Boat seats make a huge difference between a subpar boat ride and an incredibly comfortable one. However, the market for this product can be overwhelming, with al the options out there claiming to be the best. Our team of experts is excited to share with you ten of the best seats for your boat, so you can get started making the right choice to keep you comfortable on your boat for years to come. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what you need to know before making your decision.
Boat Seats Comparison Table
Product FAQ
We’ve answered a few of the most important questions regarding why you should get a new boat seat and what kind of boat seat you might need. We also included our overall price range for our top ten list so you can easily decide which of our items are within your price range.
1. Why Should I Get a New Boat Seat?
Having comfortable boat seats that provide ample lumbar support could mean the difference between an amazing boating trip and one that is filled with back and neck pain from sitting for long periods of time. When the boat is in motion, you’ll need to be sitting anyway so you don’t fly off. Why not make sure that time is spent in a comfortable and supportive chair while you’re at it? The best boat seats will not only be supportive and comfortable, they’ll fit properly on your boat, have the necessary connectors for safety and reliability, have excellent durability and longevity, and won’t break your bank.
2. What Are the Different Types of Boat Seats?
Boat seats come in four design types: fold-down, pedestal, back support, and swing back seats. Fold-down models are by far the most common and most popular with boaters. They are typically constructed of plastic without padding support but they are still comfortable and durable for years to come. Pedestal seats (also known as pro seats or butt seats) will look stylish and blend in with your boat. They come with a great lower body cushioning, but they are still lacking in the back support department.
Back support seats, as the name implies, provide the best lumbar support. They come in variations of high-back, mid-back, and low-back, and they are by far the most comfortable for long-term use. Swing back seats have a supporting base unit, and they resemble benches. They come with built-in coolers for your drinks or your catches, and they take up the most room on your boat.
3. What Qualities Should I Look For in the Best Boat Seats?
You should carefully consider comfort, lumbar support, and connectors before making your decision. Comfort is obviously important because it will determine how long you’ll use the seat and its relative lifespan. Don’t sell yourself short on comfort! Lumbar support is important for your spin while you’re using the seat. and without it, you’ll experience a myriad of neck and back pains. If you’re planning on sitting for long periods of time, pick out a chair with stellar lumbar support.
You’ll need the proper connectors for your boat seat, as well. It should be connected with standard swivels and slides to provide flexibility. Make sure your seats have universal compatibility in these departments to ensure you have an easy time installing your seat.
4. What Is the Overall Price Range for a Great Boat Seat?
As with most consumer products, the price range depends on the individual’s needs and what they are willing to pay. For our top ten list, we tried to only choose those items we feel offer the best value for the price and are of the best quality. The boat seats we have on our top ten list offer ample support, are made of durable materials, and are top of the line when it comes to comfort. Boat seats can cost anywhere from $20 to a few hundred or even a thousand dollars depending on the style, the size, and the support. The overall price range of our top ten list is from $35 to $407.
How We Reviewed
Our team of experts spent a lot of time and effort researching different boat seats to bring you this unbiased best-of list featuring only the ten best items available on the market today. We reviewed these items based on the following parameters: their unique features, their pros and cons, their price, their warranty, and an Amazon link where you can find out more information on them and buy them for yourself.
Image CCO via Flickr
What We Reviewed
- Moeller Heavy Duty Standard Boat Helm Seat
- Moeller Deluxe Permanent Mount Swing Back Cooler or Livewell Boat Seat
- Leader Accessories White Captain’s Seat Boat Seat
- Tempress All Weather High Back Seat
- Tempress NaviStyle High Back Seat
- Wise Economy Low Back Seat
- Wise 8WD588PLS Series Standard High Back Fishing Boat Seat
- Wise Contoured Folding High Back Boat Seat
- Wise 8WD139 Series Molded Fishing Boat Seat
- Leader Accessories Back Folding Boat Seat
1. Moeller Heavy Duty Standard Boat Helm Seat
Features
This ergonomically crafted seat is perfect for those who need stellar lower back support. It comes with a cushion set as well as an armrest for added comfort. It’s made of marine-grade UV-resistant vinyl and also has highly compressed foam padding within. The installation process is easy thanks to the mounting plate that’s included. This boat seat is compatible with most everyone regardless of size and weight.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Excellent back support
- Durable materials
CONS
- Consumes a lot of space
- Screws are poorly made
Warranty
There is a one-year warranty on this product.
2. Moeller Deluxe Permanent Mount Swing Back Cooler or Livewell Boat Seat
No products found.
Features
These boat seats boast OEM marine-grade pleated vinyl, and the thread used to make the seat is mildew resistant. Within, you’ll find highly compressed foam padding, and there’s a built-in cooler for added convenience. The seats swing back easily and offer many advantages over side-pole models.
PROS
- OEM marine-grade pleated vinyl
- Mildew resistant thread
- Highly compressed foam padding
- Built-in cooler
CONS
- Does not provide enough back support
- Far more expensive than many items on this list
Warranty
This product comes with a one-year warranty.
3. Leader Accessories White Captain’s Seat Boat Seat
Features
This unique boat seat boasts excellent comfort and stellar luxury. It comes along with a heavy-duty molded plastic frame, and within, you’ll find plush foam padding for extra comfort. This seat comes with two armrests on either side to help you relax even more, and it’s made entirely of marine-grade vinyl. You can mount and install this seat without hassle, and friends will be jealous of its state-of-the-art design!
