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8 Best Boat Seats Reviews 2021 – (With and Without Armrest)

Every boat owner knows that most OEM boat seats are uncomfortable, and what is the main thing a boat owner seeks when going on a fishing journey? Comfort. There are many problems one could encounter, a wobbling seat, no armrests, worn padding, etc. That’s why, sooner or later, many people start looking for the best boat seats with which they could upgrade their vessels.

A good boat seat is of considerable significance when it comes to going on a trip with your boat. However, finding a reliable product is not that easy as it looks. There are many things you need to bear in mind, such as the material the unit is made of, do you want armrests, how big the boat seat is, and more.

In this buying guide, you will find everything there is to know about boat seats, you will read a lot of useful tips, essential information, and most importantly our reviews on the best boat seats.

Best Boat Seats Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS
Wise Economy Low Back Seat

Wise Economy Low Back Seat

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 10 x 18 x 18″
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Made: 28 ounces marine-grade vinyl
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Wise Standard High Back Seat

Wise Standard High Back Seat

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 21.6 x 15.4 x 15.8″
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Made: Marine Grade UV and Mildew Treated Vinyl
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Wise Classic Stripe High Back Boat Seat

Wise Classic Stripe High Back Boat Seat

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 20 x 16.5 x 23.2″
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Made: UV & Mildew Treated Marine Grade Vinyl
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Millennium Treestands Marine B100 Boat Seat

Millennium Treestands Marine B100 Boat Seat

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 21.1 x 22.4 x 10.2″
  • Weight: 7.1 pounds
  • Made: UV resistant material
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Leader Accessories Pontoon Captains Bucket Boat Seat

Leader Accessories Pontoon Captains Bucket Boat Seat

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 19.5 x 22 x 21.5″
  • Weight: N/A
  • Made: Heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl
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Seamander S1040 Captains Chair Pontoon Boat Seat

Seamander S1040 Captains Chair Pontoon Boat Seat

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 19.7 x 22.2 x 21.7″
  • Weight: Around 20 pounds
  • Made: Marine-grade soft-touch vinyl
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Tempress High Back Helm Seat

Tempress High Back Helm Seat

  • Price: $$$$$
  • Dimensions: 27.5 x 23.5 x 26″
  • Weight: 9.88 pounds
  • Made: 30 oz. Marine-grade vinyl
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Leader Accessories Two-Tone Captain's Bucket Seat

Leader Accessories Two-Tone Captain’s Bucket Seat

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 23.5 x 26 x 20.5″
  • Weight: up to 10 pounds
  • Made: 28oz marine-grade vinyl
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Best Boat Seats Reviews (Newest Models)

These are, without any hesitation, the most reliable products you will find available on the market nowadays. They are all good, so it is impossible to arrange them in any specific order. It is up to you to decide which unit will be the ONE.

First, we will highlight the seats without armrests. Don’t underestimate them because such seats still give you plenty of comforts and above all, value.

1. Wise Economy Low Back Seat

Wise Economy Low Back SeatAvailable in different colors, Wise economy 8WD734 is a budget-friendly option if you are looking for a low back seat. It comes with a mounting fastener to mount in any standard pedestal system. The seat is filled with compressed foam padding which is very comfortable as they are neither too firm nor too soft. The rated seat depth is 14 inches. It has aluminum hinges that hold the molded plastic seat frame.

The seat cover is made from 28 ounces of marine-grade vinyl and can stand up to any weather conditions at sea. The vinyl is resistant to UV light damages and has a mildew treatment to resists moisture to prevent any germ settling in.

The seat is rated for 200 pounds only. It might not be sturdy enough for a heavy user. The seat can be folded and comes with a strap to hold them down. It is 19 inches high and 16 inches width with 18.5 inches depth. It weighs only 6 pounds which is relatively lightweight.

Pros

  • 3-year warranty on upholstery
  • Includes mounting hardware
  • UV and mildew treated marine-grade vinyl cover

Cons

  • Not sturdy enough for a heavier user
  • No armrest

2. Wise Standard High Back Seat

Wise Standard High Back SeatWise 8WD588PLS series will be an ideal fishing boat seat due to the high back seat giving your back excellent support. It has a marine grade 28 ounces vinyl cover that can handle any exposed elements and will last longer. Moreover, it has UV and mildew treatment to prevent any moisture that invites germs.

