Pontoon boat seats play an important role in making your ride a comfortable one. If you are somebody looking for seats for your new pontoon boat or looking to upgrade existing seats, you are never short of options. The market is flooded with options. What you need to look for is the best option suiting your pontoon boat layout. In this article we will help you select the best seating option by providing insights into what to look for when buying, types of pontoon boat seats, how to maintain the seats, and some of the best brands.
Types of Pontoon Boat Seats
Folding Seats
Folding seats are single seats which provides a sturdy platform to fish. They are usually placed on pontoon deck corners, but can be installed anywhere. They can be mounted on the existing pedestal platforms. As they are folding in nature, they are compact. They may not be so comfortable for you to sit on for long hours. They also do not offer the best support.
Bucket Seats
Bucket seats are more comfortable and supportive when compared to Folding Seats. The sides of the seat form a half closed shell. Bucket seats are safe and stable and hence used as captain’s seat.
Captain’s Seats
These seats are usually swiveling in nature. This allows the captain to turn about and also have a clear view.
Lounge Seats
Lounge seats offer more space. They offer great support with the comfy backrests. The base of these seats can have storage compartments. As the size of the pontoon boat increases, the layout will include more lounge seats. They are great in giving luxurious comfort. They can have cup holders.
Bench Seats
These versatile seats can accommodate more people. When equipped with folding back rests, they are even better. They can also come with storage compartments.
Fishing Seats
There can be fixed as well as portable variations of the fishing chairs. They are designed in such a way that the angler receives a great amount of lumbar support.
Low Back Seats
They provide more lumbar support to the lower back and mid back. Low back seats offer no support to the upper back, neck and the head regions. They are not so good for long sitting hours.
Mid Back Seats
They have a larger backrest which can come up to the shoulder or neck height. They offer necessary support to the curve of the spine, thereby protecting lower and mid back regions and also to the shoulder area.
High Back Seats
The backrest extends to the upper back. There can also be a neck or headrest. They are more adjustable and offer great support to all parts. They are well suited when you spend more hours outside.
Pontoon Boat Seat Features To Consider
As said earlier, the seats you select for your pontoon boat depend heavily on the boat’s layout. There can be lounge style seats, captain’s chair, fishing chairs, corner seats, high back seats, etc. Whatever be the type, you must always look for seats made from quality fabrics which are durable. Being waterproof and UV resistant can make the pontoon boat seat last longer. Look for comfortable options. Budget is also important. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available should you desire. The seats warranty should also be examined.
Pontoon Boat Seat Maintenance
Pontoon boats can be used for a wide variety of water recreational activities. Though the seats may be waterproof, there is chance of mold or mildew growth over time.
Pontoon boat seats need to be cleaned after every outing. You can use water and soap to clean the pontoon seats. In the case of mold and mildew, you can use a non-chlorine mold/mildew cleaner. On application of the spray, the mildew/mold will dissolve so that it can be removed by a sponge. Never use any scrub brushes or abrasive sponges as they can scratch the upholstery, which makes the surface more prone to mold/mildew.
In addition to regular cleaning, the pontoon boat seats need to be covered when not in use. Pontoon boat seat covers help maintain the factory shine of the seat while protecting it from dirt, debris, UV rays, saltwater, and animals.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Good maintenance practices will help to keep your pontoon boat seats looking brand new while reducing overall replacement costs.
Best Pontoon Boat Seat Brands
PontoonStuff Pontoon Seats
DeckMate Classic Seats
The PontoonStuff DeckMate Classic line of pontoon seats comes with simple, sturdy and long lasting models, which are attractive and set the standard for pontoon boat seats. They also come at the best price range.
Built from superior quality materials, the 32 oz marine grade seat vinyl is coated and treated to exceed industry standards for UV and mildew resistance. The pontoon boat seat cushion is made from a mix of soft and dense foam. It gives you the support and comfort where it matters most. With the no wood construction, the seat cushion frames are made from high impact plastic, which will not break or rot. The enclosed plastic seat bases are perfect for storage.
