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I recently purchased a bench seat from Specialty (Looks great - thanks, Eric!) for the stern of my newly acquired 18' outrage. I just received it (along with bow cushions, console back cushions, and a leaning post) on Monday (11/2), so I have not had chance to take it on the water yet with it installed. I am curious as to the impact on getting the boat out on a plane, particularly when there are a couple of folks sitting on it. I am guessing the bench ways around 75 lbs but adding 2 or 3 passengers to it will get the extra stern weight up there. The boat has plenty of power (2006 Yamaha 150) but I suspect I will be straining my neck to see over the bow until it gets up to speed with a full crew. Any thoughts/comments?

http://lauraandthadoutrage.shutterfly...erfly.com/

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I have the stern seat in my Outrage 18. You will notice more weight at the transom with the stern seat and also with people sitting on the seat. It will cause more bow rise when getting on plane. My Outrage 18 has a 2-stroke 150 so the bow rise is not too bad, I suspect the bow rise will be worse with the 4-stroke 150.

In viewing the pictures of your addition, I noticed that you do not have the seatback secured with the seat back rail that runs between the gunnels. See the fourth photo down showing the rear seatback support rail in my personal pages.

Without that rail, your seat is relying on the deck screws for bow/stern lateral support which they are not meant to do and the setup without the rear seatback support rail is dangerous.

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I have the same seat that you purchased. It really makes the boat nice in terms of seating and passenger comfort. You will not notice much of a difference. The benefits far exceed the extra weight. Enjoy your new configuration.

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Thanks for the replies –


Whaler27 – I appreciate the comments on safety… I actually have not installed the bench seat yet given the need for a stern rail. Do you (or anyone else) know where I can find one?

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I would imagine Specialty Marine should sell / include one if they are selling the seat as it needs to be supported from the rear. If they do not, check with check with Sue Lodel at Twin Cities marine. She may still be able to source the part (She is THE cource of all OEM parts and hardware). If Sue can not find it contact Martin Marine. He produces a lot of nice quality reproduction railing, tubing and other stainless parts.

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You can source the part from Fred Caldwell @ CMI Marine. See the webless- vendors list for a phone#. The Part number you want can be found by reviewing the install instructions in the download section

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Thad,

We do have the support rail in stock that goes behind the seat. It is an option that many people choose to not install. This support rail is not needed with our stern seat because the backrest is made from 3/4" ABS and is much more rigid than the original plywood. We will go ahead and send the rail out to you (if you decide you still want it). You should expect the rail in about a week. I will send you a confirmation email. Thanks

Eric

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I just spoke on the phone with someone from CMI Marine products for a new bowrail to be fabricated on my 1971 outrage 21' 4" ribside. Their phone number is: Shop-781-337-0734 ,Cell phone-781-740-1260 , E-mail-CMIMarine@comcast.net He said he's going to make a jig/template so he can make more in the future.

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keep the boat well covered, if the seat get's wet from rain water, it's going to add a lot of weight. You might want to have a good canvass cover made to protect your investment (been there).