Boat Seat Bases and Pedestals- Educate me.

I believe the Minnow Bucket has Springfield taper lock seat bases.

I need at least 2 more seat bases and at least 3 pedestals with seat mounts. The simple answer would be to buy Springfield Marine bases and pedestals/seat mounts. Easier said than done. Is the taper style being phased out? Research shows Swivel-Eze and Springfield taper locks are not compatible?

What the heck is a Hi/Lo seat base?
Are adjustable piston type worth the money? I know office furniture adjustable pistons wear out and all your left with is the lowest setting. I suspect boat seat pedestals are the same way?

What about pin style? Are they strong enough for my big arse?
BPS sells screw type pin style. Are these easy to move from one base to another?

My goal is 6 seat bases, three on the main deck and three on the casting desk. Then I want three seats that will move between the two locations. I need the bottom of the seats to be at least 14" above the deck. Figuring 13" pedestals and seat mounts will suffice to meet that requirement.

Last, some recommendations on location to buy what you recommend.
Thanks!

I bought two Springfield replacement hi-lo's a couple of years ago to replace my originals (1996). Worked for a while and then would not stay up. The shafts rusted too. I suspect that it is more China-made junk. Can not recommend. I do not know if anyone makes a good one that will last. Sad. YMMV 5

We ll he bought some"hi-lo's" but didn't say what that meant. I am assuming it has to do with either a high back or low back. Anyone know?

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Originally Posted by fiveeyes

I bought two Springfield replacement hi-lo's a couple of years ago to replace my originals (1996). Worked for a while and then would not stay up. The shafts rusted too. I suspect that it is more China-made junk. Can not recommend. I do not know if anyone makes a good one that will last. Sad. YMMV 5

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Same results.

Mine work fine and they are for sale. I have 2 power pedestals, 1.77 base

If you can get away from the Springfield taper, do it. They have issues with the plastic insert in the base breaking and rendering it useless. The 3/4" pin is probably the most industry standard, but as you've already found, there are many.

I would go with the 3/4 pin style. Try Grizzly or Springfield has a scratch and dent section.

I would go with 3/4 pin type swivel eze and millennium boat seats.:twocents

Thanks for the feedback so far. Seems like pin style is preferred. Still undecided about brand. Bass Pro is less than 2 miles from my house. BPS pin styles any good? Plus I see a vote for each Springfield and Swivel Eze. Any other preferences?

Keep in mind that 3/4" pins aren't recommended for use under power. Acceptable for at rest use only. The bigger post and bases are used in many boats for use under power. My 3/4 threaded pins stay put with my 250 lbs on them at rest, not confident the base wouldn't be pried out of the floor used under power. Just what I know, not what I've heard. The 3/4" posts can be dis assembled and the aluminum tube replaced with exhaust pipe in the right diameter for custom height, brother did this. Son worked at a muffler shop at the time. Used appliance epoxy paint on the pipe, no rust 4 years later.

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

Keep in mind that 3/4" pins aren't recommended for use under power. Acceptable for at rest use only. The bigger post and bases are used in many boats for use under power. My 3/4 threaded pins stay put with my 250 lbs on them at rest, not confident the base wouldn't be pried out of the floor used under power. Just what I know, not what I've heard. The 3/4" posts can be dis assembled and the aluminum tube replaced with exhaust pipe in the right diameter for custom height, brother did this. Son worked at a muffler shop at the time. Used appliance epoxy paint on the pipe, no rust 4 years later.

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The 3/4" pin style have the same rating as the other styles. How could they not be for under power? What rating is recommended for under power?

Based on skeetbum's post I did some more research. Appears there is a difference. Most of the ratings I saw were misleading. The posted ratings said meet ABCY ratings. What they didn't say was which rating. There are different ratings for the helm seat, passenger seat (both under power), and fishing seats under 5mph. Hmmm, will have to rethink this......

After further research I confirmed I have Springfield taper lock seat bases. Stamped in the underside of the base, had to clean away years of debris to read it.

Looks like my plan is:
Buy 1 helm pedestal/ locking seat base, and 2 passenger pedestal/ non-locking seat base kits. Portable from main deck to casting deck, and rated for under power. Plus I need to buy 3 more pedestal bases. Per a recommendation by Wilbur, Springfield has taper lock bases for sale in their scratch and dent section for $10 each.

Now I need to find a source for the Springfield taper-lock pedestal / seat base combination kits.

Update. Bases arrived last week Friday and the Pedestals arrive tomorrow. Bought the pedestals from iboats. Added three sets of 12v accessory outlets.