SEATS

[PETER]

I would like contact details of any manufacturers of seating suitable for installation on large high speed RIBs that will reduce the possibilities of back injuries to passengers.

[John Kennett]

Peter

Have a look at www.bolsters.com for one idea -- they make seat units that have three positions which they descibe as:

1. Superior sitting comfort - equivalent to luxury cars
2. Lean into bolster - relaxed comfort with side support
3. Stand up bolster - protection equal to offshore racing keyhole bolsters.

There are also various designs of bucket seats as used in racing RIBs, but I'm not convinced that they would do much to prevent back injuries. You could try talking to one of the RIB manufacturers who specialise in race boats, such as South Coast RIBs or Revenger.

Seats with suspension/shock absorbers appear every now and again, but I don't know of one which has been succesfully marketed (they seem to be one-offs mainly). The biggest problem with these seats is that they are liable to break, and when they do break they become useless at best, and quite possibly dangerous.

In my opinion, the best way to avoid back injuries on RIBs is to stand up!

John

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John Kennett
RIBnet

[weaves]

I have to agree with John here, The only real way to cut down on back injuries on any boat is to be on your feet. The best way I have found, in heavy seas, is to stand straddling a "jockey" style seat so that when you drive off the crest into that hole that appears every now & again, the seat is there to prevent your knees buckling all the way to the deck.

[hugh holmes]

I would sugest that you look at Humbers delux
consol as it has a swept up back like a horse
saddel & a high back support. I have one on
my 5.5 destroyer which I use in the Irish Sea
& find it great compaired to a normal jockey
seat.

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[Powerboat]

I would have to agree with Weaves and with John.

The best seat is one where you are standing and sitting at the same time ( What I call barstool height ! ) That way when a shock is coming you merely flex your legs to go from a sitting to a standing position letting your leg muscles take the shock .These shock absorber seats all seem to be a bit gimicky.

Bolster seats mentioned in another posting would seem to be the business all right .

The best seats I was ever on on a RIB were the seats we had on Barry Carsons 10 Meter Guinness Chalenger on the Round Ireland in 1994 . Simple waist high jockey seats with high back rests and side head protection

( While doing 45 knots We came off the back of a rogue 10 meter wave 10 miles off Achill without a bruise - Now that was a seat and a half !)

Best wishes,

Stuart

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www.powerboat.org

[eksrae]

contact titan boats found on ribnet. they make seats for whale watch boats that are inexpensive and do the trick. its like being on a cushion of air.