Seat options...

I took our Prowler 13 out on a little S. Oregon river on Tuesday for 3-4 hours, and discovered that the stock OK seat in it absolutely sucked in terms of back support for me.  I have a similar seat in my Big Game, but it is a little wider (and I glued some blue closed cell foam to the bottom for more cushion).

I'm thinking it may be time to upgrade, but being the cheap bastard that I am, I have a hard time spending the $$ on a top of the line Surf to Summit.  Anyone have cheaper options that have been working ok for them?  I don't want a super tall seat, more like middle height, with good support and wide enough that it does not restrict me from moving around.  I've been looking at the Apex seats, the Harmony fishing seat (but its snaps do not look salt water proof), and the foam OK comfort seat.  Suggestions?

Yeah, the stock seat leave a lot to be desired, especially the pre-'08 versions. I use the Surf To Summit Pro Seat. It's a little shorter height than the Elite Seats, with a 2" thick bottom pad. It's also a little less expensive than the Elite seats. Haven't checked out the Apex seats. Harmony I've never had good luck with.

oops, forgot link:
http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/Product.asp?DID=133&PDID=12&SKU=EOU_SUPRO

Brian

Here is the one I've been pining for: http://www.austinkayak.com/products/143/Kayak-Seat-Comfy-Deluxe-Big-Back.html

The seat back might be too high for you, but it has adj. lumbar support, a good rump cushion and extra storage for only $109.  All of the customer reviews seem to rave about it.

Does anyone have experience with OK's Comfort Deluxe seat?  This guy:



Brian, I really like the look of that foam Surf to Summit... how's the back support on it?  The foam low back OK seat seems kind of floppy.

Does anyone have experience with OK's Comfort Deluxe seat?  This guy:



Brian, I really like the look of that foam Surf to Summit... how's the back support on it?  The foam low back OK seat seems kind of floppy.

I do.  That's what I use.  No problems at all.  Well, I did break a buckle on one once, but that got replaced quickly.  But if you know me and my posture, you'd know I like to lay way back on the seat.  I'm surprised I don't break more buckles (plastic!).

-Allen

Cheap? Did some say "Cheap"?


This is a kinda stupid question but have you tried tightening the straps that lean it forward? I find that helps me ALOT.

I've collected quite a few seats (including a surf to summit) and the seat in my Heritage is one of my favorite's. Its just the back strap cinched up with a butt shaped foam floor tile and that's downright,,,,,adequate. I can move the back strap up or down and that makes a world of difference.

Bottom line (ehhh  ) is you don't have to be as cheap as me, but working the adjustments is worth a shot if you haven't already.

For those of us w/ Hobies there's not much choice since most seats won't fit. One cool thing Hobie has made recently is the inflatable seat. It's essentially a self-inflating sleeping pad shaped like a yak seat. Sells for around $40. Looks pretty nice since it won't soak up water like the stock one does.

Z

Well, the lack of cushion in the stock seat bottom is one sore spot.  But the floppy seat back and lack of support is also a pain in the butt. 

My Big Game's seat is a little wider and seems more rigid, and I glued some blue foam to the bottom to shield my fragile backside from the harsh plastic seat of the boat.  I wouldn't call it comfortable, but I can fish in it for a couple hours before my butt starts to complain.

Unfortunately, the foam makes the BG seat fit poorly in the butt bucket of the P-13.

I may continue to make do for now.  But with 3-4 days in the saddle looming at Moutcha, my precious backside is telling me to consider an upgrade.

back support is great. Firm & supportive while still being cushy & comfortable against my back. There are two adjustment straps on each side, so you can adjust the lower back & upper back independently, which I really like. Are you going to Henry Hagg on Sunday? You're welcome to check mine out in person, paddle it around, & see what you think.

Brian, I really like the look of that foam Surf to Summit... how's the back support on it?  The foam low back OK seat seems kind of floppy.

For those of us w/ Hobies there's not much choice since most seats won't fit. One cool thing Hobie has made recently is the inflatable seat. It's essentially a self-inflating sleeping pad shaped like a yak seat. Sells for around $40. Looks pretty nice since it won't soak up water like the stock one does.

Z

Is it just me or is Hobie the Sony of the kayak world?   Both are innovative, but they both forgo any standards the rest of the community uses.  Ever have to buy a "sony memory stick" for anything while the rest of your devices use SD cards?

Brian

Is it just me or is Hobie the Sony of the kayak world?   Both are innovative, but they both forgo any standards the rest of the community uses.  Ever have to buy a "sony memory stick" for anything while the rest of your devices use SD cards?

Brian

Ha ha.. totally! Either that or Apple. Although I think ignoring the standards is mutual. No one else makes anything for Hobies.

Z

the stock OK seats suck in terms of back support for me...

I'm thinking it may be time to upgrade, but being the cheap bastard that I am, I have a hard time spending the $$ on a top of the line Surf to Summit.

This topic couldn't have come up at a better time as I've been having major back problems the last two weeks.  This is my first time out of bed in a few days.

My last yak trip lasted about four hours and I paid for it for days.  Actually kinda concerned I might not make PacCity if it doesn't get better soon.  I don't think I need any back seat pouches as I couldn't get into them unless I was out of the yak anyway.

I'm hoping someone else with major lower back problems will chime in.

Greg

I checked out the OK high back comfort seat at lunch today, and ended up picking one up.  Going to try it out this weekend... I'll give a report.  One thing I like about it is the ability to clip it together and use it as a camp chair, ala Crazy Creek chair.  If it doesn't pan out as comfortable, I'll be returning it and checking out the Surf to Summit.

Greg, I also don't have much need for fancy packs/rod holders.  I use a crate in my Yak, so all my "extras" end up going in it.  The OK seat has lots of clips for attaching stuff, but comes in the wrapper as bare-bones.

I'm hoping someone else with major lower back problems will chime in.
Greg

literally , i feel your pain, greg.. both myself and CBY and i think boxorain have major back issues. right now i have the stock OK seat and i really dont like it. i'm in the market too..

besides the surf to summit Elite that i lust after, after having emailed them about this very subject, i've also found :

http://www.yakpads.com

ran across the site in an ad in canoe&kayak magazine.. will be checking the offerings of these guys too

btw, not to change the flow, but has anyone seen or heard from CBY lately??

http://www.yakpads.com

Has anyone here tried their Sit-on-Top Paddle Saddle?  It looks comfortable and is priced fair.