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