PROS
- Excellent comfort and luxury
- Heavy-duty build
- Plush foam padding within
- Armrests included
CONS
- Consumes significant space
- Heavy
Warranty
There is an extensive warranty on this boat seat, including five years for the frame and three for the upholstery.
4. Tempress All Weather High Back Seat
Features
If you are someone who suffers from severe back pain, this boat seat is perfect for you. It holds up in any weather (as the name implies) and reduces back pain and fatigue immensely. It’s double contoured and made of marine-grade, UV-resistant vinyl to reduce pressure points for the sitter. It folds for added convenience and comes with stainless steel durable hinge pins to secure it in place. It supports mountings to standard marine swivel as well and its cushion is custom fitted.
PROS
- Great for those with back pain
- Custom cushion
- UV-resistant vinyl
- Reduces pressure points on the back
CONS
- Inability to recline
- Relatively expensive
Warranty
This boat seat is covered by a one-year warranty.
5. Tempress NaviStyle High Back Seat
Features
This boat seat is a popular choice among boaters. It provides excellent comfort and support, and it relieves back pain and fatigue significantly. It features an eye-catching ergonomic design that’s made from UV-resistant polypropylene on the frame and highly compressed foam on the seat. The outside is made of high-impact plastic, and it’s lightweight for added convenience. You can easily mount this seat with no trouble as it’s the perfect size to fit any boat.
PROS
- Ergonomic design
- Popular choice among boaters
- Reduces back pain and fatigue
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not ideal for rainy weather
- Does not hold up compared to the Tempress All Weather model
Warranty
Your purchase will be covered for one year with the product warranty.
6. Wise Economy Low Back Seat
No products found.
Features
This boat seat is made of UV-resistant and mildew-resistant marine-grade embossed vinyl. It includes a mounting fastener to allow you to easily mount it to any desired height. It’s incredibly comfortable, as it’s equipped with highly compressed foam padding within. It will proudly withstand any weather and installation couldn’t be easier.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Great for all weather
- UV- and mildew-resistant vinyl
- Can be folded for added convenience
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy people
- Bolt pattern is poor
Warranty
The warranty on this product runs for five years for the frame and three years for the upholstery.
7. Wise 8WD588PLS Series Standard High Back Fishing Boat Seat
Features
If you are someone who loves mid-back boat seats, this is the perfect choice for you. It won’t break your bank, but its comfort feels like it should. It features an injection-molded seat frame and high-back design along with UV-resistant, marine-grade padding on the seat itself. For an added bonus, it’s sealed with plastic to resist moisture and lengthen its longevity. It comes with four mounting screws so you can mount it to any standard height. Installation is a snap.
PROS
- Expensive comfort at an affordable price
- Injection-molded seat frame
- UV-resistant, marine-grade padding
- Sealed with plastic for extra longevity
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy people
- Aluminum hinges may pinch
Warranty
This boat seat comes with a five-year warranty for the frame and three years for the upholstery.
8. Wise Contoured Folding High Back Boat Seat
Features
This boat seat promises to never age on you. It will keep the same high-quality look no matter how long you use it. This long-lasting and durable seat will last you upwards of ten years without ever showing its age! It’s made of high-quality, durable plastic and has no hinges that can rust. It’s also covered in marine-grade vinyl padding for extra comfort.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Never shows age
- Marine-grade vinyl
CONS
- Straps are of poor quality
- High in price compared to similar competitors
Warranty
This boat seat comes with a five-year warranty for the frame and three years for the upholstery.
9. Wise 8WD139 Series Molded Fishing Boat Seat
Features
This molded boat seat boasts comfort as well as a reasonable price tag for the quality you receive. It is designed to be compatible with any fishing boat and will hold up to 250 pounds without breaking a sweat. It’s ideally suited for anyone who has arthritis or any kind of back pain. It’s made from strong plastic and is easy to install.
PROS
- Very comfortable
- Great for arthritis or back pain
- Highly compressed foam padding that’s UV-resistant
- Can handle substantial weight
CONS
- No armrests
- Lacks upper body support
Warranty
Like many other boat seats on this list, this one comes with a five-year frame warranty and a three-year upholstery warranty.
10. Leader Accessories Back Folding Boat Seat
Features
If you are someone for whom comfort matters more than anything else, this boat seat is the perfect option for you. It has a thick seat and a thick back cushion that’s economical and ergonomically advanced as well as being space convenient for those boats that are short on space. It is built with a marine-grade, UV-resistant vinyl and can easily be mounted to any standard height. The hinges are even made of corrosion-resistant and long-lasting aluminum for added longevity.
PROS
- Great comfort
- Thick seat and back cushion
- Economical and ergonomically manufactured
- Space convenient
CONS
- Straps are lacking in quality of design
- Screws are of questionable quality
Warranty
Like many other boat seats on this list, this one comes with a five-year frame warranty and a three-year upholstery warranty.
The Verdict
We hope our list of the ten best boat seats has given you a few substantial options for your next luxury seat. Our official recommendation for you is the Wise 8WD588PLS or the Wise 8WD139, as they both offer great support for a reasonable price, and they can support almost anyone’s weight.
Last update on 2022-12-15 at 04:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
