What is the name of the seat in the boat and what are the types

The question of what exactly the boat seat is called often puzzles beginners, although the answer lies in marine terminology and depends on the design of the boat. bankBut the modern portable boat market, especially inflatable models of PVC and light aluminum alloys, has made its own adjustments to the nomenclature, dividing seating into several functional classes.

Understanding the difference between a fixed bench, a removable can, and a full swivel chair is critical not only for ergonomics but also for crew safety on the water. An improperly chosen or incorrectly installed seat can shift the center of gravity, which in a critical situation will lead to a rollover. In this article, we will discuss in detail how the various elements of the cockpit arrangement are called, how they differ structurally and which option to choose for specific tasks: fishing, cruising or overcoming long distances.

It is important to note that in a professional environment, the terminology can vary depending on the type of hull. If for a wooden boat, "bank" is an axiom, then for a rigid bottom inflatable boat (HBB), the term "seat" or "bench" is more often used, meaning a complex structure with soft elements. Next, we will consider the main types of structures, their advantages and features of installation, so that you can properly complete your boat.

Bank: classic name of the transom seat

term bank It comes from the Dutch word "bank," which means a transom board or bench in a rowing vessel that rests on the sides, the oldest and most common type of seat found in both wooden lifeboats and modern inflatable boats, and is structurally a rigid lintel that not only serves as a seating position, but also serves as a spacer that enhances the compressive rigidity of the hull.

In PVC inflatable boats, cans are often made in the form of hard-coated inflatable tubes (plywood or aluminum) on top or in the form of removable plywood boards that are inserted into special pockets or laid on a hinge beam. Plywood cans They are usually moisture-reinforced film or marine plywood coatings, making them water-resistant but heavy enough. Aluminum analogs are lighter but can be slippery and cold to the touch, requiring the use of additional mats.

• 🚣‍♂️ A classic wooden can is a traditional option for lifeboats, requiring regular oil or varnish treatment.
• 🛶 Inflatable can-balloon - provides additional buoyancy and comfort due to the air cushion, but is afraid of punctures.
• 🪑 A removable plywood bench is a rigid structure often used as a support for fastening transom wheels or spinning holders.

The main advantage of the can is its simplicity and reliability, it has no moving parts that could rust or break at the wrong time, but it also has a significant disadvantage: no backrest. Long periods of time on the can without back support lead to fatigue, so for many hours of fishing or cruising, this option is the least suitable if you do not use additional devices.

Stationary benches and rundooks in metal boats

In metal boats made of aluminum-magnesium alloys or dural, seating design is very different from inflatable boats. pew These structures are often an integral part of the body, welded or glued to the sides, and are called stationary structures, and their main task is to ensure maximum strength and stability when driving at high speeds or when turbulent.

Often in metal boats benches are combined with jolly The runduct has a dual function of being a seat (if a soft cushion or plywood cover is installed on top) and a sealed compartment, which allows for rational use of the inner space of the cockpit, which is always limited in small boats.

⚠️ Note: When installing homemade benches in a metal boat, it is strictly forbidden to violate the integrity of the hull assemblage elements (spangouts and stringers) without strengthening them. Drilling holes in the bottom part to attach the legs of the bench can lead to depressurization and corrosion.

For comfort, stationary benches are often equipped with removable soft elements. Unlike inflatable boats, where the soft seat is part of the balloon, separate mattresses made of foam with water-repellent upholstery made of fabric are used here. Oxford These benches are usually mounted through special brackets or stops, which allows them to be dismantled if necessary to increase the useful volume or wash the boat.

Soft seats and platforms for PVC boats

With the development of technology for the production of inflatable boats, specialized soft-seatThey are designed to dramatically improve the comfort of the water, and unlike hard cans, they have a high-density foam filler, often with backrests, armrests, and even cup holders, which can be mounted directly on cylinders or on special platforms.

They are particularly popular. platform solutionsAnd this is a platform that is attached to bottom stringers or cylinders with frogs and straps, and it creates a rigid base over an inflated bottom (LDPB) or over a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), allowing it to be fitted with not only soft sofas, but also rotary chairs, which makes a normal rowing boat into a full-fledged pleasure boat.

The materials used to cover these seats should be highly resistant to ultraviolet light, salt water and mechanical damage. PVC High density or specialized marine vinyl leather. The frame is made of stainless aluminum or plastic to avoid corrosion in aggressive aquatic environments.

How to extend the life of a soft seat?

After each fishing, be sure to dry the soft elements. Even if the fabric is water repellent, moisture can accumulate in the seams and foam, which will lead to mold and unpleasant odor. Store the removed seats in the straightened form in a dry room.

