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Why You Need Boat Leaning Posts
A boat leaning post, also known as a helm seat or bolster, is an important accessory for any boat. They are a key part of nautical design that helps improve your time at sea. Here are some of the key reasons why you need one.
- Comfort – Boat leaning posts support your body weight so you don’t have to stand all day while steering the boat. This makes long days on the water much more comfortable.
- Stability and control – Boat leaning posts give you something solid to brace against when encountering waves or rough conditions. This helps you maintain better control over the boat.
- Allows you to use the boat while seated – With a leaning post, you can comfortably operate the boat while seated instead of having to stand at the console the whole time.
- Custom support – Leaning posts come in many styles with adjustable heights, angles, armrests and backrests. You can dial in the perfect position for your body.
- Safer boating – By providing stability and support, a leaning post allows you to safely operate the boat while minimizing fatigue. This helps prevent accidents.
- Less back pain – Standing all day is hard on your back. A leaning post properly aligns your spine and weight to minimize back strain.
As you can see, a quality boat leaning post provides essential comfort, stability and ergonomics for safer, easier boating. It’s considered an absolute necessity by most captains and boaters.
Prepare to amplify your marine safety, and discover your ideal pro series leaning post with a matching seat cushion. This guide will help you understand the different benefits of boat leaning posts. Then, it will talk about the six best brands of boat leaning posts that you are able to buy now!
Using Boat Leaning Posts
Comfort and Stability
One of the biggest benefits of using boat leaning posts is enhanced comfort. These boat leaning posts support your body weight so you don’t have to stand in an uncomfortable position all day while steering the boat. The ability to sit or lean against the post reduces back strain and fatigue.
Leaning posts also provide stability by giving you something solid to brace against when hitting waves or rough conditions. This helps you maintain better control and balance on the boat. Quality posts have non-slip surfaces and padded armrests and backrests for optimal comfort and support even in choppy seas.
Safety While Boating
Using boat leaning posts promote safer boating in several ways. By reducing fatigue, it helps you stay alert and focused on operating the boat. The stability it provides also gives you better control to quickly respond to changing conditions around you.
Leaning posts allow you to steer and operate the boat while seated. This is much safer than having to stand and balance at the console the whole time. Models with adjustable heights and angles let you dial in a secure position tailored to your body and boating needs.
Fatigue and Strain
Spending long days standing at the helm of a boat can really wear you down. It puts considerable strain on your back, legs and body. Boat leaning posts properly align your spine and weight distribution to minimize this strain.
The ability to sit and lean against the padded post as needed prevents fatigue. Features like adjustable armrests, footrests and back angles allow the post to ergonomically conform to your body for optimal comfort. This keeps you feeling fresher longer during extended fishing, watersports or leisure boating trips.
The Health Benefits of a Boat Leaning Post
Support for Long Boating Trips
Quality boat leaning posts designed specifically for marine use provide ergonomic support tailored to the boating environment. Key features that benefit your health and comfort include:
- Adjustable heights and angles to dial in proper spinal alignment.
- Contoured backrests that conform to your lower back.
- Padded armrests to reduce strain on shoulders and arms.
- Built-in footrests so you don’t have to stand the whole time.
Together, these design elements help minimize back, neck and muscle strain during long boating days. They allow you to sit, stand or lean in a natural position that maintains proper posture and weight distribution.
Impact on Joints and Muscles
All the leaning, bending and balancing required to operate a boat takes its toll on your joints over time. Boat leaning posts help minimize this impact in a few key ways.
It allows you to steer and control the boat while seated so you don’t have to stand on hard surfaces all day. The ability to sit back and stretch out on the padded post also gives your joints and muscles a break from extended standing.
Models with adjustable armrests and footrests allow you to dial in secure support positions tailored to your body. This minimizes strain and discomfort by stabilizing your joints in neutral positions.
