AI seat mod the bigger the cushion

6'4" tall and own an AI, forget the stock seat. The stock seat high point hits me lower than mid back. Nothing to push against when you pedal. The GTS Expedition seat claims to solve the problem but in reality is barely higher in the back section than stock. So I designed and test laser cut from cardboard a backbone. It will provide support for the entire back. WIll still use the stock seat and my high back PFD will provide all of the cushioning necessary. Will cut from aluminum tomorrow. I will run it through the pinch rolls to get s bit of "cup" to it. Countersink the 3 holes in the seat back flush for screws. Comments?

Great mod idea. I generally want to avoid drilling anything unless I absolutely have to. I suggest the following...
1) Don't drill through the AKA directly. Devise a mounting block that clamps on the AKA bar, then mount your top support on that.
2) Do not drill through the hull for the lower mounts. I would come up with something that can reuse the existing screw holes that are already on both ends of the AKA mount.
(With 1 & 2, you still end up with three mounting points as in your original design.)
3) The back support plate is so high, and the upper corners kinda flare out, it might be a bit difficult to reach for stuffs behind the seat. How about chopping the upper corners by 4-5 inches? Or, divide the back plate into two pieces connected by hinges. Make it so the top piece can fold down. that way you can reach the tank well with ease.
4) Since this is going to be made of aluminum, you might also want to think about adding additional mounts on the back for things like hanging small fanny packs, beers, or even rod holders, ...

Good luck,
ernest

Dimple dye that bad boy. Reminds me of a bomber seat

See pic. Should have no issues with reach-around. I have wrecked countless kayak and boating seats with my delicate frame. I would love to find a solution that does not require hull penetration. How else to handle loads except for 2 point tiedown?

stock seat sucks....I am 6'3" and GTS is fine. Just sayin' But I do like the home brew idea regardless

stock seat sucks....I am 6'3" and GTS is fine. Just sayin' But I do like the home brew idea regardless

Good info thanks. I may try the GTS prior to hull violation but according to measurements the GTS seat is no higher than the stock hobie (18 inch)?


gear attachment points, check!

That seems like a very good solution to the Hobie uncomfortable seat. keep us updated on the progress.
 

i think it feels higher b/c its a bit more substantial and solid. It also has a 4 point attachment. I would say if you can get your mod to lean back that would be awesome for those lazy summer drift and bait soaking days. That would be a mod I could get into.

Pat, I like where the mods are going.  We need to get together at your shop one of these afternoons and have a think tank meeting around the laser cutter and a pile of aluminum!  Oh the trouble we could get into! 

Bill

i think it feels higher b/c its a bit more substantial and solid. It also has a 4 point attachment. I would say if you can get your mod to lean back that would be awesome for those lazy summer drift and bait soaking days. That would be a mod I could get into.

I figure leaning back will be the natural position. Recumbent=efficient and comfortable.

i think it feels higher b/c its a bit more substantial and solid. It also has a 4 point attachment. I would say if you can get your mod to lean back that would be awesome for those lazy summer drift and bait soaking days. That would be a mod I could get into.

I figure leaning back will be the natural position. Recumbent=efficient and comfortable.

I mean like taking a nap leaning back:))

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Nice work. Can you roll it to contour better? Maybe you can create some sort of mounts or holder for a Gopro and safety flag.

I like it.

Dino Abulencia
HOW-NWest

See pic. Should have no issues with reach-around. I have wrecked countless kayak and boating seats with my delicate frame. I would love to find a solution that does not require hull penetration. How else to handle loads except for 2 point tiedown?

You're right. It doesn't look too high or wide from the picture.

Instead of the two tabs in your design, perhaps you can use an aluminum plate like this? You can still use the two tie downs if you feel the need. Just a thought.

Hobie needs to hire some tall people on their staff.

See pic. Should have no issues with reach-around. I have wrecked countless kayak and boating seats with my delicate frame. I would love to find a solution that does not require hull penetration. How else to handle loads except for 2 point tiedown?

I would suggest using at least 1/8" aluminum sheet and continue the back to the bottom of the seat and bend a large tab that you will sit on.  On the upper part of the hobie seat between the padding (near where you have it clamped) you could install 3 or 4 grommets and bolt your plate to the seat back.  This may provide all the support you need, but if you need more, I'd use 1" square tubing and a U-bolt around your AKA mount and attach the other end to the plate.