Well, should I get benches or seats?

[finclipped]

Okay the boat finally went into production this week after waiting three months. Its time to narrow down a few options. One of the things I am considering is getting two of the full captains chairs with armrests, in lieu of the benches that come stock with the boat. There is already air seats for the Captain and Co-Captain, but the 3rd and 4th mate would need to sit on the Benches unless I order the Seats with storage underneath commonly seen in a lot of boats. The boat is a 20' NR Sportster. The additional cost would be about $450. Are they worth it?

[Drachir]

Go w/ the bench seats. When you only have 2 in the boat, and are anchor fishing, they make wonderful leg rests, it's really comfortable!! :grin: You can have them convert into a sleeper too, if you want.

[Pete]

Do you plan to fish, or play cards? You'll need seats that face the right direction for fishing. If you haven't already done it, try both set ups. See where your legs go if you're sitting in the front seats when you're facing the stern of the boat. I have 4 seats in my boat. People comment all the time, "I wish I'd done this with my boat." No one has ever said, "I'm sure glad I got bench seats." But it's a matter of what you'll be using the boat for. Certainly an important thing to consider in laying out the boat.

[ 03-10-2003, 05:32 PM: Message edited by: Pete ]

[BrionLutz]

Finclipped,

When I built mine, I had them setup the benches and the swivel suspension seats so I could turn the suspension seats around and put my legs up on the benches for a nice nap...arm rests and high back make sure I don't fall out.

Also for camping, the benches can setup as a double bed. I only use that a couple times a year but nice to have when I want it.

Plus the benches provide more storage and you never have enough storage.

It's a vanilla/chocolate issue. For hard core fishing every day with a four person crew, probably the swivel seats with arm rests.

Brion

[nerta]

Go with the bench seats and boxs for storage. You won't be dissapointed. They hold downriggers and takle boxs in lockable areas.
The dollars spent are well worth the investment. I really like mine and wouldn't be without them. :wink:

[jimh]

I like the storage and that my benches convert to a bed.

One other note, I think you need the bench if you have 6 people in your boat.

[brshooter]

I have the two captains chairs on pedistals and two bench seats on boxes. I like the storage space. With two people, I usually just spin the captains chairs around and rest the feet on the benches. This is fine for 2 people. More than that, and I would have to say I prefer Pete's setup. He has 4 swivel seats on storage boxes. Still has plenty of storage, but it is handy to be able to sit in the back seats with back support while you look out the back watching rods. If they could come up with a suspension system to sit on top of the boxes, I would consider switching. Don't want to give up the suspension seats though.

[Nanook]

Like everyone says. Depends on what you set it up for. Mine was set up with typically two very lazy people sitting on an anchor in mind. The boxes move with storage under them, or come out of the boat if I want. Too bad they don't tilt. :grin: Armrests for old arms work for me too. :wink:

With the outboards, the inside rear of the boat is a completely open, spacious and wide fishing area.

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/33441668.jpg

[ 03-10-2003, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[Small Fry]

I have the best of both worlds. All four seat are on storage box's. They all swivel. I can sit in the front seat and rest my legs on the back seat if I want. I had arm rest on all four and have since removed them. I like not having them in my way if I need to jump and grab a rob quickly.

My 2 cents is get some type of storage. You can never have to much.