The seat is very comfortable as it has a highly compressed foam padding that will keep the seat firm all-day long. You can sink deeply into its 14-inch depth. It uses aluminum hinges to strengthen the plastic molded seat frame and the back too.

The seat can be mounted in any standard pedestal system and comes with the mounting hardware. One concern is that some people are skeptical about the velcro closing at the bottom of the seat instead of stitches. This is likely for the water to get in and might damage the foam.

The seat can be folded and has a strap with a snap on the back to keep it in place when folded.

Pros

  • 3-year warranty on upholstery/ 6-year warranty on frame
  • Includes mounting hardware
  • Made with durable material

Cons

  • Not large enough for more prominent individuals
  • The button of the seat has a velcro closing

3. Wise Classic Stripe High Back Boat Seat

Wise Classic Stripe High Back Boat SeatWise always offer a variety of colors in any model to match your boat or to bring more color to your boat. Wise Classic Stripe is no exception. You can choose from at least a dozen options. It has a high back-23.25-inch high so that you can have excellent back support.

The seat is filled with high compressed foam padding and high impact plastic molded seat frame both of which are supported by aluminum hinges. This not only makes the seat comfortable but sturdy too.

The cover is treated for mildew and resists UV rays. They are made from marine grade 28 ounces vinyl and can tackle harsh weather conditions. Also, the manufacturer offers a 3-year warranty on upholstery.

The seat will not come on your way while towing as the seat can be kept folded with the strap on the back of the seat. Mounting will be easy as the product comes with mounting hardware.

Pros

  • 3-year warranty on upholstery/ 6-year warranty on frame
  • Mounting Hardware Included
  • High back seat
  • Durable and sturdy

Cons

  • Can purchase only one chair per customer
  • Strap and snaps are not made of stainless steel and liable to rust

4. Millennium Treestands Marine B100 Boat Seat

Millennium Treestands Marine B100 Boat SeatMillennium B100 has the patented ComfortMax seat with a simple design yet very sturdy. It has one of the highest weight capacity which is 400 pounds. This means that the seat is suitable for heavier users.

The material used to make this seat is such that it drains water and dries quickly allowing you to have a dry seat. Moreover, it is UV resistant and lasts a long time. The only downside is that the bolts that hold the seat are steel which is bound to rust.

It has a medium back that is 20-inch high, and the seat is 17-inch wide. The seat can be folded flat for easy transportation, but you will need to acquire a strap to keep it folded. You can mount the seat in any swivel base or any boat pedestals. However, it doesn’t include any hardware.

The seat weighs only 10 pounds and will not add much weight to your boat. You have 2 colors to choose from which are green and gray.

Pros

  • 3-year warranty
  • High weight capacity
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Mounting Hardware not included
  • Steel bolts that tend to rust

And here we are now, ready to review the top picks when it comes to marine seats with an armrest. Check them all out!

1. Leader Accessories Pontoon Captains Bucket Boat Seat

Leader Accessories Pontoon Captains Bucket Boat SeatA product by Leader Accessories, this pontoon captain‘s bucket seat can be the right choice if your boat lacks space and doesn’t want to add much extra weight. The reason is that the seat is comparatively compact with a dimension of 19.5-inch high, 22-inch width and 21.5-inch depth. On the downside, it might be too small for a person of girth.

Although the back seat is not very high for excellent back support, it has a perfect curve to sit comfortably. It is available either in white or gray with a range of different piping colors to match your boat.

The seat has a high impact injection molded plastic frame and covered by heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl that can tackle harsh marine weather. It has a plush foam padding and is about 5-inch thick that gives you a firm seat.

The base of the seat already has mounting holes to be easily mounted in any standard pedestal. The product includes mounting hardware.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Ergonomic design
  • Heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl cover

Cons

  • The staples are not stainless steel and leave a rust mark on the seat
  • The seat is too narrow for a large body

2. Seamander S1040 Captains Chair Pontoon Boat Seat

Seamander S1040 Captains Chair Pontoon Boat SeatIf you are not too particular about the height of the back seat, the Seamander S1040 is offering a comfortable captain’s chair that can provide you with the necessary low back seating. Its dimension is 19.7-inches height, 22.2-inches width and seat depth is 21.7-inches.

