Center Seat Install

This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 10 months ago by louie3252.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

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July 18, 2017 at 4:24 pm #264894

C130
Participant

Well I finally got around to installing the center seat on my Caracal that I ordered from BassCat, replacing the center storage box…With no instructions I managed to muddle through it…Would of helped with a second hand but I managed to do it myself…The quality is awesome and matches my existing interior perfect…Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

July 19, 2017 at 12:51 am #264895

BMac4848
Participant

If it was anything like the center seat I just did on my 08 Puma.. It would help with 2 people as it was a pain by myself. My seat cushion hinges did not match up but the cushion covered the other rivets. If you use the 4 nuts they supply after you drill the hole ( slightly smaller than the nut) then I used a 40 hex head to tighten it into the fiberglass… Just watch out when it starts getting tight — if it is not going all the way down then try to back it out and enlarge the hole some. I had to find an aluminum rivet that fit the existing holes to use in the new hinges.. A regular hand rivet tool will work fine. ( See my seats on this board— Seat replacement)

July 19, 2017 at 12:22 pm #264896

C130
Participant

Thanks, they didnt send me any nuts for some reason so Im going to buy some. I talked to someone at Bass Cat yesterday and he didnt really recommend using the inserts they sent. He said they had a tendency to work loose (fiberglass not thick enough to get a good grip) and if they install the seat from the factory they thicken the fiberglass in that area. Im sure my hinges wont match either but havent checked yet.

July 21, 2017 at 5:53 pm #264897

C130
Participant

Just swapped out the center step box for the center seat. It was easier than I thought it might be. I was able to use one of the existing hinges and then re drilled holes for the other hinge. It was off slightly, maybe an 1/8 of an inch. but the center cushion is wide enough it rubs the driver and passenger seat a little so it isnt noticeable thats its off slightly. I drilled 4 holes for the seat back bracket and Im going to use the four bolts that came with the seat. It didnt come with any nuts so I just need to go buy them and itll be finished.

July 21, 2017 at 6:42 pm #264898

texlacat
Participant

Nice work. Why did you change the step to the seat?2017 Eyra / 250 Merc Pro XS

July 21, 2017 at 8:02 pm #264899

C130
Participant

texlacat wrote:Nice work. Why did you change the step to the seat?Well, personally, I prefer the step but I boat captain for my sons high school tournaments. He started the club and my wife and I attempt to oversee it so we are very involved with high school fishing. Plus, my wife likes to go out with us on occasion and my son hated sitting on the center step and so did I if he drives. Just thought it would be nice for his partner this year. Im just hoping hes better than last years partner or I might swap it back! Part that stinks is I lose the cup holders plus the storage. But, I need to lose a little storage because if its there I manage to always fill it up with something. I have way too much stuff in this boat! Last edited by C130 on July 21st, 2017, 8:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

July 22, 2018 at 7:41 pm #378075

Mainliner61
Participant

My 14 Puma FTD came with the center seat and I ordered the center storage box later. I drilled out the old rivets and had to drill new holes for the new rivets for the storage box. The holes in the hinges didnt line up with the old holes. Easy to do with someone holding it for you while you mark or drill the holes.

July 23, 2018 at 7:24 pm #378078

catmantwo
Participant

You may want to unscrew the storage box, leaving the hinge attached to the boat. Remove the screws and hinge from the seat. Then reattach the seat to the hinge using ether set of screws (the ones that came off the seat would be best).This is what I did when I went the other way (added the box, removed the seat).I posted some photos on here a few years back.link to post – just reverse the process.step-box-qujestion-t23860.html#p170293

July 23, 2018 at 9:03 pm #378081

louie3252
Participant

Just keep in mind when drilling, that ye ol fuel tank is back there…
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