How to flush mount boat seats

[deezdrama]

Just got my first boat, a 15' smokercraft mod-v bass catcher.

After I go and test run it I plan to re carpet the deck/benches/floors and install new seats.

Im going to put a seat on a pedestal on front deck, and a seat on pedestal in the middle ..... no problems there.

But on the back bench by the transom i want to mount 2 seats side by side flush with the bench.

How can I attach them since you cant get under the seats to screw them to anything.

I could screw them to wood them screw the wood back down but that seems like alot of work, I could get those universal seat clamps but they are like $40 a pop and wont look as good.
Do they make some type of flush mount adapter?

thanks

 

[lovedr79]

i used pin bases with threaded inserts that i got at lowes.

 

[deezdrama]

Is that what theyre called? What are they used for?

 

[PATRIOT]

PEM blind nuts.

 

[El_Guapo]

I'd go with pin bases held down with bolts and jacknuts. Most decent hardware stores will have the "self sealing" variety in stock (usually ¼-20 with a silicone washer) for around 75 cents a piece.

There is a "friction wrench" that they sell for installation, but I've always done better with simple Channellocks.

If you go this route, use never-seez on the bolts when you install them since these have a fairly short cut thread and are susceptible to galling.

Typical jacknut:

 

[deezdrama]

Im not sure im following you guys, are you just talking about pin style seat bases under the seat?

Im wanting to mount 2 seats in a side by side bench configuration and put a center console between them in the back.

Im not following .... captain stoopynoob needs pics

 

[lovedr79]

Guapo nailed it. I think mine were called nutserts. You can use whatever base you want. You will need a base that is screwed to the bench and the corresponding pin that screws to the seat.

 

[deezdrama]

I figured id just screw some swivels down to the bench with some self taping stainless screws, then use threaded studs in the seat and set the seat with studs sticking out the bottom onto the swivel and then secure it from in the swivel with nuts using a long wrench.

Im still having a hard time visualizing what you guys are talking about... is it something similar to what im thinking of doing?

 

[WaterWaif]

Maybe hinged?

Here is what I used to mount base to wood by setting it over installed studs after attaching chair to base. The smooth part of shank not allowing nut to run far enough to tighten it to base is why I cut a shim out of a plastic cutting board to match base shape. Base sets on shim after shim placed over installed into bench studs leaving enough thread to secure base lower plate, but not with so much shank that the nut hits smooth part of shank. Wanted woodscrew thread engaged in wood ,not smooth shank in wood which would lack holding strength.
Just double nutted the machine threaded end to allow torque to drive the studs into their pilot holes.

 

[El_Guapo]

I was thinking pin bases in the bench. I guess that if you wanted, you could attach the seats to an aluminum, wood, or HDPE blank and then attach it to the bench, but my own preference would be toward the pin bases.

 

[deezdrama]

Waterwaif... i think those are called hangers, looks great! Where did you get that seat setup? That is exactlly what i had in mind.

I still aint understabding the concept of the the pin base deal

 

[PATRIOT]

deezdrama » Today, 17:30[/url]"]Waterwaif... i think those are called hangers, looks great! Where did you get that seat setup? That is exactlly what i had in mind.

I still aint understabding the concept of the the pin base deal

I think this is the pin base deal being mentioned, but if you don't need the shock absorbing or the swivel feature, it might not work for you. Have you considered Velcro or snaps on the underside of the rigid seats?

 

[deezdrama]

Ok , got ya.

I was wanting to mount them pretty much flush, the pin bases would have them sticking up a few inches and i dont care for the wobble in these bases.
Thanks for clarifying what was being talked about, i thought this is what was being discussed but thought maybe they where talking about a different method of getting the seat right on the bench.


I think ill just try the swivels screwed down then use threaded studs/nuts on the seat.

Thanks

 

[WaterWaif]

deezdrama » 19 Jul 2014, 19:30[/url]"]Waterwaif... i think those are called hangers, looks great! Where did you get that seat setup? That is exactlly what i had in mind.

I still aint understabding the concept of the the pin base deal

Sorry that's not my rig. Just a pic for hinge and console idea trying to guess what your after. Almost looks like Wise brand seat cushions like they put on their coolers. Maybe a special build for a boat manufacturer and a shorter pad made to replace the seat cushions on chairs to match pad between them?
An upholstery shop may be cheaper for a cushion to fit between your choice of seats. Size depending on how much rotation desired of seats,possibly with their lower cushions to match center cushion depending on budget.
I would be tempted to build a two by four frame to fit between seats, add a hinged lid with cup holders secured in it ,carpet it in a complimentary color too the seats and fasten it to wood bench with L brackets at bottom inside of frame.