Fiberglass Boat Seat Boxes Vs Pedestals: Which One To Choose?

When it comes to seating options on your boat, two popular choices are fiberglass seat boxes and pedestal seats.

Both have their advantages and can work well in different situations.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you decide which type of boat seat is best for your needs.

Fiberglass Boat Seat Boxes Vs Pedestals

Here are the advantages and drawbacks of each type of seat.

1. Boat Seat Boxes

Fiberglass boat seat boxes offer several benefits:

1. Increased storage: Fiberglass boxes expand storage space compared to pedestal seats. Many modern boat designs favor fiberglass boxes to maximize storage capacity.
2. Stability: Boxes are heavier and less prone to moving around while the boat is in motion. As one boater noted, “Box seats are hard to move but heavier so they can travel in the boat pretty easy.”
3. Custom shapes: Fiberglass can be molded into various shapes to fit your boat’s layout and style. You can get pre-formed fiberglass seat boxes or have them custom made.

However, fiberglass boxes also have some drawbacks:

• Permanent placement – once installed, the boxes are difficult to move
• Higher cost, especially for custom shapes
• Take up more floor space than pedestal mounts

==>> Best fiberglass boat seats

2. Pedestal Seats

Removable pedestal seats are another common option loved by many boaters. Benefits include:

1. Adjustability: Pedestal seats can swivel, raise/lower, and often have suspension for a smoother ride. Premium pedestals provide an improved experience over fixed bases.
2. Removable: Pedestals can be uninstalled for more open floor space when extra seating isn’t needed. This allows for more versatility.
3. Lower cost: Simple pedestal mounts are generally less expensive than custom fiberglass boxes.

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Some cons of pedestals to consider:

• Less stability when underway
• Limited or no built-in storage space
• Can get in the way when not in use if not removable

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your boat layout, planned usage, and budget. Many boats use a combination, with pedestals for the captain and passenger seats, and fiberglass boxes for additional jump seats.

Popular boat brands like Nitro and Crestliner offer various seating configurations to suit different boater preferences.

Final Thoughts

Consider your priorities around ride comfort, storage needs, styling, and cost. Both fiberglass seat boxes and adjustable pedestals provide great seating options to enhance your boating experience.

Choose the seating that best fits your situation and budget and you’ll enjoy many fun days on the water!