Anyone fitted solid bench seats on a rib?

[Stevie J]

I have a 6m coastline rib with a single seat jockey console. I don't want to fit fixed rigid seat as I often use the rib for diving and like the space. Also fining 2 x 2 man jcky seats that I can afford is proving impossible!

So, I was thinking of fitting 4 seat patches to put in two solid bench type seats as seen here; http://www.polymarine.com/products/p...t-patch-black-[1595].cfm

I have seen this set up on smaller rib tenders and inflatables and the seem robust enough. Has anyone seen or experienced fiiting and using this method on a bigger RIB? I fear that the weight of two people on a choppy day may tear the patches off or worse tear the tube. Stevie

[PeterM]

The link only seems to go to the generic page & not a product , but if I am right in what you are thinking I had an Avon with seats across the tubes, held in by patches & I broke 2 just in the harbour ! If you put them on top of the tube so any weight is just down & the patches just act as location & then have some kind of vertical to take the weight you might be ok

[willk]

I know a guy who fitted a bottle rack with flip down seating and restraints. It's actually coded so must be ok. I don't have a pic, sry.

[Stevie J]

Thanks Blackroady and willk!

Can see the merit of just using them as a positional fix and putting almost all the weight down onto the rigid floor. When you say they "broke" I assume you mean the patch straps broke rather than the bench seats.

That’s the next question what material to use for the bench. I suppose if they are to be supported hardwood may suffice now!? Thick GRP is less workable!

The flip down seat idea is a good use of space!

The item is Hypalon Seat Patch Code 34.19.16B

[john4tee]

I know that this thread is old but if anyone is still out there, I would like to know the result. I have an Avon 540 and I like the space but my youngest wife wants a seat and I want to be able to take it out at will.
What did you do in the end, Stevie?
The patches with the vertical supports sounds ok but I am worried about tearing.

[beerbelly]

Originally Posted by john4tee

I know that this thread is old but if anyone is still out there, I would like to know the result. I have an Avon 540 and I like the space but my youngest wife wants a seat and I want to be able to take it out at will.
What did you do in the end, Stevie?
The patches with the vertical supports sounds ok but I am worried about tearing.

your youngest wife how many have you got

[Chanchan168]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

your youngest wife how many have you got

[Poly]

Don't underestimate the value of a backrest. A bench with no back support is tiring very quickly on a RIB.

If you don't like Willks suggestion of a convertable bottle rack - others have set top hat nuts into the deck to enable to to fit and remove seats, racks, tie-downs for kit. Searching tophat on the forum will probably give you some pics...

[john4tee]

Thank you all, gentlemen and ladies. I will take all that on board(pun intended) and continue the search.
I have only one wife, but she is still the youngest!