Key Takeaways
- The best jon boat seats will vary based on your intended use and budget
- Jon boat seats come in many shapes and sizes to fit your needs on the water
- Be sure to purchase ones that have marine grade vinyl and other marine materials
- Mounting options might be different based on what type of seat you choose
- Installing boat seats are easy and great for boat owners to upgrade their jon boat
Jon boat seats can be uncomfortable depending on the brand you get or simply just worn out seat padding. But what are the best jon boat seats that you can find?
The best jon boat seats include the Wise Molded seat, Leader Accessories Folding back seat, and the Attwood Padded seat. Other top options to consider are the Wise Economy Low back seat, Attwood folding padded seat, and the Millennium Marine boat seat.
In my experience, the jon boat seat that is best for you will likely differ compared to another. I enjoy ones with extra padding for longer fishing outings but some may want more back support.
The Top 10 Best Jon Boat Seats
A good boat seat will vary based on your needs and intended use on the water. A good jon boat seat is the same mindset so consider what you will be doing on the water and how it can help that activity. Below you can see the best options to consider.
Wise Molded Jon Boat Seat
The Wise 8WD139 series molded seat is simple but offers boaters a great place to sit. It is made out of high compression foam that provides comfort and stability.
It is fairly easy to put together and install on your boat. If you have back pain try giving this chair a shot the next time you go fishing for a handful of hours and see how you feel.
Pros
- Comfortable seating option
- Can turn into a swivel seat
- Easy installation
Cons
- Straps to hold down seat could be better
- Some users have reported it leans back too far for a fishing position
Leader Accessories Folding Jon Boat Seat
Leader Accessories has a great low back folding boat seat that forms to the shape of you. It offers quality back support and is great for activities on the water like fishing.
It has marine grade vinyl and it is resistant to harsh UV rays. They have a few colors to choose from in case you do not like their camouflage edition. These camo jon boat seats do stand out above the competition.
Pros
- Padding is great to provide comfort
- Stays at a decent temperature when exposed in the sun for long periods
- Shapes to your body efficiently
Cons
- Color can fade over time when exposed to elements
- Base is plastic and prone to cracking over long term use
Attwood Padded Boat Seat
The Attwood 98391GNMX padded boat seat offers you the comfort and stability you need for fishing or long boat rides. The backrest is sturdy and you can even fold it down to secure it in place while not in use.
It features a heavy duty plastic frame and is quite cushiony. Depending on your needs you can use it for a variety of water activities.
Pros
- Great user reviews as one of the best jon boat seats
- Offers quality back support and can swivel
- Easy installation and can fold down
Cons
- Plastic screw holes that do not have metal stability
- Slightly higher priced at around $80 compared to the budget options
Wise Economy Jon Boat Seat
This jon boat seat gives boaters a great bang for their buck. It has a tough defense against UV rays and mildew.
Cheap jon boat seats like this do have some flaws such as not being able to support heavier weights. It also has 10 colors to choose from so you can find one close to matching your boat.
Pros
- Thick compression foam is built to last
- Quality plastic and metal hinges offers stability
- An affordable jon boat seat
Cons
- Heavier weights over 180 pounds will test the stability
- Seat can begin to bend with heavier weights in it
Attwood Folding Padded Seat
This jon boat seat is similar to other Attwood camo jon boat seats but is slightly smaller. It is mildew treated and supposed to be protected against strong UV rays but it is somewhat hard to clean.
It is a good option for the money but it is slightly higher priced compared to other jon boat seats. For an Attwood boat seat you cannot go wrong with this option.
Pros
- It is sturdy and well put together
- Strap supporting the seat is tough
- Lightweight and compact so that it does not load down your boat
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Will become hot when exposed to the sun
Millennium Marine Jon Boat Seat
The Millennium Marine B100 jon boat seats are comfortable seating options that can fit any boat. These are great at being resistant to natural weather or UV rays for plenty of use over the years.
The material is breathable and can cool off quickly when it has been exposed to the sun if you place a towel on it or water it down. It can also be folded and transported anywhere.
Pros
- Can support up to 400 pounds
- Less than 10 pounds and easy to transport
- Breathable material
Cons
- Steel boats can rust over time
- Seat will be hot in the sun unless you cover with a towel
Wise Mid-Back Jon Boat Seat
For those that want more support up to the neck then consider the Wise mid-back jon boat seat. Jon boat seats typically stop in the middle of the back but this is a good option for those that need or prefer all the support you can get.
The seat has thick padding and is marine grade against the toughest conditions. This is also compatible for jon boat swivel seats.
Pros
- Higher backrest for extra comfort
- Made out of marine grade materials
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not intended for heavier guests
- Might not fit every budget
Tempress High-Back Jon Boat Seat
Tempress jon boat seats are perfect for a variety of weather conditions and are durable for any situation. They have marine grade vinyl and it is thick enough that you will not feel the frame as you sit on it.
The padding is easy to remove and clean. Despite being able to easily remove the seat it stays in place throughout your boating adventure.
Pros
- Great for marine conditions
- Thick padding that is comfortable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Does not include a strap to hold it in place when it is folded
- Over $100
NORTHCAPTAIN T1 Deluxe Jon Boat Seat
Jon boat seats by NORTHCAPTAIN are another quality option to consider. It might be one of the more appealing boat seats to the eye compared to the others mentioned on the list.
The padding is thick and forms well to your body while sitting. It is not completely waterproof but it is meant to withstand a variety of harsh marine conditions.
