Suspension seats

Aksearunner · 02-19-2007, 05:37 PM

I've looked at 3or4 different systems on the web and i'm sure there are more manufacturers.Anybody around here have any particular opinions or
recommendations?I've had the little phony u-shaped spring on my seats for that don't do much and have considered suspension seats for a few years and might take the plunge this year.Price comparisons would be welcome.Thanks in advance.Fish on.

Good News Tuna · 02-19-2007, 08:00 PM

I wish I could recommend a good one. But after spending 900 each on Mariner, I don't have the funds to start experimenting. Mariner is junk, just way too much to spend on rusty mild steel. I have made many repairs and tried to cover all exposed metal with heavy grease to slow the rust. Not a marine product, maybe for a freshwater boat but not salt friendly. If I could start over I would gladly spend more for a quality pair. I could elaborate but do yourself a favor and avoid Mariner in outdoor environments.

Ryan Betz

Redneck · 02-19-2007, 08:36 PM

have you considered suspension seatposts? the air ride ones. they're only around $60 a piece from cabelas. i think springfield is the brand name. they may not be a smooth as the mariner seats but they certainly take the edge off.
redneck

ping jockey · 02-20-2007, 03:05 PM

You might try doing a search on suspension seats, I think there was a post a year or 2 ago about using a set up for tractor seats. Not sure how it worked out but worth a look. Hope that helps.

Pickles · 02-20-2007, 09:17 PM

Yes, I have been using a "Tractor suspension" for about 2 years now! I don't plan on going back!

Blackjack · 02-21-2007, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickles

Yes, I have been using a "Tractor suspension" for about 2 years now! I don't plan on going back!

Very nice, I am in the market for a couple of seats like that. Where did you get them if you don't mind sharing?

Pickles · 02-21-2007, 08:45 AM

The tractor suspension came from a Northern tool universal suspension seat that I bought on Ebay! Or you can just buy it from Northern Tool! Only minor modifications have to be made to mount your boat seat to the suspension. I originally got the idea from the Glide ryde suspension, and Lake Tamer as they were using very similar suspension systems to what they have been putting on tractors.

Tacklebuster · 02-21-2007, 03:21 PM

The mariner seats work good but tend to get a bit sloppy over time. The first thing to do with those is coat the living heck out of all the black metal with corrosion block. That will stop your rust problem and prevent rust for the guys just getting them. I do alot of bouncing around and noticed after just a few months there is about a 1/4 inch of slop before they start working. No big deal, and a heck of a lot better than those (shock absorber) seats sitting on the post.

Like anything really, you just got to put the final touches on it to make it 100 percent. Anything metal is gonna rust without some sort of coating, especially when you factor salt into the mix. Next would be some locktight to the screws actually holding the seat to the frame cause those like to work themselves out as well. Thirdly, check the big bolt often that holds it to the floor cause when the loosen up, and they will, it will cause the seat to wiggle like a loose tooth.

Aksearunner · 02-21-2007, 03:33 PM

Pickles,
Do you run in the salt or freshwater?I'm strictly salt and worry about corrosion.I know that EVERYTHING corrodes in the salt but some materials/finishes last longer than others.How about bottoming out?Are you satisfied with the mechanism?Nice photo by the way.Thanks.

Pickles · 02-21-2007, 05:29 PM

I run in both saltwater and fresh water, though mostly fresh! I have only bottomed out once and that was hitting a barge wake at 30 plus! As far as rust is concerned, I have not had any problems!

foxer · 02-22-2007, 11:04 AM

Love my Mariners. Much more comfortable seat in general. The suspension is a bonus. TB, what brand of corosion block do you use? Where can a guy buy a can?

namu mac · 02-22-2007, 11:50 AM

There is nothing marine about the Mariner seats. They will RUST unless you're smarter than I was and keep them sprayey with Corrision Blocker. They will make a new boat out of your old boat if you don't have them already. The work OK.

hot wire · 02-22-2007, 04:24 PM

http://www.glyde-ryde.com/products.htm

In case posting the web address is bad, then the name of the seats that boast no corrosion and unparalled ocean performance...is Glyde ryde. I spoke to the guy a couple of years ago and ALMOST went for it...I think they were about $500/ mechanism, WITHOUT your seats attached..

The USCG uses them, they must be tough!

bighugetrout · 02-22-2007, 06:43 PM

I've got a pair of the "heavy duty" mariner seats. If you are buying a new boat, make sure you request the heavy duty models. They are the basic model but beefier metal with dual shocks/springs. Definitely worth the extra bucks. I sprayed mine down with boeshield anti corrosion.