Boat Seat Swivels

[yorab]

I started another thread concerning my helm seat. I got some good advice and now I know what I'm going to try to do. I'll need to get a good stainless steel seat swivel. I'm referring to those "flat" versions that are ~2 inches high and 7"L x 7"W. I've used the powder coated model from Swivl-Eze in the past, but the structure rusted pretty quickly and the swivel action tightened up in no time.

Has anybody used a stainless steel swivel? Did it last for some time in terms of the metal structural plates and in terms of the bearings? Can anybody comment on the differences between the models? I see that Springfield makes a few models and I believe that Swivl-Eze also makes at least one model. There may be more out there as well. Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat Seat Swivels

Keep an eye on Springfield's scratch and dent site for deals http://www.springfieldmarinescratchanddent.com/servlet/StoreFront (inventory changes constantly) and also make sure to check out greatlakesskipper.com as they sell OEM overstocks in addition to the standard aftermarket stuff so you might find things there you won't see anywhere else.

 

[JB]

Re: Boat Seat Swivels

I have put SS swivels under every pedestal seat in 4 different Boston Whalers. Bolted them in with SS hardware, too. Years in fresh and salt water. No corrosion at all. Only problem I had was on long (1500 mile) tows the vibration loosened the bolts, so I had to reinstall them before hitting the water.

 

[yorab]

Re: Boat Seat Swivels

Thanks for the advice guys. I checked the scratch & dent site. I'm certainly not above a scratch & dent purchase if that is truly the condition. They had some swivels for sale that they said didn't swivel. D'oh! I think I'll pass on those. I'll keep checking that site though.

It's good to know that those SS swivels don't corrode so easily. I'm definitely going with SS over powder coated this time. JB, do you buy a particular brand or model? My quick research leads me to believe that the main differences between the models are steel roller bearings verses nylon bearings. I could be wrong on that though. I need more time to research.

BTW, 1500 mile towing?!? That's hardcore.