Seat placement should include having the seats and racks as far forward as possible.
Seat placement is a critical element in boat setup. Pulling crankbaits out the back of the boat requires the seat to allow plenty of room to move around as necessary. Casting front and back might call for slightly higher seats then is comfortable for anchored bobber fishing. And most popular, side-by-side seating on the front deck. Unfortunately, due to many different boat sizes and designs, there is no ‘one size fits all’ rule for seat setup but there are general tips to keep in mind.
*Seats should be set up to fit you and your style of fishing.
*Look at other setup boats to get ideas and tips before you start on yours. If you can find boats similar to yours it will be a big advantage.
*Placing three bases up front is best if you plan to slow trolling. Most fishermen add their own exactly where they want them. A few ‘crappie’ boats come standard with three bases across the front. A few manufacturers, including Ranger, can be ordered with extra bases.
*Front deck pedestal bases should be as far forward as possible, remembering that trolling racks, trolling motor, electronics and other items must be considered.
*The general rule is for bases to be about half way between the side of the boat and the center base.
*Not every boat can have additional bases installed. Before drilling, make sure there are no batteries, gas tank, gas or livewell hoses, wiring, critical braces or anything else that would prevent drilling. The safest way would be to work with your boat dealer to install the bases.
*There are options in the form of manufactured double-seat bases. These focus upon an attachment point into the existing center seat base. The brackets, made in different shapes and styles, allow two seats without having to alter the front deck. Examples include Mr. Crappie Double-Down, Cumberland Double Seat Mount, and Grizco Pro.
