Swivel seat conversion?

(tracktor) · (tracktor) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 12-22-2005, 1:30 PM

After reading the boat complaint thread this had to be the #1 most common complaint. Anyone ever converted their seat over to a swivel? It doesn't look real hard to do and the hardware is cheap. I am going to pick up a swivel base tonight and see what it will take on my VLX. If there is enough interest and it hasn't been done yet I'll document what I had to do. Post up if interested.............

(nauty) · (nauty) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 12-22-2005, 1:50 PM

Someone did a conversion last year and it looked pretty slick. I attempted to do one on my SSV. I bought a swivel base and the whole 9 yards. I had to dump the project after realizing that there was not enough clearance between the chair and the side of the boat for the chair to swivel.

You may have enough room in your VLX being that some newer VLX'scome with swivel chairs OEM.

(tracktor) · (tracktor) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 12-22-2005, 3:35 PM

I see a clearance issue with mine also, that is what will make the project interesting. The swivel will have to be offset somehow..........

(troyl) · (troyl) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 12-22-2005, 5:15 PM

The clearance issue is why its not offered on narrow boats. VLX should be ok though.

(future) · (future) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 12-22-2005, 8:38 PM

I was thinkin about installing one too but I'm worried about the back of the seat hitting the throttle

(big_ed_x2) · (big_ed_x2) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 12-22-2005, 9:09 PM

I'm sure you can add it,just move the seat over a little bit.

(trace) · (trace) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 12-23-2005, 7:07 AM

IIRC someone on the old malibuboatowners.com did a really nice job, and offered some kind of kit for a couple hundred bucks. i couldn't quite justify that cost, but i would've done it if it was closer to $100.

another hurdle to watch our for is the angle of the seat base. my VLX is tilted back, so when it swivels it could be leaning to the left. i don't recall how this was overcome with the kit, but i think it was somehow.

(tracktor) · (tracktor) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 12-23-2005, 10:42 AM

I did a search. A little late, I know. It looks like a guy did it awhile back. He did a very nice job. Looks about like I thought it would. He offset the swivel so it wouldn't hit just like I suspected. Now I just need to find a swivel, the local boat store didn't have one. I want to be able to look at them in person before I buy.........

(breadbutta) · (breadbutta) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 12-23-2005, 2:53 PM

Besides clearance I would also want a stainless swivel. kinda goes without saying...

(onamission) · (onamission) **Join Date: May 2002** 12-24-2005, 8:14 AM

Pete from Smooth Water Sports http://www.smoothwatersports.com has the base that was used on the Malibu site.

(edandgem) · (edandgem) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 12-24-2005, 8:31 AM

Yes you can put a swivel Base between your slider and seat you can get them at Boaters world for about $20.

(healing) · (healing) **Join Date: Dec 2002** 01-07-2006, 10:17 PM

2nd season on this one http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/99625.html

When, if I trade up boats I will take the swivel and put it on the new boat.

I am to busy with other projects to make anymore.