A properly installed air ride boat seat can transform your boating experience. Whether you’re navigating choppy waters during a fishing trip or cruising on your pontoon, a high-quality seat ensures comfort and reduces the strain on your back and joints.
However, installation isn’t always intuitive, leading some boaters to make mistakes that compromise the functionality and durability of their seats.
Here, we’ll highlight the common mistakes you should avoid when installing an air ride boat seat. This guide provides everything you need to install your seat and pedestal properly and enjoy the benefits of smooth, shock-absorbing boating.
Why Installing Your Seat Properly Matters
The correct installation of your air ride boat seat is critical for several reasons. For one, and most importantly, an improperly mounted seat affects ride quality. Bad installation makes the suspension less effective, which defeats the purpose of the upgrade.
Secondly, incorrect techniques or missing steps may lead to unnecessary wear on your seat components, reducing the lifespan of your setup.
Finally, incorrectly installed seats are safety hazards. On the other hand, properly installed seats ensure stability and prevent shifting or detachment when the water gets rough.
By following a step-by-step approach and steering clear of common pitfalls, you can maximize the performance of your investment.
Common Installation Mistakes (and How To Avoid Them)
Now, let’s address the common mistakes you should avoid when installing an air ride boat seat and how to do so.
1. Choosing the Wrong Pedestal Size
One of the biggest mistakes boaters make happens before they even start installation—selecting the incorrect pedestal height. If you’re unsure, don’t guess.
How To Avoid It
Measure correctly from the bottom of your boat seat cushion to your boat’s floor. Here’s how the sizing works:
- 15.5 inches—Order the 4.75-inch pedestal.
- 17 inches—Order the 6-inch pedestal.
- 19 inches—Order the 8-inch pedestal.
If you get a measurement under 13.5 inches, contact us for customized help. Accurate measurements ensure the seat is mounted at the ideal height for comfort and functionality.
2. Skipping Compatibility Checks
Not all air ride boat seats are compatible with every type of boat. It’s common for users to overlook this detail, resulting in returns or frustrating modifications later on.
How To Avoid It
Check that your seat system is compatible with your boat’s configuration. For instance, the Smooth Moves air ride pedestal suspension works for most fishing and pontoon boats with pedestal-style seat setups. If you’re uncertain, make sure to consult the product specifications or reach out to us for clarity.
3. Failing To Properly Secure the Pedestal
Your seat’s pedestal is the foundation of its stability. A poorly secured pedestal can shift or come loose over time, especially in rough waters.
How To Avoid It
Use the included 9-inch bolt pattern to securely fasten the locking pedestal. Tighten all bolts evenly and firmly. Double-check alignment before moving to the next step to prevent wobbling or tilting.
4. Overlooking the Wiring Setup
Unlike many other models, Smooth Moves marine air ride seats come with a built-in air compressor, allowing you to adjust the suspension by simply pressing a button. However, wiring mishaps—like loosely connected leads or improper power source connections—can prevent the system from functioning properly.
How To Avoid It
Decide whether you’ll connect the lead to a 12V outlet or hardwire the system directly into the electrical system of your boat. Whichever approach you choose, follow these tips:
- Ensure all power connections are secure and insulated.
- Avoid excessive slack in the wiring, but leave just enough room to prevent strain.
- Use marine-grade connectors that resist corrosion from salt water.
5. Rushing the Seat Swivel Installation
It’s tempting to breeze through the swivel installation, assuming it’s a simple process—and it is! However, failure to ensure smooth 360° rotation is easy if you rush the process and can lead to a frustrating user experience.
How To Avoid It
Test the aluminum swivel after attaching it to the pedestal. Rotate it fully to identify any areas where movement feels restricted or uneven, and adjust as needed before securing the seat.
6. Ignoring the Rubber Boot and Powder Coating
Marine environments are unforgiving. Saltwater, sun exposure, and constant moisture take a toll on unprotected materials. Many boaters underestimate the importance of the protective features that come with their seat system.
How To Avoid It
Make sure the rubber boot on your Smooth Moves suspension is properly attached—it’s designed to prevent water and debris from reaching sensitive parts. Also, avoid scratching the powder-coated steel during installation. These features are there to prolong the life of your pedestal, so do your best to keep them in great condition.
7. Forgetting to Read the Instructions
Yes, installation instructions aren’t exactly captivating. But skipping them—or relying on guesswork—leads to errors.
How To Avoid It
Read through the provided installation manual before you begin. The instructions for the Smooth Moves system are detailed and include all the information you need to install it correctly the first time. A few minutes of reading can save you hours of corrections.
Tips for a Seamless Installation
- Gather your tools: Have all the necessary tools on hand, including a tape measure, wrench set, marine-grade connectors, and a powered drill.
- Recruit a helping hand: Installing an air ride boat seat is easier (and safer) with two people, especially when securing the pedestal or adjusting the seat configuration.
- Work in a clean space: Install your seat in a clean, dry area to avoid losing small parts or contaminating sensitive components.
- Test thoroughly: Once installation is complete, test the seat by sitting on it and engaging the air compressor. Adjust the suspension to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
The Smooth Moves Difference
Smooth Moves redefines what boaters can expect from marine air ride seats. With a built-in air compressor that eliminates the need for a hand pump, straightforward compatibility with most boat models, and saltwater-resistant construction, our systems last and perform.
Installing your Smooth Moves suspension system is as easy as following the correct steps and paying attention to the details. Once it’s installed, you’ll enjoy every outing more with a suspension system that absorbs shocks, enhances comfort, and handles the roughest waves.
We’re always here to assist! If you need help choosing the right pedestal size or troubleshooting an installation issue, contact our support team by phone at 888-583-2701 or by online form.
