A fix to our seats flying away!

[n-mod]

Most of us have had problems with the little fastener darts not fastening the seats down to our boats. Many times causing the seats to fly away on the interstate. Well after much research the only solution I've found so far is sticking them down with velcro or replacing the darts to only fail again. I personally am not a fan of the velcro method. So here is my solution.

As with the older sportster/speedster/challenger seadoo jetboats the seats were bolted in from under/behind the seats. So I did the same. I purchased some threaded rivets 1/4 - 20 and a threaded rivet gun. The rivets fit nicely in the same holes used for the darts. Pictures are easier than explaining.

The bolts are screwed in through the engine bay.

I am still trying to find a method for securing the spotter seat cushions.

EDIT!: Make sure you use aluminum rivet nuts or something that will not rust. I recently removed one of my seats and found the bolts were seized in one of the seats because I did not notice the ones I used were plain steel.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Nice idea.

 

[RFoster130]

My fix to the seats flying out is a $350 cover from Poppy. I never tow it without the cover. Ive seen way too many people on here begging for new seats or a place to get them. The cover is worth every penny.

 

[n-mod]

My fix to the seats flying out is a $350 cover from Poppy. I never tow it without the cover. Ive seen way too many people on here begging for new seats or a place to get them. The cover is worth every penny.

That is true but I also had the problem of the seats moving under our butts causing uncomfortable boating conditions and continually having to readjust them.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Can this be done if the seats still have vinyl on them. 2 of mine have come loose & most of the darts have broken off or are badly bent.

What's the best place to get the threaded rivets?

 

[n-mod]

Yeah, the threaded rivets are the same as any normal rivet. You have to drill the hole a little bigger and then put the rivet in it and squeeze the gun. No need to remove the vinyl.

I got my rivets at my local menards, not sure if you have them around you, otherwise any regular hardware store should have them.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

thanks.

I think Menards are great and a lot better than the Depot or Lowes. we have one in Davison, Mi which is the closest to us, but one is opening at a closed Ford plant property soon in Wixom, Mi

 

[renomaan]

Really??? My seat cushions are fairly heavy never come loose
I don't fasten the button tabs sometimes and still in place when I arrive?

You guys talkin boat cushions?

 

[speedster32940]

I agree with the most recent post (below).

I have a Poppy cover that I have driven between NY and FL several times & love it. Just re-applied the waterproofing they recommend & hope it lasts a long time.

That being said, I can't imagine my seats blowing out for a relatively short trip, if left uncovered & the snaps on the seats are attached. They seem snugged pretty tightly down & they snap securely with no place for air to get underneath.

Am I missing something???

Really??? My seat cushions are fairly heavy never come loose
I don't fasten the button tabs sometimes and still in place when I arrive?

You guys talkin boat cushions?

 

[n-mod]

I'm not sure on the newer ones, but mine used little plastic darts like you would hold carpet down with in cars. The seats easily pull loose from them. So if your driving the boat aggressively with a passenger on the seat it may pop one loose.

Driving down the road won't pop the dart out of the seat, but if the dart isn't holding the seat then it could fly away if your not using a cover.

 

[RFoster130]

I agree with the most recent post (below).

I have a Poppy cover that I have driven between NY and FL several times & love it. Just re-applied the waterproofing they recommend & hope it lasts a long time.

That being said, I can't imagine my seats blowing out for a relatively short trip, if left uncovered & the snaps on the seats are attached. They seem snugged pretty tightly down & they snap securely with no place for air to get underneath.

Am I missing something???

On the 200, i totally agree. The seats have the snap on strap and the bench seats fit into a groove so they are secure. Not so much on the older boats. They captain chairs on the 98-99 were held in by velcro.