Seat pedestals

[TBarCYa]

I am looking to install two pedestals in my 21' Regal and I want to be able to remove the seats to make more room on the deck. I've seen several different designs for removeable pedestals and am curious which ones are safe for someone to sit in while underway.

The first type I've seen has a flat plate on the deck with a 3/4" hole and the pedestal has a 3/4" pin. I've read bad reviews on these stating that they corrode and seize but have not read anything related to being able to sit on them (in a seat obviously) while underway.

The other two types are both similar in that they have a plate on the deck that the pedestal slides into. One has a 2" pedestal and the other is a 2 3/8" pedestal. I have seen mention of a 2 3/8" pedestal being rated for use at any speed but have not seen data either way for the 2" pedestal.

Also with the pedestals, there are some bases that are flush to the deck but require a large hole to be cut in the deck and others that sit on the deck and don't require a hole. Is one better than another in terms of stability? Is there really a significant difference between the two types when walking on the deck? In both cases there is an 8" or 9" plate on the deck but the big difference is in the height. I can learn to walk around the plates but the seats take up too much room.

Okay, one more question. What type of hardware is used to secure the seats? Can lag screws be used if there is no access to the underside of the deck for thru-bolting?

Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Seat pedestals

Lag screws are not the best fasteners. On boats -- stainless steel only. Screwing into the floor is not a good mounting as the screws invariably loosen up. The best way to mount them is to install a round plate under the floor (they come in two half circle pieces. You fasten those first. Then the base is secured to those plates using stainless machine screws. They won't loosen up and won't tear out of the floor. 2-inch or 2-3/8 pedestals are fine -- recessed or above the floor.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Seat pedestals

Do you happen to know where I could get the mounting ring? I checked West Marine and couldn't find them.

I don't believe that I have access under the floor where the seats are going but I will take a look this weekend. Worse case I could always cut holes and install deck plates to gain access but if there's floatation foam under there, then I still won't be able to access the underside of the floor.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Seat pedestals

I believe I've seen these at Cabelas. You don't need to pull up the floor but you do need to make hole (smaller than the seat pedestal) that allows you to slide the rings into position under the floor. A couple of screws holds them in place and then you place the pedestal (flush or raised) and screw them down. I don't have time to search now, but I've seen them, and I think someone actually posted a picture here but it's been a long time ago. If you have foam under the floor and its tight to the wood, you would only need to create a 1/4-inch gap for the ring using any metal object. The foam cuts easily.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Seat pedestals

Here ya go. Its item "G" in the picture. They are a bit spendy here but if you are creative, you would even make a set.

http://www.arrigonidesign.com/pedestals.htm