Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

[bowman316]

You know how a tractor, or tractor trailer has a spring loaded seat, that bounces up and down as you go over bumps?
Why do they not make those for boats?

When i rough seas, that would be nice, as you are getting thrown around. I think that would help me keep my had steadier on the throttle.

 

[dave11]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

Check out seaspension.com

They may be overkill for your boat

 

[lowkee]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

That sounds like a sweet idea! I'd bet a spring and shock from the rear suspension of a motorcycle would be perfect for that use. Make the seat have a solid front mount and the rear attach to the shock. It would absorb in a rearward motion, but certainly better than breaking your spine on that random chop.

Makes you wonder how well a real tractor spring would hold up, since it is purpose built. We used to have a Case tractor with a steel seat on a curved metal 'post' which acted like a u-shaped spring. Never once regretted hitting a bump on that thing, even without any seat cushion at all.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

They're fairly common here, and very nice in rough water.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

what about a whole deck sitting on springs, kinda like a suspension on a truck?
prob a crazy thought...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

what about a whole deck sitting on springs, kinda like a suspension on a truck?
prob a crazy thought...

A moving deck on a moving boat in the water???? You would walk like you were drunk ALL the time! I would let that idea go......

 

[ziggy]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

A moving deck on a moving boat in the water????

believe it or not. seadoo pwc have this feature... http://www.sea-doo.com/en-CA/watercraft/luxury-performance/gtxLimited/

they've also had suspension seats on some of their pwc
while we here on boat forums don't consider them boats, the uscg does...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

many bass boat seats have springs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

You must not be paying attention because there are all sorts of spring and air suspended seats that are fully adjustable. Granted, these are primarily pedestal mounted but they are available.

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

Most boats intended for rough water use have standing stations as per the majority of center consoles for saltwater use. Your legs are a great shock absorber. Some of the higher end cc boats have active/suspension decks. Shock absorbing mats are often used as well for standing on and are very effective and reducing shock at high speed over rough water.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

I'd rather stand. Sitting blocks my view of wave action and how the boat is responding. Also blocks my view of the fish and crab traps I have to avoid (sometime it's like running a slalom course out there).

Maybe it's just me, but I instinctively stand at the helm. I'm not comfortable sitting while underway.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

what about a whole deck sitting on springs, kinda like a suspension on a truck?
prob a crazy thought...

Like the old grange dance hall built on boxcar springs.

 

[CaptainPointless]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

We used custom seats on triple-bolster Seaspension pedestals on the USCG rescue airboats we built (in fact, if you go on the website, you can see our airboats in the Military Portal). Believe me, if anyone's ridden in a jon boat before, you know how hard the boat feels when it slams its flat bottom down on a wave crest. Now multiply that by 10 -- that's how it felt in the airboats without the pedestals. With those Seaspension seats, when you hit a wave, it feels the same as hitting a SMALL pothole in your car. And Peter Burer, the owner of Seaspension, is a great guy, and will work with you on a viable choice for your application. In fact, I'm thinking about picking up a set when I finish my resto.

So in short, if you want a fast solution, I'm sure a lightly shock-mounted seat will do the job perfectly fine. If you're planning on pounding your boat or fishing in choppy seas, the Seaspension seats will provide a much more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

My .02

 

[skargo]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

Check out seaspension.com

They may be overkill for your boat

They are like a grand apiece

I'd rather stand. Sitting blocks my view of wave action and how the boat is responding. Also blocks my view of the fish and crab traps I have to avoid (sometime it's like running a slalom course out there).

Maybe it's just me, but I instinctively stand at the helm. I'm not comfortable sitting while underway.

Me too, just seems more natural.


Here's a nice DIY option.
http://www.hookedoncatfish.com/seats.html

 

[woosterken]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

here you go,i had one in my old semi,it was on a shock system,you didn't need air for it,the new ones use air to suport them...............

http://www.bostromseating.com/products/vikingheavy.htm


woosterken

 

[TexMojo]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

I have air ride seats on my sled and they are pretty necessary from time to time. I think most sleds out here have the air rides. Gotta remember the pitch on these things is not much so you brunt alot of chop if your in it. Their designed to run rivers not chop, but with the seats, I do occasionally hit the salt the they help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

There are pedestals with springs, seats with springs, seats with air bladders.
It all depends how deep your pockets are.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

my friends bad arse Alumacraft fishing boat has them. sure makes shooting across the lake at 55MPH much more enjoyable.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

I'd be surprised if springs/shocks last very long after use in rough salt water.

I almost always stand when drivnig, and usually drive. I have to consciously tell myself to sit down so I won't get worn out, and on my helm I can see OK sitting down in calm, daylight, familiar or open water. The few times I ride sitting down on a bench seat I understand my passengers' complaints! Of course, a boat cushion does wonders.

 

[ReelPlumber]

Re: Why no spring loaded seats on boats?

foot cush or sea deck pads help alot while standing. I installed autopilot last year and now I sit, find a comfortable speed, and relax a little. Takes the wear and tear off the body from standing all day.