Suspension seat base and riser?

[Fastest1]

I have my upholstery out right now about to have it redone. I am sticking with the same colors, might change the pattern a little. Mostly to freshen it up and unify it as there had been repairs with the previous owner.

I have been thinking about a different drivers seat base due to mostly sitting on the seats fold up bolster when driving. I never sit down in the seat even though I am 6'1". I always get catalogs in the mail. This time Surplus Center for those not familiar. There was a base for a tractor with mechanical suspension (3.5" of adjustable travel with damping and rebound control. It has sliders already built in. The overall height is 7" extended so the gain will raise my seat the amount I desire. I plan to add a Garelick swivel on that. I have been contemplating it for a few months. I see that Smooth move seats make a pedestal with the same suspension mechanism for quite a bit more. I do like the idea of taking the shock out of the ride. Stay tuned.

Here is a link to the unit I bought. I have no affiliation with any of the above mentioned companies or products besides being a retail consumer.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Mechanical-Seat-Suspension-Narrow-Base-Fits-Most-Models-/311618633341?hash=item488deafe7d:g:KKUAAOSwixtXQ6R f

[yooper]

Hmmm.... Interested to see how this plays out. Keep us updated.

[Fastest1]

Will do, with pics of course, or it didnt happen ;-) I know it would be nice to take the shock out of my back when I nail the throttle in the chop. It wont help the other poor souls though.

[Fastest1]

I ordered it Sunday. It arrived Tuesday by 1:00 pm with free shipping!

Here are a few mock ups on the original Outback base. The seat base has a height adjustment which I try to show at max travels.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/3d5e7b11f78c43391feafa53483e0e7d.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/883e5e7ed62dc6cbea9af3e370e6a494.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/ad7679f9e7d679964b8a55ad8a23c900.jpg
It still has 3.5" of travel regardless of the height setting. It is adjustable for weight too. A mountain bike shock would fit in there too if need be ;-)
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[Fastest1]

I should have never said mountain bike shock. That got me thinking, remote reservoir, adjustable rebound and compression damping? I probably have 1 of those around here somewhere ;-)

[Fastest1]

A few more pics in the boat. The base is placed where it is mounted originally. After I get the seat back and installed I might move the base back 1 set of screws, maybe 3"?http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/872004d892867e547d0e80af6dd8b6aa.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/3fceacd02f3c38810bd412d3565cf679.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/21db1a8827572592719bafc7fb413fac.jpg


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[996scott]

looks promising. can't wait to see the install.

[kaneboats]

Yes, very cool. Nice to have everything ripped out when you are attempting to get this right.

[Fastest1]

Yes, very cool. Nice to have everything ripped out when you are attempting to get this right.

I have had the carpeting out thinking LineX was going down til I got the price! My Miner's Moss should be here in a few days. Upholstery some time late next week.

[Fastest1]

Ok, got my boat back from the upholstery shop. They did a pretty decent job. Trying to decide patterns and colors is a test of patience. I forgot to take a picture of the drivers seat. Carpet should be here later in the week.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/85947110f18f6acd35acb45677d900c1.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/e92a5ab64b37142e9621c234769061b5.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/7d9ee0ffe3429657059fc5f9d5cde3bf.jpg


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[Fastest1]

And a few more. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/ff737e2bab0ad55be95ddee02238d67f.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/cba63b2c1396dd8fed31ce3e3ca91a88.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/2f07ec2eb8939a1091c98d4a5759e444.jpg


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[Fastest1]

Ok and the drivers seat. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160616/58cc7aaef11f0e2831e5273f554baba7.jpg
Soon to be installed on the suspension base. Maybe with a swivel if it will rotate.


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[Fastest1]

On the base. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160616/24e3249b6ed513127bf7ad3cd6fdbafc.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160616/44e0f8c52f6bdfcf80e64e77bf45ae1a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160616/15a6596f6bbf8633a6bb4c26e391aa28.jpg
I installed the suspension onto the stock base which is angled. I don't know if it is angled for a reason or not. Probably just to cant the seat backwards. Installing a swivel would make me want the swiveling plane parallel with the water or level line.



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[Fastest1]

I took my boat out today with this installed. Wow, the difference was night and day in the ride! I was just cruising along, medium chop. It wasn't until I noticed my legs bending as the seat absorbed the chop. It was as if you were floating. It was odd.
I did notice my wife wasn't getting the smooth ride I was. Don't ever say to your wife, I slowed down cause I could see you jiggle ;-) she is not fat or overweight. The jiggle was actually nice but it didn't imply a smooth ride.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160705/90e9caead4e41f2305d94e4f7b1a8488.jpg



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[Fastest1]

Btw, I did remove the original sloped base in the first pictures. It worked against the swivel since the stock seat didn't spin, it leaned back.
I also wanted the overall height lower. It worked


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[Fastest1]

Out on the rough water this weekend. I could have killed my passengers from bouncing them. I never suffered any discomfort. I just cant explain how good it feels and works. If you have the room, do it.
I should be an option in any boat with pedestal seats. Its that good.

[Shoebox]

That's really cool. Did it mount to the stock seat base holes? Did you say it swivels?

[Fastest1]

That's really cool. Did it mount to the stock seat base holes? Did you say it swivels?

I used 2 pieces of aluminum with a non locking swivel in between. Initially I thought a lock was necessary. After many hours in the seat, it is better without a lock. I can turn any direction at any time effortlessly and never unless I intend it.
I do use the stock holes in the seat. Originally I went with the angled base. It caused 2 problems, it caused the seat to swivel back to center naturally and too much height.
Since the height is adjustable on the suspension base, I knew removing the angled base would not be a problem.
I use about 20 screws in the base. Stainless 1" or so.