Springfield Pedestal Adjustment

[weaselman]

Decided that I wanted more visibility while sitting so I purchased the pneumatic pedestal from Springfield. The base fits exactly where the original holes for the fixed pedestal went. The problem I have is there is a center grove with a level that locks the seat into along with the adjustment screw but where the screws line up the grove is off center. If I place the pedestal where the groove is center to the steering wheel the base holes don't line up.

Is there anyway to make adjustments to the pedestal. I am not going to drill more holes in the boat. I can live with just the adjustment screw but there is some wobbling of the chair.

Picture showing vertical groove slightly off centered but base holes line up


Second picture is vertical groove lined up straight to steering wheel but base holes no longer line up


Looking mechanism into center groove

 

[biffdotorg]

I'm following this, as I was unsure if the base pattern matched up to some of these other springfield options. I don't necessarily need the pneumatic version, but the adjustable would be nice. 6" would be huge, as I sit on 6" cushions now.

Good luck! Please report back.

 

[swatski]

@weaselman Following as well. Could you post a link to the pedestal?
Maybe @Beachbummer @boudin @itsdgm have an idea?

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[Beachbummer]

Are you sure the groove placement is critical? My Garelick base has a lock/unlock at any seat position, so this was not a concern, and my bolts were frozen up and unable to be extracted anyway, so I did drill new holes. There is some sort of aluminum base/ring under there as backing plate, at least for me, because I got aluminum shavings on my drill bit in my SX230 when I drilled those holes.

 

[weaselman]

Here is the link for the pedestal that I purchased.
http://www.cascadedepot.com/mainstay-power-rise-pedestal-with-seat-mount-slide-13-8-to-19-5/

I can lock the seat with the tension knob so if there is no work around I can live with it.

 

[swatski]

Here is the link for the pedestal that I purchased.
http://www.cascadedepot.com/mainstay-power-rise-pedestal-with-seat-mount-slide-13-8-to-19-5/

I can lock the seat with the tension knob so if there is no work around I can live with it.

Wow - what great find! How do you like it, and the built quality?
Thank you for sharing.

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[weaselman]

So far I like the ability to adjust the height. For the price I paid I will live with it not being centered

 

[Beachbummer]

I would not sweat having to drill new holes if you really really want it centered.

At that price that is a very good find!

 

[feziwig]

I ordered the same one, and got it direct from Springfield for the same price. Was in the scratch and dent store, but I couldn't find any blemishes when I got it. Fits perfect and aligned correctly on my 04 SX 230. It's rock solid and great to be able to adjust and get above the windshield. The adjustment sticks a little and sometime you have to bounce up and down a bit to get it to lower, and jiggle to get it to raise, but for $102, its prob the best bang for buck mod I've made to the boat.
Bought it here

 

[swatski]

I would not sweat having to drill new holes if you really really want it centered.

At that price that is a very good find!

Those are bolts not screws though. Not sure how one would embed the nuts, or reach from under the floor...

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[Beachbummer]

I replaced them with screws myself. You could use a tap to thread the aluminum ring, but that seemed harder to do from outside. With 6 screws grabbing into the aluminum with the loctite sealant, I felt it was a very strong install.

 

[biffdotorg]

That's a very fair price for adjustable. I was looking at this option:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wise-8WP21-18S-Adjustable-Boat-Seat-Pedestal-12-18/132518135709?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=0ee801514b934bce812edfbdd8d61209&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=15&sd=132518135709&itm=132518135709&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:fa608a36-b82d-11e8-9d25-74dbd180054a|parentrq:d892cfb51650ab64322a6fbcfff9ad14|iid:1

It was adjustable, but not pneumatic. I like your option better.

One quick question, at it's highest setting, how many inches do you suppose you gained? 6" or more? Thanks for the great write up!

 

[feziwig]

I am pretty sure the stock pedestal on my o4 SX230 was 9". The Springfield I bought is 13.75" at the lowest and 19.5" at the tallest. I think the pedestals do vary a bit on each model, so best bet is to measure your stock one.

 

[biffdotorg]

For sure. My 2011 242LS has an 11" x 2 7/8" post. I would love to go at least 16" or adjustable to that height.

I would consider finding just a new post that was longer, as I have no need to lower it. Unless it gets hard to run the throttles. That's my biggest fear is getting the seat up, and then not be able to get to the throttles properly.

 

[swatski]

Here is the link for the pedestal that I purchased.
http://www.cascadedepot.com/mainstay-power-rise-pedestal-with-seat-mount-slide-13-8-to-19-5/

I can lock the seat with the tension knob so if there is no work around I can live with it.

@weaselman Thanks again for a GREAT tip/recommendation.
I purchased and installed the seat pedestal - love it, from what I see. I think I'll be very happy with this. It is solid, groove not aligning with the front notwithstanding. Goes up way higher than I will ever need it to, but that is not an issue. Has a bit of a bounce when pressed really hard, which should be helpful cushioning blows in hard chop.
I find the adjustments to be WAY MORE intuitive than the OEM chair, as those are more like in an office chair.


Very fast shipping, unbelievable price - for a fully adjustable pneumatic pedestal!

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[Julian]

Does the stock seat ability to slide forwards and backwards still work? That is a good price!

 

[swatski]

Does the stock seat ability to slide forwards and backwards still work? That is a good price!

Yes, it slides forward and back, turns around (locks in the groove which is "misaligned" with the front-rear axis though, but not a big deal for me) - has a friction hand-wheel bolt, AND goes up and down ( a lot!).

Very nice. Different feel from the OEM. The back/fore slide mechanism uses a similar but distinct serrated/tabbed bar/gizmo (same company after all), I like the aftermarket - more smooth.

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[swatski]

So - after a couple of outings, LOVE this thing. Super versatile and easy to operate. Not perfect but what a huge step up from the OEM "2D" pedestal!








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[Scottie]

Just to chime in here for anyone contemplating this upgrade. I installed a garelick pneumatic post a few months ago. The bolt holes did not line up with existing holes. I drilled new holes and tapped by hand with a 1/4x20 tap. No issues at all. Very easy to do. Bolted up nice and tight. If you don't feel the need for new holes, then by all means go for it, but if you do, I wouldn't be scared of it at all.

 

[biffdotorg]

So the only real issue is, if you use the existing holes, you have to use the tension knob to have the seat exactly straight? That's not a huge issue.

But if you want to use the locking mechanism, I should be prepared to drill/tap new holes? That's not a huge issue either.

Thanks guys, this gives me hope for a spring project.