Seat in or Seat out?

[osd9]

I've only had my Dinghy for 2 seasons, and even at that, I only have about 5 hours use on the darn thing. Heck, I'm still using the break-in fuel with double oil.

Anyways, as the title says, do you more seasoned Dinghy folks keep the (wooden) seat in or out. I have an 8'6" Mercury 270 Airdeck. We really don't sit on the seat, and I was thinking that it just takes up space and gets in the way. Does it provide any support between the tubes or can I just remove it?

thanks,

 

[fwebster]

You will find that your wife will have input on this one. I sit on the tubes but my wife is not comfortable unless she has a seat to sit on.....something about sitting as opposed to balancing on a moving beach ball.

I have a Zodiac with an air floor and I can't see that the seat adds anything to my boat's stability or structure.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Long time Zodiac owner here. The seat does not add anything unless you plan to use the oars, or as Frank points out, have someone who prefers the seat to sitting on the tube (and getting their butt wet).

 

[doozie]

Dominic, My zodiac feel apart last year, just bought the same Mercury one at the Balt. Show this weekend, how do you like it and what size motor do you have. I'm thinking of buying a new motor. Thaks Bob

 

[osd9]

Doozie:

I bought my 270 Airdeck at the AC boat show in 2006. It was a 2005 leftover. I don't have a lot of hours on it, but I am very happy with the few that I have.

When I bought in 2006, the 2 strokes were just going out of production. I specifically wanted a 2 stroke for the lighter weight and easy storage. I was able to locate and buy a new leftover 2005 5 hp Mercury 2 stroke. The 5 hp gets the dink on plane with just me on board. The 2 stroke 5hp has a built in gas tank and it also accepts an external tank.