Proper Posture and Spinal Alignment
Maintaining proper posture is essential for back health, especially when engaged in physically demanding activities like boating. Problem is, the seated positions at most helm stations cause you to slouch and bend in ways that misalign the spine.
This is where a specialized boat leaning post comes in. The ability to angle and adjust the backrest allows you to align the natural curves of your spine for optimal comfort and support. The contoured lumbar cushions on most posts also cradle your lower back securely.
Quality armrest and footrest adjustments let you dial in secure postural support whether sitting or standing. This further prevents painful spinal twisting and hunching that can occur when battling winds and waves.
What to Look Out for When Buying a Boat Leaning Post
The Right Material and Construction
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
Boat leaning posts are constructed from either marine-grade aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Aluminum is extremely corrosion resistant while also being lighter weight. It does require more maintenance in certain saltwater environments.
Stainless steel posts offer superior corrosion resistance with very little required care. However stainless steel is considerably heavier than aluminum.
Consider your boating environment and needs for strength, weight and maintenance when choosing between the two materials. Models with powder coated or anodized aluminum frames offer enhanced corrosion protection.
Cushioned vs. Non-Cushioned
For maximum comfort, most boaters prefer a leaning post with ample padding on the backrest, armrests, footrest and leaning surface. Thick marine-grade vinyl cushions provide shock absorption and a non-slip grip.
Non-cushioned posts feature hard plastic or composite padding. These are easier to clean and maintain, but less comfortable for long days on the water. Removable cushion sets are a good compromise that allow custom comfort and easy cleaning.
Custom Options
Since all bodies are shaped differently, look for a leaning post with multiple adjustment points. This includes height, angle, armrest width and footrest positions. The ability to customize these ergonomic settings is key for dialing in proper support and stability.
Many posts also offer accessories like rod holders, tackle storage, drink holders and electronics mounts. Consider how you plan to use the boat and choose accessories suited to your needs.
Higher end leaning posts even allow you to customize cushion fabrics and frame colors. This allows the post to coordinate with your boat’s aesthetics for an integrated look.
Sizing and Your Boat
It’s important to choose boat leaning posts sized appropriately for your vessel. Compact models fit smaller center consoles while larger posts are made for spacious sport fishing boats.
Consider your boat’s layout, available space, console configuration and number of occupants. Also measure the width between port and starboard gunwales at the proposed install location.
In addition to proper sizing, ensure the post mounts securely and is positioned for optimal ergonomics. There should be enough room to swing your legs around and stand up without obstruction.
Consult your boat manufacturer to verify transom weight limits are not exceeded. Some custom fabrication may be required to retrofit certain posts onto boats lacking standard mounting points.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Look for boat leaning posts designed for straightforward installation without requiring major modifications. Most feature corrosion resistant mounting hardware and all necessary wiring to plug and play electronics.
Maintenance needs vary based on materials and marine environment. Powder coated aluminum requires minimal care beyond rinsing with freshwater. Stainless steel is nearly maintenance-free, while cushion sets need occasional cleaning.
Storage considerations are also important. Some posts allow you to easily fold down the backrest or remove cushion sets for compact off-season storage. Quick-release mounts even enable removing the entire post when necessary.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation, use and maintenance will keep your leaning post in good working condition for years of comfortable boating.
Top 6 Boat Leaning Post Brands
1. Taco Marine’s Neptune Premium Boat Leaning Post
Taco Marine is well known for their durable and customizable marine products, including their Neptune leaning post. It features a fiberglass base construction with closed-cell foam cushions wrapped in UV-resistant vinyl.
The Neptune comes in a variety of colors and can be customized with rod holders, tackle drawers, cutting boards, sink basins and other accessories. It can also be mounted in various configurations. Thick, contoured cushions provide superior comfort and back support.
With heavy duty materials that resist saltwater and UV rays, Taco’s Neptune leaning post is built to last many fishing seasons in harsh marine environments. It is one of the best posts you can buy now!
