Boat seats for tenders, motor boats and helm stations
A boat seat is a seat or helm position designed specifically for the boat, with support for long days on board. We stock the full programmes of Hollex, Cleemann, Pörtner, Recaro and JOBE plus our own EvoNautic folding chairs, over 550 products in total. Whether you want a gas-assisted helm seat with a slider, a complete offshore seat shell or a folding deck chair for a day on the water: it is all in stock.
Which boat seat fits your position on board?
| Type | For whom | Brand suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Helm seat with gas spring | Skipper, full day at the helm | Hollex Delta, Cleemann Nautic Pro |
| Offshore seat shell | Fast motor boat, heavy seas | Recaro Offshore, Cleemann Operator Star |
| Classic skai seat shell | Tender, traditional design | Pörtner California H |
| Folding lounge chair 7 positions | Day cruising, guests on board | EvoNautic, JOBE Infinity |
| Rotating base | Comfortable work on deck | Hollex aluminium pedestal |
| Pedestal with slider | Adjust forward or back from helm | Hollex gas-assisted with slider |
Do not forget the matching seat pedestal below and an optional cover for winter storage. A gas pedestal can almost always be ordered separately from the seat shell.
Gas, fixed or slider: how do pedestals differ?
A fixed pedestal is the simplest form: set height, sometimes rotating 360 degrees. A gas-assisted pedestal adjusts up to about 15 cm with a lever under the seat and suits skippers of varying height. A slider moves the seat along a rail by tens of centimetres forwards or backwards, useful for control in a trim position and sliding back to talk to passengers. Combine a gas spring with a slider for maximum flexibility.
Frequently asked questions about boat seats
Which size helm seat fits my tender or motor boat?
The size depends on the cockpit space and your own build. For a tender up to 6 metres a compact Pörtner seat shell or a Cleemann Nautic Star works well, with a total width of about 55 cm. For larger motor boats and consoles from 7 metres up you move towards Cleemann Nautic Pro or the offshore Recaro models with more lateral support. Always measure the available space around the helm first, including walking room behind the seat with a rotating model. Then check the skipper weight: gas pedestals work best between 60 and 110 kg.
How much do Cleemann Nautic Star, Nautic Pro and Operator Star differ?
The three series cover increasing comfort and use. The Nautic Star is the basic work chair with a straight backrest, fine for inland waters and short trips. The Nautic Pro gets extra foam, higher side supports and often a taller backrest, making it the most chosen seat for daily use on bigger motor boats. The Operator Star HSC 3G has a shock-absorbing base for rough seas and is built for RIB boats and patrol-style use where lots of impact reaches the back. All three come in black faux leather.
What is the difference between a seat shell with or without armrests?
A seat shell without armrests is narrower and easier to fit in a tight cockpit, and you step in and out more easily. With armrests you get more comfort on longer trips and better support for shoulders and back in changing seas. Pörtner models ship without armrests as standard, Cleemann Nautic models often with. On most Cleemann chairs the armrests fold up so they do not block you when you stand. Also check whether the armrests fold away for side entry into the seat.
Which care products do I use on skai and faux-leather boat seats?
Skai and faux-leather boat seats need regular care to stay supple and resist UV. A mild soap solution and a microfibre cloth covers weekly cleaning. Against fading and drying out, use a dedicated skai cleaner such as Sjippie Skai Bezug 2-in-1, a few times per season. Avoid aggressive degreasers and pure alcohol, these break down the top layer. For deeper colour and UV protection a thin coat of upholstery conditioner helps. For winter storage cover the seats with a breathable cover, otherwise condensation builds up under a PE tarp.
In stock? Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure which product fits your boat? Our specialists are happy to help.
