Why do I have to spend an arm and a leg to get a seat?

[2ndChance]

1993 Adventure 208. Boat is in good shape. Time to retire the original seats, which were of average quality to begin with. I want a comfy seat and am looking at ladder-backs from Todd, etc. I’m thinking I may be crowding the helm with two of these, no way to know for sure. Anyone put the bigger ladder backs in a 208?

I just can't believe I have to spend upwards of $800 for two seats with sliders. I mean, what are we talking about - a couple of pieces of high-grade plastic with vinyl cushions? I’ll pay someone on here a decent price to make them for me! Anyone?

I did see one for $249 from West marine; it’s a WISE captain’s chair with padded arm rests. I seem to recall seeing many of these with ripped vinyl seats and water-logged foam. Can anyone confirm on quality?

Thanks for the advice, fellas.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Hmmm, 'average' quality lasted at least 18 years. Buy a seat shell and use the same hardware ... :uhm

 

[ahill]

I'd suggest visiting marine liquidating co.'s, marine flea markets such as Dania coming up this month or internet.

 

[2ndChance]

Thanks fellas. These are the same brand seats that I had on my 18 Angler, so yes, I would definately say below average quality. The sliders are badly oxidized - typical of low grade aluminum. Should have relaced them a while back, but it wasn't in the budget :uhm

 

[timberxx]

I hear ya with the seat prices. I have a molded captains chair on my 205. I wanted to slat type, and was quoted the same $800. I posted online and went to the source company, but still too expensive.

I'm keeping an eye out for a used one, knowing I would have to re cover it.

Cheers

 

[Bob's Cay]

I replaced my seats several years ago with Wise seats that I bought at Boater's World when they were around. My 1988 Overnighter has limited space at the helm and I found some "ladder back" style chairs and cushions that have worked very well. I did remove the arm rests. I think they were about 4150 each.

Did a search for Wise seats and found these. I do not know anything about the vendor.

http://www.boatdepot.com/productdetails ... D431AR-710

 

[2ndChance]

thanks fellas. I think I am going to be limited by the space at the helm. the wise seats might fit the bill, but at 22" wide, not sure. I'll measure up and we'll see.