What Makes a Quality Boat Seat

Pontoon boats are often called �party barges� for good reasons. The unique designs offered by pontoon boats provide a great deal more floor and seating space than other boats of comparable size. But, with all your friends and family aboard, they�ll need someplace to sit. There are a dozens of types of pontoon boat seats available on the market of all different shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing between them can be difficult.

First, pay attention to the materials used in the pontoon seat cushions. All pontoon boat seats should have foam padding that can take getting wet and only the lowest quality pontoon seats lack a foam interior.

You�ll want pontoon seats that are durable to wear and tear as well as resistant to mildew infestation. Marine-grade vinyl pontoon seats are all of the above and are the smart choice. Marine-grade vinyl is easy to clean and maintain, and is long-lasting if given a minimal amount of care. However, some folks choose to reupholster their pontoon seat with various fabrics. For outdoor use, you can cover your cushions with durable and waterproof materials, such as leather. Pontoon boats with interior spaces more commonly use fabrics and leather, but marine-grade vinyl is really the standard for pontoon boats that commonly expose most of the their interiors to the elements.

If the appearance of the interior of your pontoon boat is a concern for you, be sure to pick out pontoon seats that resist color fade and are marked as UV resistant, such as those featured in our online store. Improving the interior appearance of your pontoon boat is the best and easiest way to increase its resale value. Purchasing quality pontoon boat seats that can endure wear and tear can be an investment if there is a possibility that you might one day put your pontoon boat on the secondary market.

You�ll also want to consider the overall construction of a potential pontoon boat seat. There are a multitude of different materials used for constructing the skeleton of a pontoon boat seat, such as fiberglass, steel, anodized aluminum, and marine-ready plywood. Although pressure-treated plywood is the cheapest option, choose other materials if your budget allows. Quality pontoon seats are constructed with metals like aluminum and stainless steel hardware. Always buy stainless steel for any marine use because standard steel quickly corrodes in nautical conditions, leading to a buildup of rust and other unsightly stains. Aluminum and stainless steel, however, resist corrosion from exposure to water and are long lasting. Also, quality pontoon seats often have interior plastic frames that hold up against moisture and mildew.

Closely examine the warranty offered by the pontoon boat seat manufacturer. Quality pontoon seats will have long warranties and generous terms, while cheaply made pontoon seats will have little to no customer support in case of defects or other instances of sub-par manufacturing.

Many pontoon boat seats offer a number of optional extra features that can enrich your boating experience. Some extra features might include a high-back, molded cushioning, or even lumbar support. Of course, these extra features add to the pontoon seat�s overall cost and these premium features may exceed your budget, but your particular needs and desires for customized comfort are definitely something to consider while shopping in our online store.

No matter what pontoon boat seat you purchase, you�ll want to put some effort into extending the lifespan of the seat. If you bought pontoon seats with marine-grade vinyl, you can purchase special cleaners to remove the dirt and grime that will inevitably build up over seasons of use. Be sure to avoid using standard household cleaners that can dry out the material and lead to cracking and instead stick to specialty marine cleaning products. Although quality pontoon seats are moisture resistant, you should try to keep your pontoon boats as dry as possible and dry them out immediately if they get wet. Also, deal with potential stains on the pontoon seat�s surface immediately, as there are a number of dyes that become permanently mar the seat�s material if left untreated. If you operate your pontoon boat in a humid climate, you�ll have to fight against mildew buildup on your pontoon seats, which can be removed by wiping it away with a very small amount of bleach diluted in water, or you can purchase special mildew-removing marine products. Finally, if your pontoon boat seats develop holes during normal wear and tear and you don�t want to incur the expense for an expert to repair them, you can try to sew them shut with a needle and string. However, be aware that the harsh rays of the sun as well as rainwater will destroy normal thread, so you�ll have to use a special Gore-Tex based thread for sewing and stitching repairs.

One of the great advantages of pontoon boats in general is their potential to be customized to fit the preferences of their owners. However, while selecting seats for your pontoon boat is partially a matter of personal taste, keep in mind these vital areas while shopping at our convenient marine store.