Rotating chairs and chairs on the base

For fans of active fishing, especially spinning, an indispensable element becomes turn-chairThis device allows the fisherman to turn 360 degrees quickly without getting up or rolling the boat, which is critical when catching large fish or throwing in different directions, and the chair is installed on a special base (platform), which is securely fixed on the bottom of the boat or on the transom bank.

The rotary chair design includes several key elements: the base, the rotary mechanism, the rack and the seat itself. The rotary mechanism must be made of quality materials, often using bearings that ensure smooth running even after contact with water. The struts can be adjustable in height, allowing you to adjust the landing to the height of a particular person.

• 🎣 Transformer chair – allows you to change the angle of the backrest and seat height for maximum comfort.
• ⚓ Mounting on a transom board is a compact option, saving space in the cockpit, but limiting the view forward.
• 🔄 Base with sleds - allows you to move the chair along the boat, changing the center of gravity depending on the number of passengers.

When choosing a rotary chair, it is important to pay attention to the type of base mounting. Inflatable boats use special platforms with soft coatings and belts that do not damage PVC. For metal boats, bases can be screwed directly to the floor or fixed in regular sockets. The weight of the chair also plays a role: too heavy a structure can significantly reduce the useful carrying capacity of a small boat.

Comparison of materials and seat designs

The choice of seat type is directly dependent on the material of the boat hull and operating conditions, and to systematize the information and help you make the right decision, we have prepared a comparative table of the main specifications of different types of seats, which will help you to weigh the pros and cons before buying or manufacturing yourself.

Type of seat	Basic material	Comfort.	Weight.	Applicability
Banka.	Plywood/Aluminum	Low.	Medium.	Rowing, transport of goods
Inflatable bench	PVC (air)	Medium.	Low.	cruising, short-term fishing
Soft seat	Foam + fabric	Highly	Low.	Long fishing, rest
The turning chair.	Plastic + metal	maximum	Highly	Active spinning, trolling

And as you look at the table, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, lightweight, streamlined shapes that don't create sails are preferred for high-speed planing boats, and quiet hunting in overgrown reeds is about quietness and lack of creaky metal elements. The optimal solution for most PVC boats up to 3.6 meters in length is a combination: a hard jar for stability and a removable soft seat with a backrest for comfort.

Also, you should consider the temperature regime: metal and plastic elements in the cold become extremely cold and can freeze to clothes, while wood and inflatable elements retain heat longer. In summer, on the contrary, dark plastic seats can heat up heavily in the sun, making landing unpleasant without an additional cover.

Installation and safety rules

Regardless of what the seat you choose is called – a bank, bench or chair, its proper installation is a matter of safety. Centre of gravity Shifting cargo (including the weight of the fisherman) towards the side or on the nose can lead to loss of stability, especially in windy weather or in case of excitement.

When installing additional structures, such as platforms for seats, you need to strictly follow the recommendations of the boat manufacturer. Exceeding the permissible load on the cylinders or the bottom can lead to their deformation or rupture of the seams. This is especially true for inflatable floor boats, where the point of support should be distributed over the maximum area.

⚠️ Warning: Never use objects not designed for this purpose (fuel boxes, germ bags, bags) as seats, which are not securely fastened and can slip off at a critical moment, causing a person to fall overboard.

Fastening elements (frogs, belts, bolts) should be checked regularly for wear. Solar ultrafilene destroys nylon belts, making them brittle, and salt water corrods. Timely replacement of worn components is the guarantee that your seat will stay in place, and will not fly into the water with you in a sharp maneuver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make a PVC boat seat myself?

Yes, it is possible. It will require moisture-resistant plywood (PSP grades), PVC pasting fabric and quality glue, but it is important to keep in mind that a homemade seat should not be too heavy and should have rounded edges so as not to damage the boat cylinders.

What is the difference between a bench and a bank in the context of boats?

Technically. bank It is always a transom element, resting ends on the board. Bench A broader concept, which may refer to a longitudinal seat, a component attached to a bulkhead, or a fixed structure in a metal boat, not necessarily a strut of the sides.

Which seat is better for trolling?

For trolling, when the boat moves evenly, and the angler is in a static position for a long time, the ideal choice will be the right one. turn-chair It's going to reduce the stress on the spine and allow you to control the gear comfortably.

Is it safe to use car seats in a boat?

The seats are highly discouraged, and they have a complex metal frame that rusts quickly, is heavy, and, most importantly, is not adapted to rolling, and their shape and mounts do not provide safety on the water and can cause injury or rollover.