass | Plug-in/Bolts with a wide hat | Stainless steel | High. |
| Wooden | Scoops/Bolts | Wood/Steel | Low. |
When installed on plywood floorboards in PVC boats, make sure that the plywood is thick enough to hold the fastener. Thin plywood can crumble under dynamic load, in which case an additional platform of moisture-resistant plywood or composite is placed under the chair, spreading the load over a large area.
Fishing materials: what will survive fishing?
The upholstery of the seat takes the brunt of the environment: the sun, the water, the fish mucus, the hooks and the dirt. The fabric is not going to last long. vinyl (PVC skin) specifically designed for marine use, it does not absorb water, is easy to wash and is resistant to UV light.
The more expensive alternative is Teflon-coated synthetic fabrics, which are more pleasing to the touch and breathe, which is important in hot weather when your back is sweating, but are more difficult to clean from greasy spots or fish marks, fabric inserts are only allowed in the center of the seat, and the edge must be of wet material.
How to take care of sea upholstery?
To clean vinyl, use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid aggressive chemicals, acetone or gasoline that can destroy the structure of the material. After the season, be sure to treat the upholstery with PVC air conditioning to prevent microcracks on the folds. Keep the chairs better in straightened form or on weight so that there are no clamps.
The interior filler also matters. The low-density foam will quickly doubt and lose shape, turning a comfortable seat into a stool. polion (high density) or multi-layer padding, which will ensure that the geometry is maintained even after many hours of use.
⚠️ Warning: Never dry a wet chair under direct scorching sunshine in a closed state. The water inside the foam will heat up and may damage the structure of the upholstery or cause mold to appear inside.
Ergonomics and the impact on fisherman’s health
Being in a static position for a long time is bad for the spine, a good chair should support the natural curves of the back. lumbar It reduces the load on the lower spine, which is critical for hours of waiting for a cool thing, and flat back is only acceptable for short runs, but not for full-fledged fishing.
Seat height is also not randomly adjusted: too low a seat causes the knees to bend at a sharp angle, disrupting the circulation of the legs; too high a risk of falling when the boat rolls; Optimal height allows the feet to stand firmly on the floor and the hips to be parallel to the deck.
- 🪑 Inclination adjustmentAllows you to change the position of the body when changing activity.
- 👐 ArmrestsRemoves tension from the shoulder girdle when working with tackles.
- 🔄 360 degrees.: Full turn is necessary for catching the sector without turning the hull.
Some advanced models are equipped with a suspension that extinguishes the vibration from the engine. For aluminum boats with a hard bottom, this is a salvation for the tailbone and spine. Spring mechanism or air suspension makes the ride on the wave much softer.
If you are fishing together, consider buying a chair of different heights or with adjustable base, which will allow both anglers to comfortably sit in the boat without interfering with each other to throw gear.
Comparison of budget and premium models
The price difference between a simple plastic chair and a professional fishing chair can be tenfold. Budget models are often simple constructions of pipes and plastic. They're lightweight and cheap, but they have a limited resource; plastic in the sun becomes brittle and metal rusts.
Premium segment, represented by brands like Tempress, Wise or MoellerIt's a completely different level, and it uses aluminium, double stitching, reinforced bearings, and they're bought for decades, and they can withstand overloads that would add up to a cheap equivalent in one season.
There is also a middle class, the middle class, which is often Chinese replicas of well-known models or products from local marine aluminum factories, which may not be as elegant, but are functionally inferior to top brands, the main thing is to look closely at the quality of welds and paint.
The critical difference of expensive models is the availability of certificates for materials confirming resistance to UV radiation and salt water, which is rare in cheap analogues.Care and conservation in the off-season
And boat-chair They've been in the service for a long time, they need minimal maintenance, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the structure needs to be rinsed with fresh water, and the salt crystallizes and begins to erode the metal and rub the machinery like an abrasive.
In winter, the chairs are better removed and put in a warm, dry room, and the sudden changes in temperature and humidity in an unheated garage or outside can lead to cracking of plastic and corrosion of internal mechanisms. If you can not remove the chair, cover it with a breathing case, but do not wrap it tightly in plastic.
Regular rinsing with fresh water and lubrication of the turning mechanism once a season prolong the life of the chair 2-3 times, preserving its appearance and functionality.
Periodically check the tightening of the mount bolts. The vibration from the motor and the shocks to the wave gradually unwind even tight connections. Use the thread lock when installed to avoid losing the fastener in the middle of the reservoir.
Can I install a chair on an inflatable boat without drilling?
Yes, it's possible. There are special platforms that attach to stringers or cans with screed belts, and inflatable seats that are just laid to the bottom, but they're less stable when you're driving.
How much weight can a standard fishing chair withstand?
Standard models are designed for 100-120 kg. Reinforced versions (Heavy Duty) can withstand up to 150-180 kg. Always look at the manufacturer's marking, since excess load leads to a breakdown of the rotation mechanism.
Should the turning mechanism be lubricated?
Yes, but only with special lubricants that are not washed out with water (such as lithium or silicone), ordinary machine oil will quickly wash away and stop working, and can also stain clothes.
What are the differences between troll chairs and regular ones?
Trolling seats often have a higher back, headrest and reinforced construction, as the angler spends a lot of time sitting in them, keeping track of the tackle. Conventional models can be more compact.
Will the installation of a chair affect the stability of the boat?
Yes, a heavy seat with a high center of gravity (especially a large angler) can reduce stability, and it is important to attach the chair closer to the diametric plane and not overload the sides.