Pros
- Padding is thick and forms well to body
- Durable frame and is designed for marine use
- Easy to set up with four bolt mounting
Cons
- Higher price tag but you can buy two at a time to save money
- Can take long to dry since it is not waterproof
Wise Casting Deck Seat
The Wise deck seat is a simple solution to your seating needs on a jon boat. It can provide you with a seat if you do not have a lot of options or the budget to handle other types.
It can be mounted onto many mounting systems and is easy to take off and clean. It also has marine grade vinyl and is a great option for a deck seat.
Pros
- A deck seat is cheaper than most seating options for a jon boat
- Firm padding is great for comfort
- Easy to move or clean
Cons
- Not the most appealing if you want something for mounting
- Might accidentally lose it if you do not have it put away properly
How to Find the Best Jon Boat Seats for You
Finding the best jon boat seats means you need to narrow down what options are going to best fit your situation. There are also a handful of other aspects to consider when deciding on what is best.
The Type of Jon Boat Seats
Jon boat seats vary in different styles, colors, and shapes. You need to see what is compatible with your boat or if you simply just need new jon boat seat cushions.
There are many differences between folding jon boat seats and a back folding boat seat so look for ones that can fit your boat. Consider the pros and cons between each option to see which is best for you.
Mounting for Jon Boats
Depending on the seat type you have chosen you might need to consider installing a mount for the seat to safely lock in. Most jon boats have mounting already but your new seat may require additional hardware to remain safe. These can vary by sliding mounts or even swivels which might take more time to install.
Budget for Jon Boat Seats
Consider how much money you are willing to spend on newer jon boat seats. If you spend a lot of time on the water fishing then you will likely need a top quality fishing boat seat. Bench seats may not cut it for that activity but you might not mind it if the price is good.
Consider First Hand Reviews
Reviews from customers that have already tried out a product are a good indication for how a product will be. While most are very informative and provide detail it is important to weigh this with your own intended use.
What Are Good Characteristics of a Jon Boat Seat?
Most people do not know that there are good jon boat seats and bad ones. Funny enough you will likely know a bad one that is an uncomfortable seat once you sit in it. Luckily you have the opportunity to change that if you know what to look for in a new one.
Marine Grade Materials
Top quality jon boat seats are going to be best on the water. These will hold up to rust, water, and harmful UV rays over time.
You want to keep an eye on materials such as anodized aluminum and injected molding for plastic for a good frame and durability. You also want high compression foam padding for long term use to remain comfortable while sitting.
Easy Traits
You want the conveniences of your jon boat seat to really shine. This means you want something that is easy to clean and easy to install.
Other traits include easy to transport and being lightweight so that it is easy to carry or will not weigh the boat down. It also helps if it is resistant to stains and UV rays.
Functionality
Keep in mind the desired use of your jon boat seat before investing in one. If you want good back support then it makes sense to find one that has thick padding and is higher up the back.
Swivel seats are a good example of functionality because they can be removed and you can clear up space if needed. Consider how flexible you want your options to be while on your boat.
Types of Seats to Consider
There are five seats to look into when considering a new jon boat seat. Each one might cater to you based on your needs.
Swivel
Swivel seats are like the name suggests since they can spin around. They can offer every angle from the seat but might be a little wobbly or noisy over time.
Bucket
Bucket seats are compact enough so that they do not take up much space. They are usually meant for one person so you would need multiple if you have more people.
Leaning
A leaning post can be used in a variety of situations. They are nice for fishing or a quick seat but are not as comfortable in comparison to other seats.
Deck
Deck seats are a quick fix for a seat without any fancy additions from the boat. They are an easy option and cheap but are not as fancy as other options.
Folding
Folding seats have some kind of backrest and are fairly comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. They take up less space but might not be as durable long term due to the folding part.
Why You Need a Jon Boat Seat
A lot of jon boats do not have adequate seating arrangements or they might have uncomfortable ones. If you choose to upgrade your seating options it can help increase the boat value a little and make it more appealing to guests you have on the water.
Comfort is the main reason why people upgrade their jon boats in the first place. You want to be comfortable while spending leisure time fishing or cruising. This will also make your back and other parts of your body feel much better while sitting for longer periods of time.
These upgrades should not affect the space on your boat that much nor will it be an inconvenience. This is especially true if you purchase one that is collapsable or folds down when not in use.
How to Install a Jon Boat Seat?
If you need to install a jon boat seat do not be intimidated. These are typically an easy process that should not take up too much of your time. The key is to understand what type of features you are wanting to have while on board.
Parts and Labor
You will likely need a seat mount and a clamp system to get started. You will also need a base plate and whatever else the chair comes with in order to mount it properly.
Keep in mind that you might have to drill holes or put in additional parts not included with the chair to make it work. Do not be afraid to think outside of the box on this. If you happen to have issues you could try calling a customer service number that the chair came from or search for videos online with more details.
Before you really dive into installing your new seat make sure you have all of the tools and parts. Nothing is more frustrating than when you find out that you are short one specific bolt short and they are not easy to find at a local store.
Warranty
If you need to add any additional parts that were not included with the original purchase you should consider the warranty if applicable. These conditions will vary from one manufacturer to the next so it is important that you understand them.
Try calling the company’s phone number or another method of contact to make sure what you are doing is acceptable. Many will simply ask that you return the product for another or they can send you the missing part in the mail for free.