When choosing a side mount boat seat, stability, compatibility, and corrosion resistance are key. This guide highlights five top side-mount options that balance secure mounting with versatile installation, helping you decide which is best for your boat type and fishing style. The selections cover clamp-on bases, pedestal adaptors, and swivel-enabled systems suitable for jon boats, bass boats, kayaks, and small skiffs. Use the quick comparison table below to narrow your pick.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Attwood 15700-3 Seat Mount | General purpose bass boats and jon boats | Universal seat compatibility with adjustable height |
| CLLOMAGY 3/4″ Pin Post Base | Slim pedestal upgrades on narrow bases | Lock-in swivel and solid extension post |
| Attwood 1002 Lock’N-Pin Seat Mount | Compact installations requiring smooth seating | Spring-assisted pin for easier seating |
| CLLOMAGY Boat Seat Swivel Base Mount | Swivel-enabled seating on mid-sized boats | 360° swivel with wide 7.5–18″ adjustment |
| XinKunmarine 360° Mount | Easy, tool-free setup for quick swaps | Dual install options; corrosion-resistant |
Attwood 15700-3 Seat Mount, Clamp-On With Swivel
The Attwood 15700-3 is a clamp-on swivel seat mount designed to fit a broad range of seat hole patterns, making it a flexible upgrade for many boats. Its steel construction with a black powder-coated finish provides strength and corrosion resistance in marine environments. The height adjusts from 7.5 inches to 18 inches, enabling a comfortable seating position whether you’re standing to cast or settled in for long runs. This option is best for anglers who want a robust, mid-range mount that works across several boat models without drilling new holes.
Best for: Boat owners needing universal compatibility and adjustable height without permanent modification. Choose this if you want a sturdy, corrosion-resistant clamp-on solution that can adapt to multiple seating configurations.
Note: Clamp-on devices may require occasional torque checks to maintain stability on rough water.
3/4″ Boat Seat Pin Post Base (CLLOMAGY)
The CLLOMAGY 3/4″ pin post base is a compact extension post designed to fit most standard 7″ x 7″ bases. With an 11″ height and a 1.5″ exterior diameter, it provides a reliable lock-in swivel to prevent accidental detachment. The 3/4″ post, paired with the base, makes it a cost-effective upgrade for smaller boats or spaces where a lightweight pedestal is preferred. It is ideal for boats that need a rigid but simple mounting upgrade without heavy hardware.
Best for: Upgrading smaller boats or tight installations where a slim, reliable swivel is needed. Choose this if you want a straightforward, durable post with predictable compatibility.
Limitation: It is a non-threaded design; ensure your base matches the 7″ x 7″ mounting footprint for compatibility.
Attwood 1002 Lock’N-Pin Seat Mount
The Attwood 1002 Lock’N-Pin Seat Mount uses a 2-3/4″ steel pin with a spring for a smoother seating action. Its black E-Coated finish offers rust resistance and a slight tilt of 3 degrees to adjust seating comfort. With an installed height of about 2 inches, this mount is compact and suitable for boats with limited vertical space. It’s a practical pick for anglers who want a compact, reliable locking mechanism and easier seat insertion.
Best for: Boats needing a compact, low-profile mount with a spring-assisted pin. Choose this if you value a softer, easier seat engagement and a tilt feature for comfort.
Limitation: The tilt is fixed at a small angle; not ideal if you require larger tilt adjustments.
CLLOMAGY Boat Seat Swivel Base Mount
This clamp-on swivel base is designed to replace existing bases or add swivels to bench seats on jon boats, bass boats, kayaks, and skiffs. It supports a 360° swivel and an adjustment range from 7.5 inches to 18 inches, accommodating a wide range of seating heights. The mount body is made from galvanized steel with a black powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance in harsh marine environments. It’s a versatile option when you want a robust, all-purpose seat base that supports full rotation.
Best for: Boats requiring a fully rotatable seating base with broad height reach. Choose this if you want easy installation and a true 360° swivel for optimal angling angles.
Limitation: Heavier construction may be overkill for ultra-lightweight craft or very small boats.
Marinexplore 2 Pack Quick Disconnect Seat Mount
The Marinexplore quick-disconnect design allows rapid removal and reinstallation of a boat seat, which is particularly useful for space-constrained boats. The system combines a heavy-duty cast-iron swivel with a black anti-rust coating and a high-strength plastic quick-release mount. It provides 360° rotation with a secure lock, enabling flexible seat angles during fishing or cruising. This is a strong option for anglers who frequently rearrange seating layouts or remove seats for storage.
Best for: Boats needing fast seat removal and flexible placement. Choose this if you want quick, tool-free operation and robust marine hardware.
Limitation: Quick-release components may require periodic checks to maintain a secure fit in rough water.
Attwood 17720 Seat Swivel
The Attwood 17720 seat swivel features a 360° ball-bearing mechanism and a universal 5-1/4″ mounting hole pattern with a 0° tilt. Its steel construction and black powder-coated finish deliver durability and corrosion resistance. This swivel is ideal for boats that require a smooth, uninterrupted rotation and a straightforward mounting footprint that fits common seat bases. It’s best for anglers who prioritize reliable, maintenance-light rotation during long days on the water.
Best for: Those needing a smooth 360° swivel with a simple, universal mounting pattern. Choose this if you want steady rotation and a robust, corrosion-resistant swivel.
Limitation: Tilt is fixed at 0°, which may not suit all comfort preferences.
Buying Guide: Side Mount Boat Seat Essentials
- Mount type: Clamp-on, pedestal, and bolt-on bases each offer distinct installation styles. Clamp-on is non-permanent and versatile; pedestal bases can require drilling but offer solid support; bolt-on bases require exact hole patterns but deliver maximum stability.
- Swivel capability: 360° swivels maximize adjustability for casting from different angles. Consider whether full rotation is necessary for your boat layout.
- Height adjustability: A wider height range helps accommodate captains of different statures and various seating positions during travel and fishing.
- Material and finish: Choose galvanized steel or powder-coated finishes for corrosion resistance in saltwater and freshwater hulls.
- Weight and footprint: Lighter bases are easier to install on small craft; heavier bases may provide more stability on larger boats but require sturdier mounting.
- Installation footprint: Verify hole patterns and base dimensions match your boat’s seating pedestal or mounting area to avoid misfits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best side mount boat seat for a jon boat? A clamp-on or base-mount that offers 7.5 to 18 inches of height adjustment and a 360° swivel is typically ideal for versatile positioning on jon boats.
- Do I need to drill holes to install a pedestal base? Some bases are designed to clamp on, while others require drilling for a secure fit. Check your boat’s deck and base compatibility before installation.
- Is a 360° swivel necessary for fishing? A full swivel provides optimal visibility and casting angles, especially when side seating is used for fishing with multiple lines or multiple anglers.
- What maintenance is recommended for these mounts? Regularly check bolts, pins, and pivots; apply a light marine-friendly lubricant to moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
- Which material lasts longest in saltwater? Powder-coated steel or galvanized steel with corrosion-resistant finishes generally offer superior longevity in marine environments.
- Can I mix and match seat bases with different seats? Yes, as long as the mounting pattern and diameter are compatible with the seating hardware and the seat’s weight requirements.