Seat base help

[hommer23]

New boat has the Springfield plug-in seat bases in it, I have never been a fan of that style and I know why. My question is what can I use to lube or aide in the removal of the post? What I have tried so far, I cleaned the plastic insert with soap and water and took rag with screw driver then Q-tips then rinsed same with the ploes. After cleaning I used bee's wax on the base and pole still very hard to remove the poles. I let it set for 2 days and no improvement so I cleaned them again and tried powdered graphite on base and pole still very hard to remove. I also have checked the poles for burrs and the cups for scratches and found none. Any Ideas what I can use to make removal of the poles easier or should I replace the bases with different style?

[REW]

Hommer,
Some folks will use a shim in the bottom of the base to prevent the base from going into the base quite so far.

But if you do this, you need to proceed with caution; If you use a shim that is too thick the post will remain loose and you risk having it come out when not wanted.

----
Other folks have experimented a bit by using a grinder to grind a slight bevel on the bottom edge of the post base. Again, if you do this, have an extra post to experiment on, because if you go too far, you many ruin the post forever.

Good luck
REW

p.s.
Since you are not a fan of this style base and since you are just starting out, it might make the very most sense to simply swap out all of the seat bases now, before you proceed much further with a base of your choice.

By the way, if you do swap out any of the bases, consider making as many of the bases as possible into permanent adjustable height seats. This way, you completely eliminate the issue with post removal, potential seat wobble etc.

For example, in many boats the drivers and passenger seats are behind the windshield and never move so they would be a good candidate.

Also,. on many boats the bow seat is used all of the time and would also be a good candidate for a permanent seat.

You make the call.

Possibly something like this:
http://www.springfieldgrp.com/products-2/plug-in/8709-2

Or for non removable - like this:

http://www.springfieldgrp.com/produc...edestals-boats

Good luck on your choices

REW

[Mike W1]

Clean them good and use common parafin wax. LIGHT coat and no trouble with mine for years now.

[REW]

Hommer,
Is it possible that the current taper lock post with its different base might be a better solution for your problem?

http://www.springfieldgrp.com/products-2/taper-lock

It appears that the plastic base that rivets to the post has been redesigned from past designs. I wonder if you took your seat pedestals, drilled out the rivet and removed the plastic post base and installed the new plastic base designs - if that would fix your problem.

If I recall, the older taper lock bases were of smooth nylon rather than the current new ribbed design.

REW

[REW]

You could also consider adding this accessory to your current seat post.

http://www.bellrpg.net/bell/ma/group...C=530&GRP=3295

This is a step - unlock and raise the seat post in one easy operation.
It might be the ticket for you, especially if you combine it with the new base for your current post.

REW

[chysteve]

Unfortunately my experience has been that no matter what 'lubricant' I put on the bases, I still need the pipe wrench-cheater bar to remove and even then it's no picnic.

[walleyedmike]

A spray can of silicone has done wonders for me. Spray the post, spray the base, problem solved. Try it, it works. You can find it at just about any hardware/home improvement center.

[JLDII]

Take skinnier people fishing! lol

Sorry, I had to say it.

I had the same problem years ago. I took a round wire brush and put it in the power drill. I cleaned the seat base to a mirror shine. No problem since then. Now, I make it a routine item when putting the boat into service after winter storage. For some reason, the aluminum base seems to oxidize over the summer. When it gets to be springtime, there is a layer of crud on the base.

[4JawChuck]

I just replaced all my seat posts and bases when I re-did my floor and no problems except for the little tab being stiff, couple of light whacks with a soft faced hammer loosened the tab so it's a lot easier to remove.

Are yours getting jammed in the taper? As was mentioned, the new design plastic post insert with the ribs is better than the old smooth style.