When you think about it… boat seats are about the only thing on a boat that provides comfort other than your bed in the cabin, of course. And when you are boating or fishing long hours, you want the best for you bum and back. So, if you want an enjoyable and comfortable boat ride which I’m sure you do. You must have a nice and comfortable seat. Which one to choose? There so many types and brands on the maket that it can be a little challenging.

In this article, you’ll find a list of the best boat seats and buying guide to help you make the best choice for your boat!

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TOP PICK

1. North Captain S1 Deluxe High Back Folding Boat Seat

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Northcaptain is the number one bestseller on Amazon, and no wonder these superb boat seats have all the features to make any boaters happier than ever.

It’s a stylish set of boat seats with a high back design, which is ideal for fishing and boating long hours, but they are so practical and comfortable that some users even install them on their trucks and golf carts.

The Northcaptain seats are available in bright, crisp, clean, beautiful colors, giving you plenty of options to match the style of your boat and add an elegant touch. So be ready to receive lots of compliments!

These feature compression foam padding that conforms to the body shape, providing exceptional comfort and support. The base under the seat is durable polypropylene plastic, and the upper is made of a thick 28 oz marine-grade vinyl material, which is weatherproof and long-lasting.

In addition, they feature sturdy adjustable aluminum hinges that allow you to lock them when you want to sit upright or unlock them when you want to flip the seats down to save space on your boat. The Northcaptain is the top pick on the list and really deserves its rating!

Pros

• Easy to mount
• Comfortable
• Well made
• Great price
• Durable

Cons

• Some users complained that the snap on the strap broke after a few uses
• Several reviewers said the seats were too stiff for their liking.

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2. Wise Pro Casting Deck Seat.

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The wise Pro casting deck seat made many boaters and Fishermen happy, so chances it will please you too!

This set of boat seats features a high-impact plastic injection molded frame and firm high, compression foam padding that absorbs shock, making it comfortable to lean on when fishing.

The foam padding is covered with marine-grade vinyl material providing exceptional protection against UV rays and mildew.

The vinyl fabric is sewn with Dacron polyester thread. It is less flexible than nylon thread, but it’s more durable.

The Staples on the underside of the seat are stainless steel which withstands rust and corrosion in marine environments.

The bottom of the seat is flat and includes four mounting screws. This seat fits all biz standard four-bolt pedestal systems. So all you have to do is secure it, and you are good to go.

Know that the wise is a lean type seat designed to give your feet and legs a good rest and prevent them from getting tired. Nothing supports your back.

To summarize, the wise is a great pedestal seat that does exactly what it’s supposed to, takes the weight off your feet, and enhances stability when standing in heavy conditions.

It looks nice, the price is great, and based on most reviewers, it offers excellent support and comfort.

Pros

• Easy to mount
• Excellent price
• Great look
• Not bulky 
• Prevent your legs and feet from getting tired.

Cons

• Some users wished the seat had more foam for cushioning.
• Several users found the chair too small.
• A few people complained that the bottom of the vinyl seat started to tear after only three trips.

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3. X Gear Deluxe Low Back Boat Seat

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Xgear has the same features as the one listed above, the (Northcaptain). It has a marine-grade vinyl material that Withstands Harsh elements at sea and aluminum hinges for maximum support.

High compression foam padding and high impact injection mold plastic seat frame to absorb shocks. It also includes mounting hardware and a tie-down strap with a snap to keep it folded. The difference between them? The backrest on the Xgear is lower, which makes a little difference in terms of comfort, of course, and it’s more compact. 

Not sure if the hardware screws are stainless steel on the XGear, as it’s not written on the item details.

Overall great seats. They are easy to mount, clean easily, and look beautiful. People are very, very, very happy with the XGear seats!

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy to install
• Stylish
• Durable
• Excellent price

Cons

• Some reviewers found the seats too small.
• Several users said the seats aren’t comfortable to sit on for long rides.
• A few people complained that the snap is poorly attached.

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4. Wise Mid-Back Fishing Boat Seats

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

This is another excellent boat seat from the Wise company.

Boaters swear by these seats.

They find them comfortable to sit on for long trips on the water and love love the price very much.

It features an injection molded seat frame and high-compression foam padding that remains firm and supportive,. As a result, it doesn’t flatten and loses its shape with time as some boat seats do. 

