A boat seat on a pedestal is much the same as the captain's chair in a minivan, except that the pedestal on which the seat is mounted is taller. Pedestal seats provide the angler a "higher" view of the water, to spot the fish that's already on the line. Pedestal seats aboard any boat can give the operator a better view over the bow (front) of the boat or to the sides, making boating safer. The seat atop a pedestal is also a convenient "leaning post" for boaters tired of sitting.
Items you will need
China marker
Drill
Marine epoxy resin
Marine adhesive sealant
Screwdriver
Masking tape
Step 1
Set the pedestal seat in place and, with a china marker, draw circles on the deck through the screw holes in the base of the pedestal. Move the pedestal seat out of the way.
Step 2
Use a drill to drill one-inch holes where the mounting bolts for the pedestal seat will penetrate the deck. Fill these holes with marine epoxy resin. The epoxy resin will fill in the sides of the holes and prevent the intrusion of water into the sandwich construction of the deck. Allow the resin to cure for at least three days before proceeding with the work.
Step 3
Drill pilot holes in the center of each epoxy resin patch. The pilot holes should be half the size of the screws that are provided with the pedestal seat.
Step 4
Spread marine adhesive sealant over the resin-filled holes and the deck that will be covered by the pedestal base, and spread the sealant onto the bottom of the pedestal base. Set the pedestal in place and insert the screws through the mounting screw holes in the pedestal base.
Step 5
Screw the mounting screws into the deck until the seat is stable. Allow the marine adhesive sealant, used to bed the seat, to set for at least 24 hours, then tighten the screws all the way down before using the boat.
Tips
- Put masking tape around the base of the seat before putting the marine adhesive sealant on the deck. When the sealant dries, you can pull up the masking tape, taking any excess sealant with the tape.
References
Tips
- Put masking tape around the base of the seat before putting the marine adhesive sealant on the deck. When the sealant dries, you can pull up the masking tape, taking any excess sealant with the tape.
Writer Bio
Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.
