Rear bench seats

[Lark]

My first post to this forum, so hello everyone.

I've got a Ribeye A600 with the standard rear bench seat. As you'd expect, it's not the most comfortable place to be seated when the water's choppy. Has anyone come up with (or seen) any clever ways to give rear bench passengers a bit more feeling of security? I'm thinking grab handles or the like? I know they could always stand up, but I'm thinking more for kids who I'd rather were sat down.

[spartacus]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sure you could add grab handles, either soft strap handles or moulded grab handles. You could even go for something in stainless steel (Zodiac Mediline) just not sure if they are glued, thermally bonded or there is a fastener under the tube?

[spartacus]

Ribquest seats looks the business with side bolsters, and they have added grab handles for added security. I'd have asked for them in black though.

[PUP]

Lark,

I'm a bit puzzled because every A600 I've ever seen has a grab handle next to the outer seat. Are you saying you want something else somewhere else? If somewhere else, like where?

Regarding conditions "choppy" can be subjective, but if kids are involved (and are old enough to be on a RIB) they should either be on a jockey seat or between 2 adults in the outer bench seat positions. In certain conditions the bench seat is actually the least prone to movement and hence arguably safer as it's very close to the bit of the boat that's most firmly attached to the water! But I do agree that having something for both hands to hold would make it feel more secure.

I'm not so sure that rigging up any form of restraint is wise as that might be more dangerous rather than making things safer. Perhaps attaching a rope to the inner jockey seat backrest stays for the 'inner' hands to hold onto?

Or go out on less inclement days.......

Pup

[Lark]

Thanks guys. I'm not talking about safety in difficult water. Just wanting to increase the feeling of security. Pup, you're correct, I do have grab handles on the tubes at each end. I was meaning something between the passengers or even in front of them somehow.

[whisper]

Have you got single jockey seats or twins/doubles?

[Lark]

Singles, whisper, so there is quite a gap.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Lark

I was meaning something between the passengers or even in front of them somehow.

the problem then is if you stuff it they smack face first into 'the bar'. You can imagine solutions padded like a BMX but I'm not sure the styling fits with the rest of the boat?

[whisper]

Ok I get what you mean, one option is to change them for doubles, this is better as your kids will be closer to you and also this provides a handle on the back of each seat for the bench seat passengers

[moore288]

Yep I have the same boat and vote for changing to the doubles. Problem is - I expect - it would cost a lot? That said I think it has a huge positive impact on the options when it gets choppy. On the ribeye the rear seat on the double jockey is quite tight and gives a high security feeling to my kids. They tend to sit on the bench now only when we are bobbing around - fishing etc. R

[Nick Hearne]

How about a strap running around the seat between the middle seated persons legs with a loop handle coming up between there legs to hod on to?

[Lark]

Thanks guys. Don't think I can stretch to new seats but Nick's idea has given me food for thought.

[whisper]

Ribeye has just revamped their ribs so if it's blue and white you are after there may be some old stock bargains for you It may be cheaper to go for 2 more singles?