Looking for New Seat for Hobie Outback

[tufnik]

I haven't been real fond of the stock seat. From day one, I couldn't get the screw-in expansion plugs to hold well during a yak outing. Even tightened well, the plastic plug would come loose and the seat would slide forward. Anyway, after a year and a half, it's time for a new seat.

Any recos? What aftermarket seat fits the Outback? Surf-to-Summit? Any mods required to make the seat fit and hold?

[MetroMan]

Not sure about compatability with your yak, but I've been using the Skwoosh Big Catch for quite some time now. Love the gel butt cushions, as well as the adjustable lumbar support. I can stay still for hours on end, remaining comfortable without any fatigue.

[tufnik]

Seems like a comfy seat, MM. Looks like I have to install attachment points on each side of the yak for the two straps on the rear of that seat. My stock seat doesn't have two rear straps. Instead, it has a single elastic tether (about 4-5" long) attached to the middle back of the seat. The tether is pulled and hooked onto a button already attached to the yak. This prevents the back from falling forward. Also, my stock seat is designed to prevent forward seat sliding with the two expansion plugs. So, with a seat such as Big Catch that does not have expansion plugs, how does it keep from sliding forward? Maybe install velcro or some non-slip material on the yak seat area?

[MetroMan]

Ah I see what you're saying. The two buckles in the lower rear part of the seat prevent it from sliding forward. There is nothing at the top of the seat back, so when you get out of the seat, the back does lean/fall forward sometimes.

[DaveFX35]

Checkout the Hobie Mirage Inflatable seat pad - http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...i-Comfort.html

Looks like it has pretty decent reviews, not expensive as a new seat and uses factory mounting.

[chimo]

I've used one of the skwoosh seats in my Revo, just hooked the front 2 attachment points and forgot about the others and it has worked ok. I want to add some cushioning under the skwoosh though to raise me up a little and give me enough cushion for all day before I head up to J-bay. Once I find some sort of closed cell foam I will probably just glue it in place and then just sit the seat on top. Might be a task for tonight.

[Redfish12]

It's pretty easy to remove the pegs from your stock seat and attach to a new seat if you want, or you can buy new pegs for about $10 and still have your stock seat as a spare. I retrofitted a heritage seat I had from my old redfish for my second Revo and it works great. The big thing that has helped me is adding a piece of closed cell foam under the butt pad. It gets me out of the water and keeps me more comfortable. The best part is it was less than $10!

[Flyguy]

call Dennis down at Backyard Boats in Annapolis, which is the local Hobie dealer, and ask him your question about seats. I have 3 hobies and have never had the same issue you are having with the seats. I have both seats, the ones with the post that push down in the set holes and the locking seat pegs. For the money you pay for a hobie, you should be able to get your seats to set firm.

[lordofthemanor]

Took my recently purchased used Hobie Revo 13 out yesterday for the first time. Guess what? I have the same problem as Tufnik...my seat expansion plugs don't hold properly either and the seat slides around and becomes uncomfortable to sit in. I will anxiously await the best solution that you guys can come up with...Bruce

[tufnik]

I'm thinking Redfish12's idea is a good approach. That is, get another seat and retrofit a new set of $10 plugs. But my concern is if the yak hole is bad, then new plugs would still not hold well. On the other hand, if my stock plugs are bad, then new plugs (replace existing plugs on my current stock seat) or a new seat with new plugs should be the solution. I guess getting a new set of $10 plugs is a cheap solution that's worth a try.

[Redfish12]

Another tip, this one I haven't tried but it makes sense, get some shrink wrap tubbing and place over the pegs and shrink. The rubber will still expand when you tighten and help you grip the plastic. In the new models the expansion pegs have been removed and the pegs lock in now. Unfortunately I do not think it is possible to retrofit to the new system. I hope the foam and shrink wrap work!

[Goody]

Call up the Hobie at backyardboats and ask. I just got the outback and from what was explained, the part that holds the pegs in place seem to be replaceable from when they were demoing how to put the seat in.

Another tip, this one I haven't tried but it makes sense, get some shrink wrap tubbing and place over the pegs and shrink. The rubber will still expand when you tighten and help you grip the plastic. In the new models the expansion pegs have been removed and the pegs lock in now. Unfortunately I do not think it is possible to retrofit to the new system. I hope the foam and shrink wrap work!

[HokieDJ]

I have the surf to summit expedition pro. You can try it next time i see you.

It's ok and it still slides up a little bit even thought I had tighten it enough. The gel seat is pretty tough and sits high but I still put a sport seat cushion to keep me dryer (Revo is a semi wet ride).

[tufnik]

I called Backyard Boats. The manager offered replacement plugs, but I said I'll try his recommended fix first, which is electrical tape wrapped around the plug. He said the shrink wrap is basically the same thing.

He also said there's a new design, and the new plug kit can be retrofitted into the older yaks (like mine, a 2011), but it's not really recommended. The older yaks have thinner plastic around the seat holes and it is not all that strong to hold a drilled-in insert. The insert would receive the new plug for holding the seat.

So, will try the shrink wrap this weekend. Will let you know how it works out.

Thanks, Dave. Will check your seat out next time.

[lordofthemanor]

Do you think that the tape should be wrapped tightly or loosely? Just wondering if it's wrapped too tight if it would stop the expansion plug from expanding. Also, If I turn my expansion plugs by hand several turns, they feel like they will fall apart; but turning in the other direction, they tighten up and don't seem to want to expand. Do you know where the starting point is supposed to be?

I called Backyard Boats. The manager offered replacement plugs, but I said I'll try his recommended fix first, which is electrical tape wrapped around the plug. He said the shrink wrap is basically the same thing.

He also said there's a new design, and the new plug kit can be retrofitted into the older yaks (like mine, a 2011), but it's not really recommended. The older yaks have thinner plastic around the seat holes and it is not all that strong to hold a drilled-in insert. The insert would receive the new plug for holding the seat.

So, will try the shrink wrap this weekend. Will let you know how it works out.

Thanks, Dave. Will check your seat out next time.