2. Carver Boat Leaning Posts
Carver has been hand-crafting custom boat leaning posts and marine seating in the USA for over 50 years. Their posts feature solid teak or maple construction along with thick, contoured cushions.
Each post can be customized for the client with a choice of materials, colors, accessories like rod holders and configurations. Carver uses the highest grade vinyl and foam to ensure maximum comfort and durability.
As a premium boat seat builder, Carver is known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their leaning posts provide superior comfort and customization for captains looking to upgrade their fishing boat.
3. Springfield Marine Leaning Posts
Springfield Marine manufacturers a wide selection of leaning posts for bass boats, center console boats, and other fishing boat models. Their posts feature fiberglass bases with closed cell foam cushions and durable marine grade vinyl upholstery.
Many of their leaning posts come equipped with accessories like rod holders, tackle drawers, cutting boards, grab rails, and storage compartments. Custom embroidery and color options allow further customization.
Springfield uses quality materials resistant to UV rays, saltwater, and stains. With padded armrests and back support, their posts provide stability and comfort in rough waters.
4. Todd Boat Leaning Posts
For over 20 years, Todd has handcrafted customized leaning posts for bass fishing boats and other marine vessels. Their posts feature solid wood bases with thick, contoured cushions using dense foam and durable vinyl marine upholstery.
Each post can be customized with a variety of accessories, color combinations, and mounting configurations. Todd is known for making posts specific to each boat model for a factory fit. They use marine grade materials designed to withstand years in the elements.
With Todd’s craftsmanship and customization, captains benefit from a leaning post tailored specifically for their fishing boat and fishing style.
5. Garmin Navionics Boat Leaning Posts
In addition to their marine navigation and fish finding systems, Garmin offers a line of leaning posts integrated with their electronics for convenience. Their GRID posts allow captains to operate their GPS, sonar, and other Garmin systems right from the leaning post.
Made of powder coated aluminum, the posts feature contoured cushions and backrests for comfort. Integrated mounts allow multiple Garmin screens to be positioned for easy access and viewing while navigating or fishing.
With navigation, fish finding, and vessel monitoring at the captain’s fingertips, Garmin’s GRID posts allow for a customized and integrated command center on any fishing boat.
6. Fishmaster Leaning Posts
Fishmaster creates high quality leaning posts designed specifically for offshore fishing boats and center consoles. Made of fiberglass with aluminum frames, their posts feature thick marine grade cushions wrapped in UV-resistant vinyl.
In addition to comfort, Fishmaster’s posts offer great customizability and storage. Captains can choose from livewells, tackle drawers, cutting boards, rod holders, and other accessories to create their ideal fishing station.
With sturdy construction that can handle rough offshore conditions, Fishmaster posts provide serious anglers with an optimal combination of comfort, performance and convenience while fishing.
Conclusion
When selecting a boat leaning post, key factors to consider are comfort, durability, customization and integrated accessories.
Taco Marine’s Neptune posts give great mounting options, all-weather durability and thick cushioning for offshore fishing. Carver uses good materials and good construction to create custom works of art for each boat. Springfield Marine offers great performance at reasonable prices with a variety of built-in accessories and options.
For bass boats and other fishing vessels, Todd’s customized solid wood posts deliver factory-quality fit and finish. Garmin’s GRID posts integrate navigation electronics for ultimate convenience, while Fishmaster builds stable, offshore fishing leaning posts with abundant storage and accessories.
If you aren’t sure where to start searching for a boat leaning post, we recommend shopping at West Marine. They have countless options from marine hardware and beyond. After buying your leaning post, you can also pick up sea hunt fuel tanks, fishing accessories, engine brackets, marine plumbing items, and fishfinders.
By evaluating their construction, comfort, customizability and performance on the water, captains can select the ideal leaning post from one of these premium brands for their fishing boat needs. Then, the post can make living on your boat much easier!
