Aluminum boats have long been the choice of many anglers due to their inexpensiveness. In addition to fitting most anyone’s budget, aluminum boats are also popular because, unlike large bass boats, they have the ability to travel in shallow water and are extremely portable. While aluminum boats have many positive features, they do have their drawbacks. Sitting on an aluminum bench seat for the good part of the day can leave the angler feeling fatigued. Installing boat seats with cushion and back support will fight fatigue and allow the angler to enjoy more hours on the water.
Determine the minimum clearance needed for each boat seat by using a tape measure. Measure the underside of a boat seat from its center to its furthest underside point. This is the minimum clearance that each seat will need to be able to rotate 360 degrees.
Determine the number of boats seats that will be installed in the aluminum boat. Be sure to allow for the minimum clearance required for each seat to be able to rotate.
Mount each boat seat to a boat seat swivel clamp following the seat manufacturer‘s instructions using a crescent wrench, pliers and the accompanying hardware.
Draw a small dot on the benches of the aluminum boat for each seat you plan to install. The dot represents the center of the boat seat. Again, be sure to allow for the minimum clearance required for each seat to swivel.
Place a boat seat with boat seat swivel clamp over each dot so that the boat seat swivel clamp straddles the aluminum bench. Align the seats so that each one is centered over the corresponding dot.
Secure each boat seat in place by tightening down the wing nuts on the boat seat swivel clamps using your fingers.
