How To Make Boat Seats

Learning how to make boat seats can be both an interesting and rewarding task to tackle. It’s interesting because there are so many different options that you can explore. It’s also rewarding because nothing is better than a comfortable seat to relax on during a Saturday afternoon on the lake!

To build a boat seat you will need:

• Pedestal
• Boat seat lever
• Two metal levers
• Lumber
• Cushioning
• Vinyl seat covers
• Staple gun
• Electric drill
• Screws

1. Install your pedestal. If you’ve already installed the pedestal in your boat, then you may skip to step two. If you haven’t, you will need to first purchase a boat seat pedestal from your local marina. These pedestals are fairly easy to install, all you need to do is screw them into the floor of your boat. It's highly advisable not to try to construct your own pedestal though.
2. Acquire your boat seat lever. Before you begin constructing your seat, you will need a boat seat lever. This is the part that connects to the pedestal and has a lever which allows your seat to be either higher or lower. These can also be purchased at your local marina, or you may be able to scrap one off an old boat seat. You will attach this lever to your completed boat seat.
3. Constructing your boat seat cover. To begin constructing your actual seat, you will first need to build the bottom part. To do this, build a square box out of wood and do not put a top on it. Your completed project should look like an open box. Don’t make the dimensions too high on the sides or it will be very uncomfortable. Look at a similar seat that’s already been made and take note of its measurements. After you’ve completed this part, fill the box with as much cushioning material as you can. Finally, take water-proof vinyl covering and wrap it around your entire seat, including the open top. Use a staple gun to staple the bottom and the sides so the vinyl won’t come off.
4. Finishing steps. To construct the back of your seat, simply follow the directions in the third step. Once you have the vinyl covers stapled onto the back of your seat, take two metal levers that are adjustable and attach them to the sides of your seat. Make sure that these levers are placed where you wish the back of your seat to rest. Now you can screw these levers into the back part of seat and fold it down to save space while you’re not using your seat. Finally, attach your boat seat lever to the bottom of your seat with screws and attach your new seat to your pedestal.

There are many other ways that you could go about making your own boat seat. Sometimes you can salvage an old chair and fit it to your pedestal. You can also remove your pedestal completely and use a folding chair. While these are viable options, they lack the satisfaction of constructing your own boat seat and also the comfort! You can also customize your boat seat with arms, drink holders or rod holders if you’re an avid troller! Like anything you construct for your boat, make sure you try it out before you get on the water, it’s much safer and will make your time on the lake even more enjoyable!