The cover is soft-touch vinyl which is a marine-grade that resists UV lights and mildew accumulation. This will make the seat look fresh for an extended time with proper maintenance.

The seat has highly compressed OEM grade foam padding so that it is neither too soft nor too hard. On top of that, it has a high-density plastic rotational molded frame that will keep the seat intact even after years of constant use.

The captain‘s seat comes with a standard 5″ X5″ and 5″X12″ mounting bolt pattern. With the included hardware, you can easily mount Captain’s chair. Even though the color option is only white, you can either have subtle or contrasting piping to match the color of your boat.

Pros

  • High-compression OEM grade foam padding
  • Soft-touch vinyl cover
  • Standard mounting bolt and includes Hardware

Cons

  • Low backrest
  • Limited color option

3. Tempress High Back Helm Seat

Tempress High Back Helm SeatWith the height of 26-inches, the Tempress helm seat will be an ideal choice for those looking for a high back chair. Besides, it has built-in lumbar support and a rolled front edge to ensure superior support allowing you to have longer leisure time on the boat. They also avoid using excessive foam to create a comfortable seating surface.

The seat cover is that of 30 ounces marine-grade vinyl and can stand up to harsh marine weather conditions. This makes the seat long-lasting. Having said that, one needs to be more careful while maintaining the seat in case of rain as it is not waterproof.

The seat is 3 inches thick and has a secure mounting base. However, no hardware is included. The width of the seat is 23.5-inches which makes it suitable for a larger individual. The added features such as the back grab and an armrest make Tempress Helm seat a popular choice.

Pros

  • Built-in lumbar support
  • Rolled front edge for comfortable seating
  • Suitable for bigger user

Cons

  • Hardware not included
  • Limited color choice
  • Not waterproof

4. Leader Accessories Two-Tone Captain’s Bucket Seat

Leader Accessories Two-Tone Captain's Bucket SeatThe Leader Accessories two-tone captain‘s bucket seat has a high-density foam padding which in turn provides you with excellent back support and comfortable seating. The chair is not constructed upright but curves in a way to give you a relaxing seating position.

One unique feature is the flip-up bolster which gives you added seat height. So depending on your preference, you can adjust either to have a low backrest or high backrest.

The seat is constructed with sturdy plastic backrest and stainless steel fasteners which cause no rusting issues, unlike most other seats. It has a marine-grade vinyl cover that resists UV and mildew treated to avoid excessive moisture which leads to germs inhabiting on the seat.

The Captain‘s bucket seat is 23.5-inches high, 20.5-inches width and the depth is 26-inches. While the height is well-sized, a larger diameter would have been more preferable. Mounting is pretty standard, and the seat already has bolt holes. Also, mounting screws are included in the unit.

Pros

  • Flip-up bolster for added seat height
  • The perfect curve provides comfortable seating
  • Stainless steel hardware
  • High-density foam padding

Cons

  • The seat dimension is too small

Types of Boat Seats

When it comes to options, in the world of marine supplies and tools you definitely have plenty of them. Depending on your vessel you can choose from a variety of boat seats. Let’s see the different types of boat seats you will encounter.

  • Pontoon Seats

Best Pontoon SeatsHere we have two main options:

Individual Seats

They mount directly to the floor of the boat. Most boat seats have storage boxes underneath, so they are really convenient. Such units are also modular to fit together and to form a bench-like seating arrangement.

Furniture Groups

They come as a matching set and can fit the front, the rear, or the entire pontoon boat. The items are freight shipped and require assembly.

  • Seats Common on Runabouts and Cruisers

Here we also have two main types:

Bolster Seats

These are perfect for captain’s or passenger’s chairs. They are mostly used on runabouts and fish n’ ski boats. As the bolster flips up to provide standing stability, these offer extra comfort.

Back to Back Seats

Basically, these are two seats on one base that connect at the back. They are mounted directly to the floor and have storage underneath.

