Zodiac Pro Open 550 Seats

[Donie]

Hi folks,
I’m continuing the gradual refit of my Zodiac Pro Open 550 and I think the seats are the next thing to look at. The seats are the original 2 white plastic seats on aluminium pedestals. The fittings are all corroded and the manufacturers no longer sell parts. I like the new model 550 with the leaning post type seat but I’m not sure how comfortable it would be on a long trip.
I’m thinking of trying to fit two small jockey seats side by side or else a 2 person bench seat with a lifting front lip to allow stand up steering. The old seats were always too low so this gives me an option to sort it out.
Has anyone replaced the seats on this type of rib and do you have any photos.
Can you recommend a website In Ireland or the UK that sells rib/boat seats?
Thanks
D

[Escapeskiing]

Originally Posted by Donie

Hi folks,
I’m continuing the gradual refit of my Zodiac Pro Open 550 and I think the seats are the next thing to look at. The seats are the original 2 white plastic seats on aluminium pedestals. The fittings are all corroded and the manufacturers no longer sell parts. I like the new model 550 with the leaning post type seat but I’m not sure how comfortable it would be on a long trip.
I’m thinking of trying to fit two small jockey seats side by side or else a 2 person bench seat with a lifting front lip to allow stand up steering. The old seats were always too low so this gives me an option to sort it out.
Has anyone replaced the seats on this type of rib and do you have any photos.
Can you recommend a website In Ireland or the UK that sells rib/boat seats?
Thanks
D

I like the idea of a seat with the option of converting to lean against. I have thought along the same lines. Keen to see what you come up with.

[Donie]

Some interesting ideas here Pro Open

[cornishcoote]

We took our two plastic seats out on ours and swapped it for a lean post with storage. Much better now and loads of dry storage.

[Donie]

Cornishcoote,
Did you get a leaning post custom made or did you buy one from a supplier? Do you have a link?
Thanks

[Shadow]

For what's it's worth I have a zodiac inox bolster seat which is the original fitted to the zodiac range currently on order via P A Lynch. Its costing about £1300 which is too much but you wont find many cheaper. I'm putting it in my Highfield rhib as it's one of the few to offer good storage but also the open deck space. Search Inox bolster seat for more info..

[Donie]

Hi Shadow,
I actually bought a secondhand leaning post from the Rib Shop in the UK. It’s an aluminium framed one with a padded seat and backrest. I’ll put some photos up when I fit it.

[Orwell boy]

Missed this post up till now ,took my leaning post with storage off my Nautica 19 a couple of years ago as thought it was just too American fitted a seat instead,however never sold it and strangely enough i put it back on this year for the sake of storage ,very pleased to have a super dry glove box

[rmackenzie]

Hi All, I am interested in replacing the two original seats (at console) on my Zodiac pro open 550 to a single standing bench lean seat. Has anyone done this successfully? any photos/seat products would be appreciated.
Thanks!