Boat Seats: Clamp-On Style, Good Or Bad?

Clamp-on boat seats are a convenient and versatile option for boat owners who want the flexibility to adjust their seating arrangements. They are designed to be easily attached and removed from a boat's bench or gunwale using clamps, without the need for drilling or permanent installation. This makes them ideal for those who want to switch up their seating positions or accommodate different-sized seats. These seats are also a great choice for comfort and safety, providing a stable option for passengers and reducing the risk of falls or injuries caused by rocking or rough waters.

When choosing a clamp-on boat seat, it's important to consider the type of boat you have, as well as the material, weight capacity, and comfort features of the seat. Some popular options include the Wise 8WD14 Boat Seat Clamp, the Attwood 15700-3 Seat Mount Clamp-On, and the Leader Accessories Quick Disconnect Seat Mount. These seats offer features such as 360-degree swivel action, adjustable height, and sturdy construction, ensuring a comfortable and secure boating experience.

Clamp-on boat seats are a good option for those who want to avoid drilling into their bench seats

Clamp-on boat seats are an excellent option for those who want to avoid drilling into their bench seats. They offer a convenient and versatile alternative to permanently installed seats. With a clamp-on boat seat, you can easily move and adjust your seating position to different areas of the boat, providing better weight distribution and balance. This makes the boat more stable and comfortable to manoeuvre.

One of the main advantages of clamp-on boat seats is their ease of installation and removal. They can be attached and detached from the boat's bench or gunwale in just a few minutes, without the need for any drilling or permanent installation. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to avoid putting holes in their boat seats.

Additionally, clamp-on boat seats are available in various sizes and styles to suit different needs and preferences. They typically come with cushioned padding, adjustable backrests, and armrests, providing comfort and support during long boating trips. The wide adjustment range accommodates different-sized seats, making them perfect for boats with multiple seating arrangements.

When choosing a clamp-on boat seat, it is important to consider the type of boat you have. Different boats have varying bench or gunwale widths, so ensure the clamp-on seat is compatible with your boat's dimensions. The Attwood 15700-3 Seat Mount, for example, adjusts from 7 ½ inches to 18 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of boats.

The material of the seat is another crucial factor, as it determines durability and comfort. Look for seats made from high-quality marine-grade materials that can withstand exposure to water and UV rays. The Wise 8WD14 Boat Seat Clamp, with its coated steel frame bars and injection-moulded plastic brackets, is an excellent choice for a sturdy and secure option.

In conclusion, clamp-on boat seats are a good option for those who want to avoid drilling into their bench seats. They offer convenience, versatility, and comfort, enhancing your overall boating experience. With a wide range of options available, you can find the perfect clamp-on seat to suit your boat and personal preferences.

They are versatile and convenient, allowing for easy adjustment and customisation

Clamp-on boat seats are highly versatile and convenient, offering several benefits over fixed seats. They can be easily moved and adjusted to fit different areas of the boat, allowing for better weight distribution and balance. This makes the boat more stable and comfortable to manoeuvre. They are also ideal if you have multiple boats or frequently switch between different types of vessels, as they can be transferred from one to another without hassle.

The Attwood 15700-3 Seat Mount, for example, has a sleek black powder-coated finish and a swivel action that allows for easy adjustment while on the water. It can adjust from 7 ½ inches to 18 inches, making it perfect for Jon boats. The Wise 8WD14 Boat Seat Clamp is another excellent option, as it includes the Wise 8WD10 Steel 6″ Ball Bearing Swivel, which makes it easy to adjust the seat to the perfect angle for fishing. It also has a wide adjustment range of 8″ to 20.5″, accommodating different-sized seats.

The Guide Gear Boat Seat Swivel Clamp Mount is another great choice, as it offers a 360-degree swivel that allows for easy access to your surroundings while staying comfortably seated. It is also adjustable and can fit a wide range of boat seats, making it perfect for when you have friends or family joining you on your boating adventures. Additionally, its durable steel construction ensures longevity.

