Decision Time

[Millermob]

Just looking at new ribs and possible seating layouts, i am undecided wether to go with 2 single jockeys then two double or 2 double with a bench at the back. From experience which would be better?

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Millermob

Just looking at new ribs and possible seating layouts, i am undecided wether to go with 2 single jockeys then two double or 2 double with a bench at the back. From experience which would be better?

I am fairly biased towards jockey seats, and am not really all that fond of the bench seats. My reasons is that to my mind, a jockey is more secure, you have more to hold on to, more to brace yourself against, and with a properly designed jockey you can stand up and bend your knees to absorb impact - so, I would always go with the jockeys for that reason!

However, the bench seat does mean that you could fit more (if smaller/kids) people on it than an "individual" jockey seat, and it will be more comfortable when the boat is at rest. You will also get a better useable space underneath it than you would with a 2 man jockey.

Tough decisions - sure others will have more advice comments, but I would alays go with jockey seats.

[Millermob]

is weight an issue?? i would imagine a bench weighs quite a lot compared to a jockey seat, but if i have two jockey seats will they basically weigh the same? The bench would be better for the women but any opinions would be great.

[Pete7]

How big is the boat ?

Pete

[Millermob]

6.2 metres

[brucehawsker]

I have two single and then 2 double on my 6.5M. Unconvinced at that size in Solent seas that a bench works. Different if you have the extra 1m or more...

[donutsina911]

havent seen the mighty hard1 on here for a while, but he may be able to counter my experience on charter based on his cobra set up...

On a 7ish mtr rib we work with jockey seating for 12 but have seen others with jockey seats for say 8 and the rest on bench / console seats. In anything other than a mild chop the bench pax seem to end up sliding and bumping all over the place - in serious weather, it looks pretty dangerous for those on the benches.

I remember coming back from Yarmouth to Lymington in some of the worst weather i've chartered in at the tail end of last season. We were in company with 2 other 7-8 mtr boats with bench seating at the arse ends and the poor buggers sat there were being chucked around like rag dolls....our pax were fine(ish).

the other side of the coin is that for nippers, jockey's are unusable - my 14 month yr old daughter is happy enough sat on a bench seat but wont be ready for a jockey for about 4 years..