Types of Boat Seats
TYPES OF BOAT SEATS
There are many types of boat seats available. The type of boat seat you purchase will likely reflect heavily upon the type of boat you own and what you use the boat for. There are three distinct types of boat seats available for use: bench seats, lounge seats and fishing seats. Each type of seat is different from the other types while still retaining the necessary functions to make it useful for the average boat user.
BENCH SEATS
Bench seats are usually found in comfort or luxury boats. They are almost never found in your typical fishing boat, spare very old rowboats that might retain metal bench seats. True bench seats are very comfortable and have armrests and excellent lumbar support to make seating down on the lake very easy and comfortable. Bench seats are often long, usually big enough to fit 3-4 people on without discomfort. You will often find bench seats in pontoon boats because they allow a large amount of people to sit comfortably with minimal space taken up. However, fishing or doing other activities from a bench seat may prove difficult because they are unable to rotate and they are designed much like recliners. Once you sit down you won’t want to get up.
LOUNGE SEATS
In many respects, lounge seats are similar to bench seats. However, the main difference is they are not long and usually only seat one person. Think of a lounge seat as your typical seat in a car. They are fairly comfortable but you can only seat one person in each seat. Lounge seats can sometimes be found in fishing boats, although they would be where the captain of the boat sits. The primary disadvantage of lounge seats in regards to fishing is that they cannot be turned or rotated in any manner, meaning fishing can be difficult if the wind changes or the boat changes directions. Lounge seats are usually found on pontoon boats, usually near the front where having a full length bench seat would be impractical because of the need to exit the boat from the front.
FISHING SEATS
The final and the most common type of boat seat is the fishing seat. You will find fishing seats in virtually all boats on the water, even some pontoon boats have a few fishing seats installed for those that want to test their angling luck in the water. The primary differentiating factor in regards to fishing seats is that they are able to rotate a full 360 degrees, making them suited for fishing because if the direction of the boat changes, simply rotate the seat to continue fishing. Another aspect of the seat is that it folds down upon itself, and it’s mounted on a pedestal. All of these factors contribute to the seat being very lightweight and easy for storage. Fishing seats aren’t meant to be sat on all day, and therefore don’t have the greatest comfort ratings in the world.