The upper is heavy-duty 28 Oz marine grade vinyl treated with a UV and mildew coating agent, making it weatherproof and long-lasting. It’s sleek and easy to clean.

This seat has a mid-back rest, which many users found comfortable, but some reported that the backrest becomes flexible after a while and doesn’t provide enough support to sit all day comfortably.

The hinges are aluminum and strong, but the snaps on the seats are metal, not stainless steel. Several people complained that the snaps started to rust after getting on the water. 

The base is sturdy, molded plastic, not wood. Plastic absorbs shocks better and bounces back into shape. Wood tends to weaken and distort when exposed to Marine environments.

It also has a strap to keep it folded and comes with mounting hardware.

Although the Wise Seat received a high rating on Amazon, there were some complaints about the quality of the product. 

To summarize, the wise is comfortable enough to sit on for several hours. It looks good and is easy to mount. By no means it’s not a $200 seat, but hey…. for the price, it’s not bad at all!

Pros

• Comfortable 
• Looks great
• Easy to install
• Excellent price
• Withstand UV rays and mildew

Cons

• Some people complained that the rest back bent after a while.
• Several users reported that the bolts and the screws aren’t stainless steel and rust.
• A few reviewers said the seat is more suitable for children, not adults.

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BEST RATED

5. Millennium Marine Boat Seat

Average Rank: 4.9 out of 5 

This seat received a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from thousands of reviewers on Amazon. This is pretty rare.

Although The Millennium has no padding, it’s one of the most comfortable seats for boating, fishing, and hunting.

It’s super lightweight, making it easy to remove and carry from your boat to your home and vice versa.

One of the reviewers said that when he lifted the box, he thought they forgot to put the seats into the package so much that it’s lightweight. He was very impressed!

The cool thing about the Millennium is that the water drains through the mesh material, so you never sit in a wet seat, even in a downpour, and it dries fast. Also, there is good airflow, so your back doesn’t sweats in the heat. This chair is a real Breeze in the summer.

It folds down nicely, and the straps are sturdy, preventing the seat from moving backward.

The frame is corrosion-resistant aluminum. It’s solid and durable, making it fantastic for long boat trips on the water.

To sum it up, the Millennium is a great boat seat—superb quality, breathable, lightweight, and excellent price.

In other words, it’s the perfect seat to sit on for hours comfortably, whether for fishing, boating, or hunting.

Pros

• Super comfortable
• Breathable
• Ultra lightweight
• Drain water
• Durable

Cons

• One customer reported the rivet that holds the seat base together broke after using it a few times.
• One of the users said the straps come in the way and rub her elbows.

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6. Attwood Padded Boat Seat.

Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5 

The Atwood is a well-made boat seat built with a molded plastic frame and a hinged backrest. It also has padded cushions, making it comfortable to sit on for long hours.

It’s convenient and easy to install, and the construction is sturdy and durable. 

This seat folds nicely and turns into a compact seat when folded down, saving space on the boat. Plus, it’s super lightweight, so you can remove it quickly and carry it easily.

Although this seat is compact and relatively low, it provides excellent support. People with back pain said that this seat solved their problem and allowed them to fish for hours without their backs hurting.

There is a snap at the back and a strap to keep it folded.

To sum it up, the Attwood is a well-built and practical boat seat. People were delighted with the ease of installation and its quality. 

It’s affordable. It’s lightweight and so comfortable that you may even buy a second one, as many reviewers did!

Pros 

• Easy on the back
• Super comfortable to sit on for many hours
• Easy to install
• Well built
• Lightweight

Cons

• One user said the seat is cheap quality and doesn’t hold weight.
• Some reviewers complained that they didn’t receive any hardware.
• A few people reported that the seat broke after several trips.

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7. GCI Sitbacker Adjustable Canoe Seat

Average Rank: 4.4 out of 5 

 

The GCI is a practical canoe seat that is extremely loved by canoeists.

No need to move it on the swivel! You just fasten it to your canoe with buckle straps, and you are all set up!

This seat looks simple, but it has astonished many customers. It features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s a special coating agent that resists corrosion, moisture, and humidity, preventing the frame from rusting when it comes in contact with water.

It’s durable and provides good support. A canoeist said the frame didn’t bend despite the stress she put on the seat during vigorous padding.