  • Seats Common on Bass and Fishing Boats

Boat Seat ReviewsThere are five main options in this category:

Folding Seats

These have a simple style, but they are super convenient when it comes to small boats. Folding boat seats have brackets that fold down for secure storage. These units are mostly used on utility, fishing, and rowboats.

Bucket Seat

Their name does not lie, as they are super comfortable but indeed have the form of a bucket. Such units fit perfectly in the helm as the captain’s chair, and they can have different features, like a bolster, for example. Their most significant advantage is that they fit on most boats.

Buddy Seats

These seats are attached between two bucket style seats, and they create a bench seating arrangement.

Bench Seats

As their name hints, they are not meant for one person only. Bench boat seats have a simple design but they look really cool, and most importantly are comfortable, and easy to install as they mount directly to the boat deck.

Casting Seats

They are mounted to a pedestal and give stability for fishing in a standing position. Casting Seats are super comfortable, mainly when we fish in rough water. They are mostly used on bass or walleye boats.

  • Seats Common on Offshore Boats

Once again we have five primary types:

Helm/Pilot Chair

They are mounted to a pedestal and fit perfectly in the helm as a chair for the captain.

Fighting Chair

These are usually used on large deck boats and are mounted to a pedestal. Many fighting chairs have their own rod-holders integrated into the design. These are the perfect options when it comes to reeling in a great catch.

Leaning Post

This unit is mounted directly to the boat deck. Its primary purpose is to give you standing support while fishing or navigating. You will see such boat seats used on offshore boats or as a center console boat seats.

Cooler Seat

The base of these seats is actually more relaxed, and the chair serves as its lid. Such units mount directly to the boat deck and are super convenient when you want to keep your beer, or anything else, cold, and at the same time have a comfortable place to sit.

Swingback Seat

Swingback boat seats are also super comfortable as the backrest can slide from one end of the seat cushion to the other. This way the position can face both forward and backward. If you choose a unit like this, you can mount it on a box, pedestal, or post.

Factors to Consider When Searching for a Boat Seat

Best Boat SeatsYou may think that finding a boat seat that is suitable for your boat is an easy task…and you are not entirely wrong. There are many products available on the market, and you definitely have a lot of options. However, there are also a lot of things you need to consider first, before making a decision on a particular unit. Let’s have a look:

  • Comfort

When we talk about chairs, it is evident that pleasure is crucial for most of us. Additional features are going to be important as well, but initially, you should look for a comfortable boat seat.

The good thing is that most of these units feature some top-class compression foam. They are not too soft and you won’t sink inside the seat. At the same time, they are not very stiff too.

There are a few concerns that you will need to make to find the perfect seat for your needs. The decision between high or low backrest is one of them. Also, do you want a sporty bucket seat or do you want a different type? Do you need armrests? These are all questions that come down to preference.

  • Material

The material a particular product is made of is probably the most crucial factor when it comes to comfort and durability. Due to the harsh marine environment, your unit is going to be in, you need to choose a high-quality material.

The hinges and the frame of these chairs are made mostly out of steel or aluminum. This means that most of these units are indeed durable, but you still need to be careful.

Most the products have a backing made of plastic. Such material helps with the support of the seat.

You know that seats meant for home usage can be manufactured of several different materials. However, most boat seats are made out of vinyl.  Vinyl is both waterproof and weather resistant, therefore it is preferred when it comes to boat seats. Vinyl boat seats are also easy to clean.

  • Installation

Knowing how to install your boat seat is essential as the installation of these units is different for each type of boat seat. It is necessary that you need to read the instructions. You have in the user’s manual carefully and follow each step.

Most boat seats are easy to install, and you could mount them on your own. However, you may need to ask a friend for help, or even hire a professional to do the job for you.

  • Durability

Boat SeatsDurability is without any doubt the most critical aspect when it comes to marine supplies. When you look for a bilge pump, for example, you need to make sure that it is durable and will sustain all dangers that come with the environment you will use it in. The same applies to the boat seat as well.

It is not only that people will sit down on those seats all the time thus threatening the integrity of the seat. Obviously, this is one of the factors that contribute to a seat wearing out but there’s more.

