Do I need a locking swivel seat?

[jtrom]

I have an old 15ft. aluminum Starcraft runabout with a 50 horse. It has a rear wood bench seat I want to mount a swivel folding fishing seat to. Do I need a 12 way locking swivel so the occupant will be stable at high speeds?...or can just use a regular swivel?

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

If you're going for Marlin or Great White - yes!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

The seat need to be stable even at anchor.

Almost lost the neighbor a few weeks ago.
2 guys in a small boat. 500+ lbs between them.
One is sitting on a seat that is just clipped over the bench seat.
A small wake broadsides them.
The boat rocks to one side, the seat and the neighbor slide across the bench.
The seat stops at the Gunnel, the neighbor keeps going.
PFD not being worn. Gets one thrown to him quickly.
Cannot get back in the boat.
Hangs on to the side as they slowly motor to the shore.

Let's be safe out there!
Seats should not be ably to move on their own!

 

[rallyart]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

You only need a seat that's stable if you need control and you only need control... well, when you are in a boat.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

Supposed to have a locking seat base for the drivers's seat, but I have never seen a locking base attached to a bench, just a swivel base. I'm assuming you have a tiller operated motor. I believe you could get away with a swivel base.

If this is not the drivers seat, then no, you are not required to have a locking seat base. Just make sure the seat base is securely anchored.

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

For the rear seats they can pretty much be anything you want.

If this is not the drivers seat, then no, you are not required to have a locking seat base. Just make sure the seat base is securely anchored.

Is this requirement in print somewhere?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

The requirement for a locking driver seat is in print. For one, it is an NMMA requirement for new boats. The manufacturer must conform to this if they are NMMA certified. The boat owner does not have to. Still, it's a very good idea for safety.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Do I need a locking swivel seat?

Its a PITA to have the seat moving around. The locking multi point bases are so cheep so why wouldn't you want to have one on every seat in the boat?