It’s padded with PE foam (polyethylene foam), a durable and shock-absorbing material. And it also has built-in lumbar support, making long trips on the water comfortable.

You can easily strap this seat onto any standard canoe. 

There are two adjustable position straps for switching positions and another strap to hold the seat back down, which you can use to carry on your shoulder while on the go.

The storage pocket on the back comes in handy to store small stuff such as sunblock, books, keys, or snacks.

This is a very nice space-saving boat seat that falls nicely and is easy to carry. It also dries fast, and the price is fantastic. No wonder why the Sitbacker is Amazon’s best choice.

Pros

• Easy to carry
• Provide good back support
• Lightweight
• Drive fast
• Well made

Cons

• Some reviewers reported that the strap underneath the canoe wasn’t long enough, and they had to buy extra straps.
• Several users complained that the padded seat lost its shape after sitting on it a few times.
• A few people reported that the seat lacks quality and durability.

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8. Tempress NaviStyle High-Back Folding Boat Seat

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Tempress is a high-quality boat seat made of sturdy 30oz marine-grade vinyl, one of the highest gauges you can find on boat seats. This material is weatherproof and resists mold, UV, heat, and cold weather, maximizing protection against fading and cracking in extreme temperatures.

In addition, this seat is sewn with UV and tear-resistant polyester thread, ensuring it will last for a long time! As an added protection, it also has an overlay on the seams designed specially to allow water to flow over. This means water won’t likely pass through the seat and wet the padding in harsh conditions.

Based on reviewers, this seat provides a ton of support. It features water water-resistant molded foam base and unique StylePanels built-in lumbar support that keeps you comfortable and reduces back fatigue. 

The seat frame is solid polypropylene plastic that absorbs shocks and handles heavyweight.

As a bonus, it also features patented no-pinch, stainless steel hinges that allow you to fold the seat safely when not used. There is a fold-down locking tab in the back of the seat to keep it well secured when folded.

One thing worth mentioning is that the backrest can be folded forward but cannot be adjusted. However, once the seat is locked, it keeps you in a comfortable upright position. 

There is a universal seat bolt pattern integrated into the frame to fit any mounting system or pedestal.

The hardware that comes with the seat is stainless steel, so you can rest assured it won’t rust. 

Final words: the temp press Navistyle is a comfortable and durable boat seat. And if you are willing to spend extra money for a high-quality seat, your bum and back will thank you for that!

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Reduce back fatigue
• High quality
• Easy to install
• Provide excellent support

Cons

• Some people didn’t like that they couldn’t lean back
• A few users reported that the seats soak up water and that they got wet when sitting on it
• One user was disappointed that after several weeks the mounting hardware rusted.

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9. Seamander Marine Low Back Boat Seat

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5 

The Seamander is also a high-quality set of boat seats that looks stylish and slick.

Despite their low-back design, many boaters and fishermen found these seats extremely comfortable to sit on for long hours fishing.

It’s made of heavy-duty 28 Oz marine-grade vinyl, which resists fading, tearing, and mildew.

The frame is injection molded plastic, providing high impact resistance and excellent support.

This seat has anodized aluminum hinges. This means the aluminum material has been treated with a special coating agent to give it a nice finish. Anodized aluminum is pretty solid, and honestly, it might not be as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel. But it does a better job at keeping rust at bay than standard aluminum.

The seat and the backrest have lots of cushioning, offering plenty of comfort.

The Seamander seats come with fasteners and can be mounted on any standard 4-bolt swivel pedestal system. Reviewers love how easy it is to install.

They also fold over nicely and feature a snap at the back of the backrests to keep them folded.

To sum it up, it’s a fantastic set of seats. Honestly, with Seamander, you cannot really go wrong because when they do something, they do it well!

Pros 

• Comfortable
• Easy to install
• Beautiful looks
• What made
• Durable

Cons

• A few people complained that the padding became flat and uncomfortable after using the seat for a while.
• One user said that the seats faded in the Sun.
• Several reviewers stated that the backrest bends backward when leaning in the seat.

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10. Wise Molded Fishing Boat Seat

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5 

This is another excellent folding boat seat from the Wise brand. It’s compact, so it saves space on the boat. And it’s lightweight and thus easy to carry. 

It features a high-impact injection molded frame plastic and firm high compression foam padding. The padding on the seat is attached with plastic push buttons. This is a plus if you want to remove the cushioning and store them in the off-season.

