Runnin with pedestal seats in

I always do (when fishing). Never had a problem other than there might be a tiny bit of vision interference at some speeds depending on the boat. They are not going to blow out and hit you in the face or some such thing…2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200

The official BCB position has to be removal of the seats when running. This goes way back to the early 70s when we were involved in litigation for designing a bass boat that the “front seat obstructs the view of the driver, when left in the elevated position”. The suit involved an instance of a seat being left in position. An accident occurred and involved fatality from natural causes. Which may have already been deceased, thus the incidence. Though never the less, we were forced to then install the warning plates which suggest removal of the front seat when the gasoline engine is in operation. Another eventual trend we started and is now incorporated on all pedestals as a result of that one case. Not a trend we wanted to start on this one. Though a safety label we incorporated on models since that date.

By the way guys, we have picked a few of our folding seats up off the back decks and have seen a few lost (not ours) as well on rough water. We have heard of those instances also. Though not many with the newer pedestals which have the small locking groove on the end of the pin. Had one bounce out we had to hunt once in the 80s.

Friend lost just the seat part out of the pole (not Basscat) hit the windsheild and smashed it. Almost hit me .After that trip I always remove mine when running

Down here in Louisiana we are having fishing and water rights problems. Some property owners have put cables up across waterways on their property. For this reason alone I always leave my front seat and pole in place. Never had a visibility problem. But I might if my head gets lobbed off. : (