Dual Captain Chairs vs Bench

[four_the_kids]

So we’re thinking about upgrading from our 2006 AR210 to a 242 or a 240. The one thing I LOVE about the 210 is the bench seat. I think it offers more seating options as well as makes the space feel more open. With that concern I’m wondering if moving to a 24’ boat really only extends the bow seating.

I know mid 2010 years have the folding seat in the 240’s which I guess is better than no bench, but I really want a dedicated bench!!!! Why do the larger boats get rid of the bench?

Am I dwelling over this too much? Has anyone else here gone from a 210 to a 240? Is it THAT big of a difference?

Over the years, we've had deck boats with captain chairs, and the bench/lounger layout. We've enjoyed both boats for what they offered in amenities, not just the seating configuration. We've adjusted our interior "likes" to what we figured worked best for our growing family and found the bench/lounge adapted best for us.
Captain chairs, bench seating was never the "key" reason we purchased this/that boat, our family "needs" (then and now) was always our top priority!

 

[Babin Farms]

Hey Babin what kind of cooler is that? We've been looking at getting a pair of low profile soft sided coolers to put under the chairs on each side, one for drinks and one for food.

Soft sided Coolers | AO Coolers | United States

AO Coolers makes the best soft sided coolers in the game. With many different materials and colors to choose from you are guarenteed happiness with your cooler.

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We have the 38 Pack Stow n Go. Plenty large enough for a day on the water

 

[SCP1]

Having the J seating is nice for extra room plus space underneath the seat. In our AR190 I can't sit facing the rear without my head hitting the windshield. Not the biggest deal though

I’m not certain but it appears this may be fixed when they redesigned the hull in 2019. I had the same complaint on my 2017 AR195.

 

[the MfM]

Haha too funny! Sound like we have the bench people and the dual chairs kind of people.

We should have a spot under our avatars to denote dual/bench seating!

 

[Mesa50]

My wife wouldn't consider a boat without a captains seat for her!

My wife wanted the 212XE for the same reason. We looked at an AR210 and then a 212XE and she immediately decided a captain’s chair was necessary for her. It’s just the 2 of us most of the time, so passengers needing extra butt room is rarely an issue. The bench would be slightly better for a boat load, but I never have more than 5 total. The captain’s chairs are pretty dang comfortable.

 

[212s]

Soft sided Coolers | AO Coolers | United States

AO Coolers makes the best soft sided coolers in the game. With many different materials and colors to choose from you are guarenteed happiness with your cooler.

www.aocoolers.com

We have the 38 Pack Stow n Go. Plenty large enough for a day on the water

Whoa, plenty large is right...ordered two of them thinking they didn't look that big, but geezes these are huge. Figure one is good for 4-6 people and a full day on the water with drinks and food. We really like how they slide in behind the bucket chairs out of the way and don't move. The low profile concept is excellent...wish they made a smaller 24-can version too. So a thumbs up for AO Coolers and these soft-sided models.

 

[Nightmare]

My wife and I have been out of boating for about 15 years. Our last boat was a 16' Wellcraft with the double jack-knife seats.
When looking at the Yamahas I really like the double Capt Chairs. We ended up with a 242 and the convertable passenger bench.
It does seem much nicer than the 190 style where the console is the backrest.

 

[SCP1]

Whoa, plenty large is right...ordered two of them thinking they didn't look that big, but geezes these are huge. Figure one is good for 4-6 people and a full day on the water with drinks and food. We really like how they slide in behind the bucket chairs out of the way and don't move. The low profile concept is excellent...wish they made a smaller 24-can version too. So a thumbs up for AO Coolers and these soft-sided models.

Next time you have it out take some pictures, I would like to see how the coolers fit. Thanks.

 

[haknslash]

OP, to give you a size difference or really where the size changes see the image below. As you can the majority of the additional space is in the bow and midship of the cockpit.

 

[212s]

Next time you have it out take some pictures, I would like to see how the coolers fit. Thanks.

I'll try to remember, but I can tell you they fit nicely behind the seats. They stick out a bit past the sides of the rear seating, but about the same as the bucket seats so they're not a trip point when walking around.

 

[212s]

Next time you have it out take some pictures, I would like to see how the coolers fit. Thanks.

Was just the wife and I so only needed one, but here's how it looks behind the port seat in our 212s. It looks big, but it doesn't stick out past the chair and is not a trip hazard. We really like how it stays put and out of the way of foot traffic. Slides under the seat without issue. The starboard seat is a bit lower so the other one just fits when not packed tight. Click on the image for a full size pic:

 

[Betik]

Give me bench or give me death ......

We are a family of 4 with 10 and 8 years old kids. The bench seating is always on the down position. We only had it up when we crossed to Bimini otherwise it is alway down.

Aside from the seating, I would say not to underestimate the fuel efficiency of a TR1 over the 1.8HO. It is not just about money, but if you make long trips it because a safety thing too. I still have bit gotten over the fact the crossing to Bimini Bruce burned 36 gallons where there the rear of us burned well over 45 gallons. Granted a seasoned captain will use less fuel I think the engines helped a lot.