Kayaking is a fun activity, and a lot of anglers go fishing from their own kayak boats! However, one of the downfalls of using a kayak is trying to stay comfortable for hours of fishing.
That’s why there are upgrades you can make, such as investing in a boat seat! But how do you mount a boat seat in a kayak properly to ensure no accidents?
Read on as I talk about mounting your boat seat, from its steps to adding more comfort to your kayak experience.
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How Do You Mount a Boat Seat in a Kayak?
If you want to become safer and more comfortable as you kayaking fishing, there are crucial steps to follow. It all depends on the boat seat and the manufacturer, but these are the basic tips and steps to follow:
1. Steps to Installing Your Seat
Before anything else, do read your boat seat’s manufacturer instructions before you start the installation. You may need a couple of extra tools and to set up your kayak.
But once you have all your tools, kayak, and boat seat prepared, here are the tips you can follow for a successful installation, regardless of the boat seat model:
- Locate the area you want to place the bait seat and its straps, as some people may have a preferred location. Furthermore, the area you want to install the seat depends on other factors, such as the kayak size and shape. Consider these factors so you know where it’s safe to install the seat.
- Place the boat seat into the kayak, in a way where the fold of the seat would rest surely against the seat area’s back.
- Attach the clips to the kayak’s fixings, then after attaching it, tighten its straps gradually until it reaches your preferred seat position. Make sure that the straps are taught, so the seat doesn’t move as you paddle and move around.
You will know that your boat seat is installed properly if the backrest is slightly curved and as close to vertical for you to gain more power as you paddle.
2. Remove the Seat
You also need to know how to remove your boat seat for cleaning both the kayak and seat properly. It’s also important in case you’d like to upgrade your seat or replace the kayak.
Removing it is simple since you just need to slightly loosen one of the straps of the boat seat. This will give it some wiggle room to remove the boat seat properly. Furthermore, it makes it easier to reinstall the boat seat to the kayak again, since you only need to adjust one strap as you reattach it.
It’s also best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions in case of any special steps you need to take. However, these are the basic tips that work for all boat seats.
3. Maximize the Comfort
Now that you’re familiar with how to install and remove the boat seat in a kayak, the next step is to learn how to be comfortable when on it! After all, you’ll be sitting on the kayak and seat for hours on end, so you’ll want to get comfy and get the support you need for power and less risk of injury.
Here are a few tips and adjustments that can work best for you:
1. Adjust the Back Support
Some kayak anglers want the support high up, while others want little support.
When you have a boat seat with a back, adjust it and mix it up every hour or so, whether you want to lean back or stretch out, or even getting it close to vertical for the optimum paddle position. The variety will help fight off fatigue.
2. Adjust the Hip Position
Similar to the back tilt, adjust the seat’s hip tilt, which helps with your long-term comfort. When you tile the seat to the front, it may be painful for those who have lower back issues, since it extends your lower back.
However, it’s all about your preference, so play around with the hip position to find the right tilt, or to use foam pads to change it (if the seat isn’t adjustable in that area).
3. Adjust the Seat Height
The higher you’re sitting, the more comfortable you are. However, the less stable you will be in the long run! The higher seating can improve the way you move and paddle, but it won’t give you enough stability from the waves. Because of that, you need to find the middle ground and what works best to balance your comfort, power, and stability.
4. Add Thigh Support
Some boat seats may not be long enough or offer enough thigh support. You may want to consider investing in inflatable thigh supports to easily adjust it or to create your won support with foam. Just be sure to fix and adjust the thigh support to prevent it from moving while you paddle.
5. Your Knee and Foot Positioning
Play around with the way your knees and feet positioning to improve your comfort, which all depends on personal preference. There are different positions to consider, whether you want a frog-leg position, stretching your legs, or to use foot straps!
Read More: How to Remove Mold From Boat Carpet: Clean Your Equipment Well
Do you want to learn more about mounting your boat seat in the kayak? This informative video shows you more:
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking for a way to increase comfort for your kayaking experience, then you can consider a boat seat. These give you more support, comfort, and safety when in the waters, so you can fish for hours on end. Just make sure that you install it properly and that you select the one most suitable for your kayak and preference.
I hope that this article answered your question: “how do you mount a boat seat in a kayak?” Now that you know the answer, start following these steps or search for the most suitable boat seat for your kayak!