This seat doesn’t look very cushioned, but it’s actually well padded, and according to most users, it’s comfortable.

The outer material is 28 oz marine-grade vinyl that protects against UV rays, rain, and mildew. 

This seat also includes the mounting screws, so you are all set to install it.

Great seat for fishing boats at an affordable price. And the warranty is great!

Pros

• Practical
• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Easy to install and remove
• Foldable

Cons

• Some people complained that the seat didn’t include screws.
• Several users reported that the snap button on the strap to secure the backrest rusted.
• A few customers said that the hardware screws come off easily.

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Boat Seats Buying Guide

When choosing a boat seat, it’s important to know what features to look for. That way, you’ll be able to choose comfortable and practical boat seats to make your journey on the water enjoyable. The last thing you want is to put on your boat an uncomfortable and cheap chair. Your bum and back will not appreciate that at all. So here is a buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Type of Boat Seats

Pilot chair

Pilot chairs, also called captain chairs, or boat helm chairs, provide a softer and more comfortable ride even on extremely rough water. In addition to being extremely well-padded, they usually feature built-in armrests to give you maximum support and comfort while boating.

Swing back seat

Most swing-back seats provide room for two people to sit comfortably. These seats are often built on a storage compartment or cooler to save space on the boat. They swing from the front to the back, so you can sit facing either way. Depending on the design, some can be mounted directly on the deck for more stability, while other models on a pedestal.

Leaning post

Like pros seats, leaning posts give your feet and legs a good rest and help keep you stable in rough water. Leaning posts come in various models and are highly versatile. Some can be adjusted, and others can be turned into a classic bench seat style with a backrest. Leaning posts are often used on offshore boats and are usually mounted directly to the boat deck. Some models often feature a built-in storage space to keep all the stuff and rod holders. 

Cooler seats

Cooler boat seats have a base with a built-in cooler and a lid that serves as a seat cushion. Those seats save you a lot of space on your boat as there is no need to bring an extra cooler. they come in various sizes and capacities and can be mounted directly on the boat deck.

Casting Seat

Casting seats, often referred to as pedestal or pro seats, serve more as a cushion to lean on. These keep you stable and well-balanced when standing and fishing in wavy conditions. These also prevent leg and foot fatigue while riding the boat so long hours in the standing position. Ideally, it would be best to mount the casting seat on an adjustable pedestal so that you can customize it and get the perfect height. Also, consider installing a seat swivel to have a good range of motion.

Folding seats

Folding boat seats come in various options and suit different types of boats. They have a backrest to support the back user and fold down to create more room when not in use. They are three basic heights available in boat seats. Low, mid, and high. 

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Comfort

Comfort is the first factor to consider when getting a new boat seat. You want a boat seat that pampers you and your guests so that you can enjoy boating and fishing for long hours without getting back pain.

Padding

You want to look for a boat seat with lots of padding, which you won’t have any issue finding since most seats today feature high-compression foam padding to provide maximum comfort.

Backrest height

Another factor to consider when it comes to comfort is the height of the backrest. A high-back boat seat provides more comfort and support than a low or mid-low back seat. If you have back problems or are a tall person who wants a comfortable ride on the water, a high back seat will be your best bet.

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Durability

A good quality boat seat will give you peace of mind for years. So here are the features you need to look for.

Frame

A high-impact injection molded polyethylene plastic frame or high-quality aluminum frame is what you want for your seat. Both materials can hold heavy weights, absorbs shocks, and last. 

Hinges

The hinges are used to hold the parts of the seat firmly together, and if they break or rust, you won’t be a happy customer.

Hinges are either made of stainless steel aluminum, anodized aluminum, or plastic. 

Anodized aluminum is more robust and corrosion-resistant than aluminum. However, stainless steel is rustproof and studier than anodized aluminum and aluminum. In other words, stainless steel is the winner in terms of durability, but it’s also more expensive.

Avoid plastic hinges as they tend to crack and break easily unless you don’t need something as durable over time.

Snap

Most folding boat seats feature a snap at the back to hold down the seat when folded. You want the snap to be stainless steel and study so that it doesn’t rust and break after a few uses. It’s a tiny part of the boat seat but very important.

