In the inflatable boat extra seats and consoles section, you will find accessories that increase the seating comfort and usability of your inflatable boat: Suzumar's fiberglass seat for DS270RIB–DS350RIB models, Highfield's Roll Up 280 extra seat, Suzumar's wooden seat for DS-360/390 models, Talamex's Highline HLX400 spare seat, and inflatable extra seats for various Suzumar hull sizes.
When should you add an extra bench to your inflatable boat?
The standard equipment of a rubber boat often includes only one or two benches, which can be a limiting factor when the boat is carrying several passengers at the same time - an additional bench provides seating for more people and distributes the weight more evenly inside the boat, which also improves driving stability.
The choice of material affects both durability and comfort: a fiberglass bench is stiff and durable, but heavier than an air-filled seat, which in turn is lightweight and easy to remove completely when the boat is used without passengers, for example on a fishing trip.
A wooden bench gives the boat a traditional look and is well suited to an older or retro-style inflatable boat, while a Roll Up-type additional bench is designed specifically for foldable roller boats, where the bench must adapt to the boat's folding structure.
A spare bench, such as Talamex's HLX400, serves as a universal solution for several different inflatable boat models when a model-specific bench is not available - however, it is worth carefully checking the size and attachment method of such a bench against the dimensions of your own boat before ordering.
When installing, it is important to ensure that the bench is securely attached to the boat's hull and cannot move during use - a poorly attached bench is a safety risk, especially in heavy waves or during sudden turns.
When choosing a model-specific bench, always check the exact model designation of your boat (for example, DS-230 or DS-360), as the Suzumar range covers several different hull lengths, each of which has its own, precisely dimensioned bench.
Another advantage of an inflatable seat is that it can be deflated and rolled into a small space for winter storage, which saves storage space compared to a rigid fiberglass or wooden bench that takes up the same amount of space all year round.
Before ordering, it is also worth considering the maximum load of the bench, which varies depending on the material and structure – this is especially important when the boat is often used with a full complement of passengers.
Check the compatibility of the bench mounting system with your boat's hull structure and seat rails carefully before making a final purchase decision, and if necessary, ask the seller for advice on choosing the right model.