Flip up driver's seat conversion for 99 Pro Air?

[Miljack]

I'm wondering if the flip up driver's seat will retro fit to our 99 Pro Air. The current driver's seat has a seat bottom that "slips in" to the seat base, in other words, the bottom cushion can be taken out with no tools, and when you do, you can see the bolts holding the seat to the brackets.

Do I need to replace the entire seat assembly, or can I get the flip up bolster to work with the current seat?

thanks,
Jack

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Flip up driver

If your seat base looks like the one in the first picture in this article, go for it!

http://www.planetnautique.com/module...rder=0&thold=1

[mgswed]

RE: Flip up driver

I might just be missing it but whats the point to doing this???

[DRAGON88]

RE: Flip up driver

The flip up seat is nice to have for shorter drivers, and say wakesurfing when the bow is really high.

This is the only option we didn't get, because I thought it was a stupid option, but recently taking up wakesurfing, it seems like it might come in handy... $120 eh? Anyone know if this is still the going price for the seat?

[Miljack]

Jeff,
thanks for the article, but is the "flip up" part of the seat a purchased item from Correct Craft? And, does one need to modify the existing seat bottom?

Anyone out there performed this mod on a 2003 or OLDER boat?

thanks,
Jack

[NautiqueJeff]

You can just purchase the flip-up portion from the dealer. The seat bottom does not need to be modified. I know it will work on 2003, 2004 and 2005 boats. I am not sure about older models.

[Socbum]

Re: RE: Flip up driver

I might just be missing it but whats the point to doing this???

I was thinking about this a few weeks back and wondered how many people drive looking over the window vs looking through?

I learned to drive a boat when I was a kid by looking over the window and to this day I never feel comfortable sitting in the seat. I feel like my field of vision is blocked and I need to see over the bow.
The first boat that I remember driving had an old 80 HP Evinrude that was shaped like a stack of tires. It put a lot of weight in back and it would not go on plane for awhile.

The flip up seat is not available for the '02 so I just use my throwables to get me above the window.

[mgswed]

RE: Re: RE: Flip up driver

I see now....just never occured to me. I feel really comfortable behind the windshield. The only problem i have is that even with the seat all the way back my feet still press up hard against the kick panel. Im starting to think about taking it off, but it has a fiberglass top molded to the boat. I have to take a closer look at it. MG

[jhiestand]

I grew up driving ski boats and have never had issues with looking through the windshield. Actually, I've never felt like my arm is in the right place to control throttle and the mirror is placed wrong if I'm too high and looking over the windshield.

My buddies that came from I/O & recreational boating always sat on the tops of their seats and it seems they gravitate toward wanting to see over the windshield versus looking through it. I guess it's just what you're accustomed to.

[jhiestand]

back to the original post. Are the seats in pre-'03 boats just not compatible with the newer seat bottom? Women simply aren't tall enough to sit in the seat and require a 'booster' to even see out the windshield. I'd consider adding the flip-up for that reason and also wakesurfing.

Anyone know if the flip-up would work with an 01?

[AirJeff]

I've looked into puting in the flip up seat also. But with our '02 there are no mounting points on the seat base to mount the hinge of the seat to. Could possibly make it work, but it might be tricky. You can't just bolt through the seat bottom because the seat rails are right under where you need to put a bolt. Also, the newer seat bottoms might have some reinforcement, ours are just hollow down there. I've been busy with other projects (heater, shower, pp, new gauges, cleaning) so I haven't had a chance to look into it too much. Let us know if you figure anything out!

[jhiestand]

Ahh, there's the answer I was looking for. From your description, doesn't sound like something I'm into tackling right now. Seems like I always have ballast and stereo mods that rate higher up the "to do" list. Guess we'll stick with using my type IV as a booster seat, at least for the time being.

Sounds like a good project for Grant to look into! You listening, Grant? :grin:

[Dr.John]

I am using a safety cushion now and it works pretty well for my wife. :shock:

However, why in the world couldn't you use a pneumatic height adjuster like an office chair, **** it would even swivel so access would be sweet!
I'm not sure it would have to move forward and back, in fact, if it were me, I would much prefer a fixed forward/aft position if I could get an adjustable height. Any takers? :?: :?:

[Dr.John]

Oh no :shock: , this thread could cost me money! Evidently these products are available already.....

http://www.vetus.com/boat_seats/boat_seats.cfm

(look about half way down for "ADJUSTABLE SEAT LEG WITH GAS-FILLED CYLINDER".

[jhiestand]

I think the issue with that is it'd add nearly 18 inches to your seat at it's LOWEST setting!? Of course, if the goal is to look over your windshield, that should do it!!!