Outer material

The most common material used in boat seats is marine vinyl grade because it withstands extreme temperatures and tears. But know that marine grade vinyl fabric comes in different thicknesses, 28 oz, 30 oz, and 32 oz., and, of course, the thicker the material, the more study and durable your seat will be. So make sure to get a high gauge.

Seams

The seams are something to pay attention to when buying a boat seat. 

Bonded Polyester, also named Dacron is the most common thread you’ll find in boat seats marine grade. It withstands UV rays, salt water, and mildew, making it highly durable.

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Other Features

Color

when buying a boat seat, you want a nice color that matches your boat. After all, you want your boat to look great. However, there are a few factors you need to consider when choosing the color. For instance, dark colors absorb heat. And if you go boating in a place where it gets hot in the summer, your seat will be too hot to sit on.

On the other hand, if you boat in an area where it’s a little chilly, even in the summer, a dark color will be a great choice.

Bright color gives a classic look to your boat, and stay cool in the heat. The problem with bright color is that it easily shows dirt and mold spots. So this is something that you will have to take into account when getting boat seats.

Weight limit

weight capacity is something not to overlook when getting a boat seat. If you exceed the maximum weight, the seat will bend and lose all its support and break.

So always check the weight capacity of the seat before you buy it. Generally, not always, but boat seat manufacturers indicate the weight limit on the product details. Most boat seats can hold between 200 and 400 lb.

Installation

Okay, you have chosen the color and the style. That’s all great but what about the installation? You want a boat seat that you can quickly and easily install on your boat without hassles. Many boat seats come with mounting hardware and suit any standard pedestal system, making the installation an absolute breeze.

Things to consider when buying or replacing boat seats. 

Whether you want to replace or get a new brand boat seat, there are several factors you must consider.

For instance, you need to take into account the size of your boat, the type of boating you’ll be doing, and how much money you plan to spend on a boat seat.

So thinks about all these little details to get a boat seat that meets all your needs.

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Questions People Often Ask.

Q: How To measure boat seats

Before you purchase a boat seat, you need to take the measurement at the base of the inside seating area from one end to the other.
Another thing you need to measure is the depth and height of the bulkheads (back wall) from the base of the seating area to the top. If your boat has built-in storage boxes on the sides, you’ll have to measure the width and depth at the base of the seating platform in between the storage boxes. Once you get the right measurements, you can then choose and order your boat seat.

Q: How much do boat seats cost?

Prices vary depending on the type, model, and quality of the boat seat. However, you can expect to pay between $35 to $150 and sometimes even more. Of course, the higher the price, the higher the quality.

Q: How do I extend the lifespan of my boat seats?

Know that Vinny boat seats naturally have a very long life span, but of course, you can extend it by taking care of it regularly. Here are some rules you may need to follow.

• Keep your seat clean by washing them regularly with gentle soap and water.
• Once mildew gets into the material, it’s really, though if not practically impossible, to get rid of it. So to prevent mildew buildup, you must ensure your boat seats are completely dry before storing your boat for the day. 
• Apply a high-quality cleaner protectant on your seat once a month and be consistent.
• When storing your boat for an extended period, ensure there is good ventilation to prevent mildew buildup. Always keep your boat well-aerated. If you have fall-down seats, leave the backrests unfolded to get good airflow through the material.
• If the cushions of your seat are removable, store them in a dry environment under the deck or at home for the off-season.

Q: Where to buy boat seats

If you want, you can buy boat seats online or offline at a boat accessories retailer. But know that local retailers’ products are often more expensive than online stores because they have to pay more overhead costs. However, if you buy online, e-commerce stores such as Amazon, Walmart, or eBay provide a wide choice of boat seats and offer great deals almost all year round.

Q: Do boat seats have a warranty

Yes, they do, but some companies, like Wise, offer a longer limit warranty on the frame and a shorter one on the material on some models. But in general, most companies stand behind their products by offering a warranty. Anyway, it’s recommended to check before purchasing a boat seat online.

Q: How to install boat seats?

Take a look at the video below; that’s an excellent technique. It’s straightforward and quick!

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Final Thoughts!

There are many boat seats on the market, and those that are listed in this article are among the best ones you can find on the market right now. Boat seat manufacturers always create new models to meet boaters’ needs. Thus, it never ends. However, whether you want to replace your old boat seat or install a new one, the guide above will help you make the best choice. So make good use out of it and enjoy your new boat seat!

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