seating options for 1987 170

[trscsailor]

Good day. First post. I own a 1987 170 that has been in the family since new. It has a 90 hp yamaha that was bought with the boat. I grew up fishing around tybee island on this boat. It has been under a shed at my moms unused for the last five years. Her former husban said it was junk. Motor bad and all. Long story short, i towed it homeand checked compression and it was 140 140 and 145. Hooke it up to a new battery and good fuel and it runs like a champ. So i wanna add some seats at the console. Maybe a leaning post? Whats are some that others have used and liked? Also, replacing the cooler seat is an option but the backrest frame is missing. Where to fing one?

[wingtime]

I have an 1987 170.   looks like ones mans "trash" turned out to be your treasure!   Pics!  We need pics!

[gran398]

Welcome to Classic Aquasport!  Tybee....great to have another Georgian onboard

You have a sweet ride. The Yammie three cylinder 90 began the Yamaha revolution in the US. A sweet-running duplicate of the Johnson 70 with  larger pistons and better carbs.

Seating:

Up front, we have enjoyed bean bags lately. Portable, you can use them at the house too. Gives a great, comfortable, quick option while deciding how to set her up.

At the helm...a leaning post with backrest would be my preference.

[CTsalt12]

I like cooler seat at the helm.  With limited storage on a small boat you can put your food, drinks, bait, or whatever in that cooler.  Cheaper than a leaning post and when you're hanging out fishing / swimming or lounging you can flip the seat back so it's facing the stern and kick back.

[wingtime]

I'm with Jimbo.  I really like the cooler seat.  I wasn't so sure if I was going to like it or not when I first bought the boat.  But I quickly became a fan.  As Jimbo said there is limited storage and real estate in the 170.  Not having to bring along a cooler that takes up deck space is a real plus.  My 1987 does not have a flip back.  It has a seat back that is made of 3/4" tube that slides down into two vertical 1" tubes in the base.  Quick pins secure it in place.  You can pull it out and turn it around if you want to sit facing the stern.

[FJStretch]

Put me down as a cooler seat fan. It's great to be able to flip, sit and lean back looking out the stern under my Bimini. However, I'm a tall guy and I am not comfortable, nor do I feel I can see well enough, from a sitting position while cruising. I generally just stand while cruising... But the wheel is a little lower than my comfort zone when I do that. I guess I should look into a cooler seat modification or raising the stearing wheel somehow. (However, right now, I'm working on getting my boat back on the water... Mechanical issue).

[trscsailor]

I am not opposed to the factory cooler with the seatback. Problem is that it missing. Also, where can i get replacement cooler? I would also like to put a seat on the casting deck. Does this have to be custom or does someone make a good option? I know live in upstate south carolina and do a lot of bass fishing.

[FJStretch]

I recently replaced mine with an identical Igloo I bought off the shelf from Bass Pro (a.k.a., Great Outdoors) just last month. Igloo still makes the same model as they did in 1986... but it has upgraded latches, hinges, etc. They still sell the snap on cushion too. I was pleasantly surprised with this find.

[Capt. Bob]

I am not opposed to the factory cooler with the seatback. Problem is that it missing.

I have no idea if this newer seat is still available (thread is a year old) but Dan is still active with the Forum so you might want to try.
viewtopic.php?p=84275#p84275

PS.. The Classifieds and Resource forums can, at times be useful or as I like to say.... your friends.

Good luck.

[FJStretch]

This is the cooler I purchased from Bass Pro....
http://www.basspro.com/Igloo-Marine-Ult ... 005011423/

[Capt Matt]

A leaning post with a yeti underneath would be the best of both worlds
When u want a seat on the bow to fish off move the yeti up front, seadek on top of the yeti is a great option
Being able to stand and lean back is the most comfortable way to go in a small boat, this position also gives u the best visibility, if your going all out get a foot rest and back rest on the leaning post
Capt Matt

[trscsailor]

Thank for all the replies. Its amazing of the knowledge and educated opinions of the folks. Boat will be going to fiberglass guy to fix the cracks in the transom. It is still very solid as I get no flex when jumping on the cav plate. The only soft spot in the floor is at the stern aroud the Bilge pump access. Does anyone add a block under it? I donot see any support round this area?