Seat Slide Hardware Adaptor for 2004 Tournament 185?

[Rob02655]

My new-to-me 2004 Tournament 185 (90 original hours on Yamaha 150 Four Stroke) could use new slide hardware on its helm seats. However, as shown in the photo, the original slide hardware was wider than current “standard” replacement hardware (shown). As a result, the existing bolt sleeves in the seat (circled in blue) are outside of the seat slide. I suspect this has come up in the past, but I couldn’t find any recommended fixes. I also could not find wide slide hardware still produced. I suppose having an aluminum plate machined could be one solution. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[seasick]

I am surprised you couldn't find a slide for that spacing. I have seen sliders that have dual hole patterns. regardless, the metal plate is probably your best bet.
The original bolt holes have a stainless T-nut type fitting that was inserted before the outer seat mold was 'welded' to the inner seat mold. I have replaced the t nuts but it was a horrible job that you would need to go through to use your new slides. Basically you would drill a hole the diameter of a t-nut for the new bolts and also drill a 1 inch or so hole near the bolt hole. You use the big hole to slip in the t-nut. I used adhesive in the bolt hole to hold the t-nut in place. To do that, you line up the t-nut and screw in a bolt that you then use to pull hard on the t-nut forcing it in tight. When the adhesive dries, you remove the bolt and then attach the slider.

Looking at you picture you might be able to cut open a decent size hole in the middle of the area that is solid metal on the new slider. If that works the slider will cover the hole.

 

[uhlmeyer]

do you have the old seat collar or slide? I am looking for one to replace mine.

 

[seasick]

Can you post the spacing measurements of the seat. I am currious to see to see if I can find a slider mechanism with the wider spacing.

 

[Rob02655]

Can you post the spacing measurements of the seat. I am currious to see to see if I can find a slider mechanism with the wider spacing.

I found these measurements online from an 1997 GW 208 and I’m pretty sure they correspond to mine as well.

 

[seasick]

That's the same seat and slider that was on my sold 2001 208. I was not able to find an exact replacement for the slider and only found one potential seat that would fit the space. I did machine a new set of plastic slides but to be honest, that was a lot of work and the seat still wiggled. The plastic slides were not just a straight shape with a groove.
Honestly, if I had to do it over, I would have replaced the seat and slider.
In your case I think the plate idea is a good idea

 

[uhlmeyer]

Is anyone interested in selling this part? I'm looking for the round metal past that secures the seat to the post, not the slide

 

[DennisG01]

The (4) oblong holes at the front/rear edge of the base... how far does the spider travel? Meaning, if you used a piece of plywood bolted to the plate using those holes... and then bolted the plywood to the chair holes... would you still have good forwad/rear sliding movement?

Obviously, instead of ply, you could use PVC or HDPE - but you get the idea. This would raise the seat 1/2" or 3/4" - likely not an issue (if your seat pole is not tapered, could cut it)... or maybe raise it (space it) more if you think it's currently too low?