Unless you happen to own a boat, you may not realize how many different kinds of boat seats are available to boat owners. Boat seats are important, not only for the comfort of your passengers, but also because it would be dangerous for passengers to remain standing while navigating rough waters, or even most harbor and coastline waters.

Boat seats are called by a variety of names, and can be known as fighting or fishing chairs, Captain's boat seats, drop away seats and bucket boat seats. Some seats come in bench designs and others are collapsible. A leaning post is also considered a boat seat, and offers standing passengers something to hang on to when needed.

Boat seats can also be custom designed and manufactured, so it's really up to the boat owner to decide on fabric, colors and styles. Of course, fabrics that will stand up to harsh sunlight and salty water are a must, and your local boat parts manufacturer or supplier will be able to determine which fabrics are suitable for your boat seats and which are not.

Some boat seats are entirely upholstered while others come in a combination of wood and steel, or steel and cushions, and some are hard while others are soft. Boat seats can come with or without armrests, and some are padded, others not. Hundreds of designs are available through most Internet boat suppliers and catalogs.

Some boat seats are specially designed for deep-sea fishing seating, while other types are designed for mere comfort. Foldaway boat seats are popular with captain's who don't have an excess of boat decking, and can be stowed below decks when not in use.

Boat seats are necessary accessories for any boat. When shopping for boat seats, make sure that the materials used to construct the seats are durable and long lasting, and if possible, ask for marine grade vinyl. The stitching used in boat seats is as important as the fabrics used to create them, as salt water, rain and sun damages many threads and will increase wear and thinning.

If possible, ask for Gortex thread to be used when assembling your boat seats and cushions. Seats and cushions can also be designed with medium, firm or extra firm padding foam, so you may even want to use a variety on your boat, especially if you normally have passengers on board.

If wood is going to be used in the construction of your boat seats, and show, make sure it's pressure treated. Likewise, ensure that steel bolts or staples used in the construction of your boat seats are stainless steel to prevent rust and unsightly rusting streaks.

Boat seats are accessories that insure not only the comfort of your passengers, but also serve to add a bit of personality to your boat. Not to be overlooked or ignored, boat seats can be both functional and decorative, and when looking for seating arrangements for your passengers, check out the wide variety of cushions and boat seats available at your local boating supply store.