Saltwater is the biggest enemy of leather and all sorts of fabrics really. You want to have a high durability grade on your seats if you want them to survive the amounts of salt that they will absorb.

We also recommend taking good care of your leather seats as this will also prevent the metal parts holding them together from rusting.

  • Support

Getting a high level of support is essential, especially when you are going on a fishing trip for an extended period. We all know how sitting down all day may cause leg and back pain, well when you are a fisherman, the situation is not any different. For this reason, you need to find a boat seat that will be able to offer you a high level of lumbar support.

However, as there are many different seat boats, there are also various reasons why you would like to get a boat seat. Your purpose of looking for a boat seat may not have anything to do with fishing. Let’s say that you just own a boat and you love navigating it fast- in this case, you would like to get yourself a boat seat that will help you remain stable during the journey.

And what if you are a fisher whose job is connected to reeling in a great catch? In this scenario, your perfect boat seat choice would be a fighting seat.

You see that support is an essential factor to consider when choosing a unit like a boat seat. However, it is also good to know what type of help you are looking for. The good part is that some of the boat seats on the market are actually contoured to your body, and that will give you better support and at the same time decrease the chance of discomfort.

  • Dimensions

Dimensions are also one of the main factors to consider when choosing a boat seat. You can’t purchase any seats without making sure that they will fit your boat.

The height, depth, and width of the seat are all thing you should keep in mind. While it is true that most marine seats follow the same sizing standard, we still recommend that you explore each product carefully.

  • Shock-Absorbance

The shock-absorbing quality of the boat seat is also a vital decision. The leading factor here is the type of water you plan to operate your boat in. Overall, the rougher the water, the bigger the level of shock absorbency you need.

When you operate your boat in rough water, and you have a boat seat with a low shock-absorbing quality, you will get a rocky and super uncomfortable ride. However, if you plan to operate in less hostile waters, a boat seat with any absorbing quality should be sufficient. Boat seats are often rated so you will have a clear idea of how smooth your ride will be. If that’s not the case, always read the reviews of the product you are looking at.

  • Weight

Another thing to note is the weight of the boat seat. You may need a partner to help you move it and hold it in position while installing.

  • Reviews

Most of the times the manufacturers overestimate their products and overexpose their characteristics. When we choose boat-related units, such as recessed trolling motor trays, boat anchors, marine solar panels, boat carpets, boat seats, etc., it is essential to read all the reviews a particular product has. This way you will see not only the advantages but also the disadvantages the boat seat has to offer.

How to Clean Vinyl Upholstery

Vinyl upholstery is the most common one when we talk about boat seats. Therefore, our team wants to give you some useful information on how to clean your vinyl boat seat. Let’s have a look:

  • Mildew

You will need:

  • 1 Tbsp. ammonia
  • ¼ cup of water

What to do:

  1. Mix the two liquids and apply them to the spots where mildew is to be seen.
  2. Do not let it stay for more than 10 minutes.
  3. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub it and then rinse it with water and soap.
  4. Allow the fabric to dry completely.
  • General Cleaning (dust, dirt, etc.)

You will need:

  • Boat seat cleaner
  • Water

What to do:

  1. Wipe any visible dirt off your vinyl seats, using clean water on a damp rag.
  2. Then, put some boat seat cleaner that is suitable for vinyl on a clean, damp cotton rag.
  3. Gently wipe the surface. Make sure to cover all areas, especially the ones that you use regularly.
  4. Wipe away any excess cleaner.

Wrap Up

Well guys, congratulations on reading our complete guide to finding the best boat seats. After reading our whole piece, our team is sure you realize how many things you need to keep in mind before deciding on a particular product. We do hope that besides all the useful information we have gathered you have also found our reviews on the best boat seats helpful.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with all your friends and family and spread the knowledge. Also, should there be anything you would like to tell us, pop us a comment or send us an email, we always appreciate the feedback our readers give us.

Do not forget that we have many other buying guides devoted to finding the most suitable unit for your personal needs. Make sure you have some free time and check them out as well. Thanks so much for reading, and as always – stay put!

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