Those flat benches can get pretty uncomfortable, and with all the splashing and fish-catching going on, you’re going to want a seat that lifts you up and over the sloshy mess. That’s where a jon boat seat mount comes into the picture.
There really aren’t any rules when it comes to installing a seat on your jon boat. But while the sky is the limit, you might run into a wall trying to find the right mount. So to help make the process just a little bit easier, here are some tried and tested jon boat seat mount ideas worth giving a shot.
Clever DIY Jon Boat Seat Mount Ideas
Finding the right seat mount depends mostly on your preferences. That’s because none of them are actually better than the others, so it’s all just a case of choosing the one that feels right for you.
Here are some seat mount ideas for your jon boat seats that might fit what you’re looking for:
Seat Clamp
Ah, yes, the ever reliable seat clamp. You can buy these babies for the price of pocket change off of the web, making them one of the most easily accessible seat mounts you can get your hands on. The Attwood 15700-3 Seat Mount Clamp-On with Swivel is one of the most popular bets online, featuring powder coated aluminum construction for reliable, durable performance.
What’s nice about the seat clamp is that you can move it horizontally across your jon boat benches. They’re also pretty quick to install, with no need for any bolting or drilling to get them in place. That also means you can easily take them out if you feel like it’s time for a change.
Fixed Pedestal
If you want to be a little higher out of your boat so your knees won’t bend in on themselves, you can try a fixed pedestal. Again, there are mounts you can buy online for this particular type, like the Attwood Economy Pedestal. This thing was designed specifically for use on boats, so water and UV damage are the least of your worries.
The pedestal simply lifts you up off of the boat bench at a height of about seven inches. Of course, you can expect that to get a little higher as you install your seat of choice. The only obvious downside though is that a fixed pedestal may restrict your movement on board.
Swivel Pedestal
Now if you were looking for something like the pedestal but a little less restrictive, you can try the swivel pedestal. These let you turn around in your boat while seated, so you won’t have to awkwardly reach behind you for gear or a can of beer. Obviously though, they won’t let you move from side to side.
Again, Attwood sells quite a few options if you’re in the swivel pedestal mount market. Their 91320-ADJ Swivel Adjustable Boat Seat Mount is one of their more sophisticated designs, able to adjust to heights of 20 inches. But if you were looking for something a little more basic, they also offer the 91320-ADJ Black Powder Coated Swivl-Eze.
Basic Mount
The basic mount doesn’t really come with a lot of fancy bells and whistles. In fact, this mount design sits almost flush with the bench, ideal for boat owners who like being a little closer to their gear and who might not enjoy the lifted feel of sitting on a pedestal seat.
The Attwood SP-67749 Swivl-Eze Lock’N-Pin Aluminum boat seat mount is about as simple as they get. The basic plate is drilled into place, and features a seat receptacle that’s compatible with most boat seat designs. For a little added bonus, it comes with a nifty swivel feature that makes it easier to face different directions without having to stand.
Slide Mount
Sure, you can move a seat clamp side to side, but that would entail having to remove it from the bench all together. The slide mount makes it possible to move your seat a few inches without having to fiddle with your mount, making it much more convenient for boaters who want the added mobility.
The Slide Mount from Springfield Marine Co. is compact and simple, feature a flat base plate that you can drill into your bench. On top of the base is a sliding plate that fixes to your seat, and a fingertip control lever that unlocks the seat so you can slide with ease whenever you want or need to. The mount allows movement of up to 4-1/2 inches, which can be more than enough when you’re trying to get to a rod that’s just out of reach.
Tips on Installing Seat Mounts
Adding a new seat mount can feel like a major accessory or modification for a jon boat. So to pave the way for a seamless installation, try to keep these tips in mind:
Look Into Weight Ratings
A seat mount can only take a certain amount of weight. While most of them are built to support more than the weight of an average adult, it pays to know the specifics nonetheless. This should save you from installing a mount that might buckle under your weight.
Measure, Measure, Measure
Installing a seat mount even just a few centimeters off of the center could seriously impact the weight distribution on your jon boat. See to it that you carefully measure out your seat mount’s place on the bench to keep it precisely centered.
Give it a Try
It looks good on paper, but will it feel good against your bum? Before you decide on a mount, try it out first. Ask your friends if you can get a feel of their seats and mounts, and don’t be afraid to ask what they like and don’t like about their mounts.
A Mount for All Seasons
There’s more than one way to mount a seat, and these jon boat seat mount ideas prove it. With all the different choices available, you might feel a little overwhelmed and unsure which one to get. But by doing your research and asking the important questions, you should be able to narrow in on a choice that matches exactly what you need.
