Towing without boat cover - keeping seats from flying out

[Theryan]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if you had any tips on towing without the boat cover on to keep the seats from flying out of the boat. I haven't tried yet, but I've read the horror stories about seats lifting out, and would love to avoid it if I can.

 

[JDFester]

Before reading some of the horror stories on here, I never even gave it a thought. Since then, I pay extra attention to making sure the seats are all fully seated down tight in their places with no gear pushing up from below. I can't really figure where the air currents would come from to lift them out if they're in tight to each other and fully seated. I'm sure speed and road type play a role, but I do tow on the highway and pass/get passed by trucks every trip. Honestly, possibility of a rock strike to the windshield scares me more than the seats.

That said, I have pondered, and possibly read somewhere, about making snap on tether straps for the seats.

 

[S1LV3R4D0]

I have a 2019 AR195. the rear center seat i usually leave off since its a step. it has its own snaps. But the starboard rear seat i added nylon webbing and snaps. Screwed the opposite snaps to the hull so i can snap it down. Ive towed about 10x now with that setup and the seat traveled just fine.

 

[Jim Crane]

My first year with the boat I trailered about 50 miles on I-95 and when I got to the ramp my rear starboard seat had shifted sideways and looked like it was bouncing around. Glad I didn't lose it, so now I always cover the boat when I go over 55mph. I do 45 on the water and the seats stay just fine, so I don't know what speed is too fast for the seats to stay secure. I was probably trailering at 70 mph when I almost lost it.

 

[Theryan]

I have a 2019 AR195. the rear center seat i usually leave off since its a step. it has its own snaps. But the starboard rear seat i added nylon webbing and snaps. Screwed the opposite snaps to the hull so i can snap it down. Ive towed about 10x now with that setup and the seat traveled just fine.

I'm curious about this one. Do you have any photos of what you added, and links to what they are?

 

[S1LV3R4D0]

Webbing (way more than i need but ill find a use for it somewhere)
Amazon.com : Strapworks Heavyweight Polypropylene Webbing - Heavy Duty Poly Strapping for Outdoor DIY Gear Repair, 1 Inch x 10 Yards - White : Sports & Outdoors

Snaps. again, way more than needed.
Amazon.com: 63Pcs Stainless Steel Fastener Screw Snap Kit, Marine Grade, 3/8" Socket #8-5/8" with 3 Pcs Setting Tool: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Thats the one mod i didnt take pics of. when i uncover the boat this weekend, ill get you some pics.

 

[Theryan]

Thanks for linking these!

Did you just do one snap per cushion? I might actually look at doing this same project.

 

[S1LV3R4D0]

I did 2 on one cushion. Wrapped them back into each other so they are like little handles.

 

[Theryan]

I did 2 on one cushion. Wrapped them back into each other so they are like little handles.

Very good to know. Thanks for the info!

 

[Meetball]

I will let you know My center one snaps and if i forget to take it out.... lets just say I found it 3 times floating in the floor of the boat

 

[jocolo21]

On my 07 I had a cushion disappeared. I bought industrial strength Velcro and that did the job for the next 2 years I owned theboat

 

[Theryan]

On my 07 I had a cushion disappeared. I bought industrial strength Velcro and that did the job for the next 2 years I owned theboat

Oh, I didn't even think about that idea...that might actually work, too.

 

[haknslash]

You could use shower curtain rods and run them across the boat. I still prefer towing with the cover on just to keep rock chips, road debris damage and bug guts to a minimum.

 

[Hoyt]

On my 07 I had a cushion disappeared. I bought industrial strength Velcro and that did the job for the next 2 years I owned theboat

That's a great idea. I'll be doing this for sure. Our 2020 195s the rear starboard cushion is the only one not on a hinge. So I remove it, and put in truck for now.

 

[Liveto99]

I left the strap unhooked on my battery cover compartment and it was standing straight up I saw it in my rear mirror I was happy it held on and did not break the hinge I was doing 75 or so. I just normally make sure the cushions are snapped on for short trips. For the trip to Florida I take all the snap cushions off I do not cover because I think it just abuses the cover and 80 mile an hour winds for 15 hours.

 

[S1LV3R4D0]

That's a great idea. I'll be doing this for sure. Our 2020 195s the rear starboard cushion is the only one not on a hinge. So I remove it, and put in truck for now.

Sorry for delay. Was a good long weekend on the water. I made the straps a little long as it seemed shorter would be too much tension and i wanted to make sure no wind buffeting would be able to pop them off. Ive towed the boat uncovered about 15x now some times up to 75 but usually around 65-70 with no issues.

 

[Rabbitboy1964]

I have a 2019 AR195. the rear center seat i usually leave off since its a step. it has its own snaps. But the starboard rear seat i added nylon webbing and snaps. Screwed the opposite snaps to the hull so i can snap it down. Ive towed about 10x now with that setup and the seat traveled just fine.

Do you leave the tower up when towing the boat on 242 limited. Also, I don’t have any cover and just picking up the boat for the first time. Is there anything that I need to do?

 

[kgower]

Can the mooring cover not be used while towing the boat?

 

[HangOutdoors]

I use the mooring cover without issues. Also towing with tower up is not a problem either, never put it down, except for winter. Although it prevents us from going through some drive thru's to get a bite and the girls complain it won't fit through the starbuck's drive thru, thank god!

 

[jocolo21]

industrial type velcro is what i used on my 07 after i lost 1, never even came close to happening again