Nitro 288 Sport Seats

[DuckHunterJon]

Hi all, brand new member, have owned a few boats in the past. My last one was a Glasstream 179 BR. We sold it to build a house, and 5 years later am in the mood to get out on the water.

We have been looking at fish and ski's, leaning towards a Nitro sport. We found a 2002 288 with 200 Merc XR6 about 3 hours away, and went for a ride to look at it yesterday. I was a little disheartened by the condition at first (my last boat was 10 years old and you could eat off it - pristeen) but there was nothing that couldn't be cured with a bit of elbow grease and a few misc parts.

The one thing that bothered my wife was how low slung the seats were. We sat down on them, and our legs were right out straight. I personally didn't mind the "sports car" feel, but it is really tripping her up. I should have measured, but I would say they are about 10 - 12" off the floor (see attached picture).

Just wanted to see if anyone else that has owned/used a 288 sport had issues with the seats/got used to them/had any opinions. Also, the seat bases screw into the floor in 4 places. Any reason I couldn't put in a stainless riser block to raise them up a bit? I know I don't want to go too high, but maybe a couple of inches would make a difference?

If anyone has any opinions on this issue, or the boat in general, I'm all ears. Thank you.

Jon Hunter

 

[bkwapisz]

Re: Nitro 288 Sport Seats

Looks like you might be able to get a pedestal in there but I'm not sure how that would position you in regards to the console/steering wheel... ??

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Nitro 288 Sport Seats

Actually, I think it'd be just as easy to fab up some type of 6" riser and set that seat up on if you desire a bit more height. Kind of odd to sit so far down in the bass boats, but it's a lot safer too since they normally have such low gunwhales. If you decide you can't get used to it, there's plenty of options you can switch to I'm sure. Making a small riser out of 2x6's would probably be more than ample, you may even try a 2x4 riser to see if it fits the bill.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Nitro 288 Sport Seats

Thanks for the quick response. I'm still pricing up some parts that need to be replaced and see if its worth buying, but I think I'm going to try to convice my wife that we can come up with something on the seat height. I have access to a full machine shop, so fab work is no problem.

Anyone else have any opinions on the seat height in the nitro sport?

Thanks.