The seat bases come with molded drain channels which won’t trap water and instead allows water to escape your deck. The pontoon seats come with high grade stainless steel hardware and staples. The lean back chairs and arm rests have built in cup holders. Portable cup holders are also an option for the Classic collection.
PontoonStuff provides an industry leading warranty and offers a 6 year full replacement of any defective pontoon seat. The warranty is transferrable. PontoonStuff also offers excellent customer service. PontoonStuff offers a user-friendly Deck Designer to design your pontoon boat’s interior seating.
DeckMate Premium Seats
Both the Classic and Premium Seat Collections are constructed with the same marine grade materials. The Premium Collection also offers total weather protection just like the Classic collection. They both offer UV and mildew resistance, fully enclosed plastic seat bases with storage, seat bases with molded drain channels, and portable cup holders. They also come with the industry best 6 year warranty.
However, the Premium range is pricier than the Classic range. The Premium Collection uses more high density foam resulting in much more comfortable and supportive seat. The premium collection is also more attractive as more attention is given to detail so that the design stands out. With handsome stitching on the plush vinyl cushion there is the impression of master workmanship.
Wise Pontoon Seats
Wise is another option for pontoon boat seating. They provide quality products with quality service by quality people.
Deluxe Pontoon Seats
For several decades, Wise Deluxe Pontoon Seats has been a boaters’ favorite. This classic style seating will last you summer after summer. They are available in 5 tried-and-true color combinations. Being compatible with most pontoon boats, you need not worry much.
The Deluxe Pontoon Seats uses 26 oz marine grade vinyl loaded with UV and mildew inhibitors. The contoured cushions are stuffed with high compression foam padding. They have a high impact plastic frame. The pontoon seat uses high density, rotational molded bases which are scuff and mar resistant. Overall, the marine grade seat and back frame are weather resistant.
The hinged/removable seat cushion provides access to the spacious storage inside the base. The flip flop bench seats have anodized aluminum swingback arms. Aluminum hinges are used in high back seats. There are built in cup holders in the radius corner seats, helm/steering console, lean back seats and left and right arm rests. Wise offers a 5 year warranty on the frame and a 3 year warranty on the upholstery.
Premier Pontoon Seats
Luxury meets value with Wise Premiere range of pontoon seats. They are available in 6 color combinations. Made from soft touch 28 oz marine grade vinyl, the pontoon boat seats are loaded with UV and mildew inhibitors. The contoured cushions are stuffed with high compression foam padding of OEM quality. The seat and the back frame, both are marine grade and weather resistant. They have rotational molded bases of high density which also makes them scuff and mar resistant.
With the hinged cushions, there is space for storage inside the seat base. The Premier range also comes with 5 year warranty on frame/base and 3 year warranty on upholstery. The Premier collection also includes left and right radius arm rests and helm/steering console.
Lippert Pontoon Seats
Platinum Series
Lippert sells Taylor Made aftermarket pontoon boat seats that are constructed for comfort and durability. They have over 35 years of experience in the area of marine seats. The frame is rotationally molded and is of marine grade polyethylene. It is designed to resist warping. The vinyl and foam is marine grade and mildew and UV treated. There is a large dry storage area under hinged seats. You get livewell ready compartments. The channels built into the bases help with drainage. The multiple foam densities provide support with good comfort. Aluminum and stainless steel hardware are corrosion resistant.
With Lippert’s Platinum Series replacement pontoon seats you get stylish, comfortable and durable items. There are two monochromatic and neutral fabric options. They also offer chaises and sundeck kits. You can also have arms, helm stations and mobile cup holders in this range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right pontoon boat seats can greatly enhance your boating experience by providing comfort, style, and durability. Whether you’re looking for plush, high-end seating or practical, budget-friendly options, there’s a wide variety of materials, designs, and features to suit your needs. Investing in quality seats not only improves the aesthetics of your boat but also ensures lasting comfort for you and your passengers. Take the time to explore your options and select seats that complement your boating lifestyle, making every trip on the water more enjoyable.
