ProCraft 1999 180 bench seat replacement

jscott · March 24, 2023, 03:25:04 PM

Hi, hoping to get some advice on available seat replacements for my 1999 ProCraft. When I removed the original bench, I found an access hole in the bench wall. This access is centered exactly where all the new seat replacements have a step, creating a real safety hazard should someone slip or step too far.

I've considered fabricating some kind of panel and they did leave the origin carpet to lay over the patch if I'm able to make it work. (I attached a pic)

I was hopeful someone had a better answer to a replacement bench that would simply fit in the existing spot and cover the hole. Bassboatseats.com has options to fit, but nothing that will also cover the hole.

Thanks in advance.

JS

Princeton_Man · March 24, 2023, 04:44:41 PM

Quote from: jscott on March 24, 2023, 03:25:04 PM
Hi, hoping to get some advice on available seat replacements for my 1999 ProCraft. When I removed the original bench, I found an access hole in the bench wall. This access is centered exactly where all the new seat replacements have a step, creating a real safety hazard should someone slip or step too far.

I've considered fabricating some kind of panel and they did leave the origin carpet to lay over the patch if I'm able to make it work. (I attached a pic)

I was hopeful someone had a better answer to a replacement bench that would simply fit in the existing spot and cover the hole. Bassboatseats.com has options to fit, but nothing that will also cover the hole.

Thanks in advance.

JS

Welcome aboard JScott!

I'm willing to bet that there is a cover plate specifically for that access opening. If you can find a shop or individual who used to sell ProCraft, they'd be able to tell you. My Stratos has a removable metal panel right there with the OMC logo and information on it.

Donald Garner · March 24, 2023, 05:58:31 PM

jscott,

Welcome to the UltimateBass Family we're glad you're here.

Good luck finding a cover for that open space. Have you thought about covering it with a piece of plexiglass and maybe 4 - 6 screws?

jscott · March 27, 2023, 07:26:10 AM

Appreciate the responses. I have considered adding a cover plate of sorts, either plexiglass, starboard or a piece of 1/8" aluminum, something that wouldn't alter the back wall for the seats I want to install. If I can find something thin enough to in behind the carpet, the carpet that's tucked in should cover 99%. I continue to think there has to be a solution I'm missing, so I hold out hope to find it. Spring is coming fast in the Northeast, so something needs to happen, or I'm rolling with my old seat bench for another year.

Princeton_Man · March 27, 2023, 08:08:47 AM

Does this look like the panel? You could carpet a metal or plastic plate to match your carpet.

jscott · March 27, 2023, 09:31:07 AM

Not the same location, but interesting to see that the seats you have with the console/step are exactly what I'm looking to install. The access in my boat is actually just behind where your cup holders are. The step being right where the hole is creates my concern. I'm thinking I can fab something easy enough to cover it but also be able to remove if needed. I'll have things all torn out next weekend and get some better pics.

Are you happy with your seats? I replaced my pedestal seat and casting seat with the BassBoatSeats.com gray and white and have been pleased with the quality/cost.

Princeton_Man · March 27, 2023, 10:51:39 AM

Quote from: jscott on March 27, 2023, 09:31:07 AM
Not the same location, but interesting to see that the seats you have with the console/step are exactly what I'm looking to install. The access in my boat is actually just behind where your cup holders are. The step being right where the hole is creates my concern. I'm thinking I can fab something easy enough to cover it but also be able to remove if needed. I'll have things all torn out next weekend and get some better pics.

Are you happy with your seats? I replaced my pedestal seat and casting seat with the BassBoatSeats.com gray and white and have been pleased with the quality/cost.

I'm curious what if anything that access is for. Other than being able to see my tanks, there's nothing serviceable behind mine. Someone suggested mine may have had a release for the seat pan, but there's nothing there now. I thought maybe it could have been some optional item, but have never asked my old Stratos dealer. My seat pan is held by screws and nothing else. I'm 100% pleased with my seats from bassboatseats.com. I also have two of their LeanPro casting seats and as you can see, their center console, and I'm very happy with those as well.

jscott · March 27, 2023, 03:37:55 PM

Glad to hear that about the seats, makes me want to get this solved all the sooner.

It has to be some form of option that I don't have, the shape and location are far too deliberate. The only thing I could see it helping is possibly access to a line blockage or leak from the live well lines as they are both on the center line, but I wouldn't have even known it was there if I hadn't removed the bench.

jscott · May 02, 2023, 07:58:53 PM

Brief Update. I installed a 1/8" x 24" x 12" rough plastic sheet over the access "hole", I won't call it star board, but close. I did have to reinstall the original seats since I'm on back order until the end of the month. If this concept works, I may elect to put the same panel, but 1/4" thick, we'll see how it hold up once exposed with the new seats installed. It's going to take a very precisely place foot to break this as is. Appreciate the input. Hope this helps someone else down the line.