For those who want a quick and easy solution, the Leader Accessories Quick Disconnect Seat Mount with Boat Seat Swivel is a fantastic option. It includes a quick-disconnect seat mount and a 6 ¼ inch seat swivel, making installation and removal a breeze. It works on all brands of pedestals or any flat surface, providing a stable and secure seating option.

Overall, clamp-on boat seats offer a wealth of benefits that enhance your boating experience. They provide comfort, convenience, and versatility, allowing for easy adjustment and customisation to suit your needs.

They are also portable, making them a good option for boats with limited space

Clamp-on boat seats are a great option for those with limited space on their boats. Their portability means they can be easily moved around or transferred to another boat, providing flexibility in seating arrangements. This is especially useful if you have multiple boats or frequently switch between different vessels.

The convenience of clamp-on boat seats is further enhanced by their simple installation and removal process. They can be attached and detached from the boat's bench or gunwale in a matter of minutes, without the need for any drilling or permanent installation. This feature also allows for better weight distribution and balance, making the boat more stable and comfortable to manoeuvre.

Additionally, clamp-on boat seats often come with cushioned padding, adjustable backrests, and armrests, providing comfort and support during long boating trips. Their portability means they can be stored away when not in use, freeing up valuable space on your boat.

When choosing a clamp-on boat seat, consider the type of boat you have, as different boats have varying bench or gunwale widths. Also, look for seats made from high-quality marine-grade materials that can withstand water and UV rays. Check the weight capacity to ensure it can support your weight and that of your passengers, and opt for seats with durable construction to ensure longevity.

Clamp-on boat seats are available in a range of materials, including aluminium, steel, and plastic

Clamp-on boat seats are available in a variety of materials, including aluminium, steel, and plastic. Aluminium clamp-on boat seats are often powder-coated to provide a sleek finish and additional protection from the elements. They are lightweight yet sturdy, making them ideal for use in Jon boats and canoes. Steel clamp-on boat seats, on the other hand, offer superior strength and durability. They are typically made from stainless steel or coated with a protective layer to prevent corrosion. Plastic clamp-on boat seats are also an option, often made from injection-moulded plastic, which can provide a cost-effective and lightweight solution.

When choosing a clamp-on boat seat, it is important to consider the material that best suits your needs in terms of durability, weight, and cost. Aluminium and steel options tend to be more durable but may be heavier and more expensive. Plastic seats can be a more affordable and lightweight alternative, but they may not offer the same level of strength and longevity.

In addition to the seat material, it is worth considering the type of clamp and swivel mechanism. Some clamp-on boat seats feature a simple clamp design, while others include a swivel function, allowing for greater adjustability. The swivel mechanism can be made of different materials, such as plastic or metal, and may have bearings or a smooth swivel plate. When choosing a clamp-on boat seat, be sure to check the compatibility with your boat's seat mounting hole pattern and the adjustability range of the clamp to ensure a proper fit.

They are generally well-regarded for their ease of installation, although some users have noted issues with the quality of certain products

Clamp-on boat seats are generally well-regarded for their ease of installation, although some users have noted issues with the quality of certain products.

Many users have praised the convenience and simplicity of installing clamp-on boat seats. They appreciate not having to drill into their boat seats and like that the seats can be easily adjusted or removed. Some have also mentioned that the ability to adjust the seat side to side is a bonus. The wide adjustment range of clamp-on boat seats is also advantageous, as it allows them to accommodate different-sized seats and be used on various types of boats.

However, some users have encountered challenges with the quality and durability of certain clamp-on boat seats. For example, some have mentioned that the wing nuts can be difficult to tighten by hand and may require a special tool. Others have reported issues with the bearings, such as them popping out or the swivel becoming locked. In addition, a few users have expressed concerns about the stability and security of the seats, especially when used frequently or on rough waters.

Overall, while clamp-on boat seats offer the benefit of easy installation and adjustment, it is important to carefully consider the specific product's quality and durability before purchasing to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Frequently asked questions