The Boating Forum - leaning post?? what do you have

I am in the works of getting a leaning post to replace my ice chest swing back seat. I like the seat I have, but think a leaning post will serve my needs better sice I stand 99% of the time.
However, my 6 yr old Son likes to sit on the seat when we are under way, especially when it is cold.

I am leaning towards a post with a fixed back rest and rod holders on the back of the rest instead of one that has a removable back rest. I figure my Son will be able to sit on the leaning post if it has a back rest???

What do yall have and why?

Pics are always nice :tht_rulez:

20' Sea Hunt Center Console boat. Factory fiberglass leaning post with a folding footrest on the front, fixed backrest, two rod holders behind the backrest, tackle lockers and lots of enclosed storage with two access hatches (one each side). My five year old daughter finds it easy to climb up and sit on the leaning post next to me. I chose the fiberglass leaning post because of the large amount of enclosed storage space. All of my fishing tackle fits in the two tackle locker in the back. I have integrated fish-box/coolers in the bow platform so I don't need space for a cooler under the leaning post.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/octavio8/202.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/octavio8/SH2025.jpg

I have the Birdsall post. There is a removable backrest (not shown) that fits into the rocket launcher. Honestly, I never use the backrest but I would recomend the post.

Well, Photobucket is down. I will try the picture later.

HullSlap, I was thinking that the back rest will help my Son too. It adds about $200 when all is said and done, but worth it in the end to me. :tht_rulez:

I forget the name of the leaning post I have on the boat but the back rest comes off. The nice thing about it is when the back rest is on it makes a great seat for when my son, he's 6. But when offshore trolling take it out and I use the back rod holder as a spot for trolling and it makes it easy to get to the pole when the action is hot.

Don C

Got rid of the leaning post in my 2001 Cobia 234 and replaced it with some comfy bucket type captain's chairs with bolsters that can be raised for standing up while underway ( in effect, they become individual leaning posts with the bolsters up). The seats swivel 360 degrees and can slide back and forth about 8". The leaning post was too uncomfortable for two guys to sit on while trolling. We sometimes troll for hours, at 2-3 mph. With the new set up, we can sit with our feet up on the transom in comfort. I love it !! Really glad I changed.

Paul

I just replaced my captains chairs with the Todd adjustable width leaning post and back rest.
I really like it so far, seem to have more room and the chairs were about useless unless sitting still.

Got the Admiral a new Nikon D40x for Christmas and as soon I as can remember how I will post some pictures, install took less than 1 hour
and most of that was unboxing the thing.

Very sturdy and does not make any noise at all, something I was worried about

hullslap ,I like that one better than the one my sea hunt came w/ ,I wish I had that storage

After having chairs on our other boat, we really like the leaning post, as we stand 99% of the time while running the boat.
Storage is a big factor in a small boat so we made some lockable doors on our lp. Added rod tubes on each side with slots for hook-outs and bait knife. If we sat more I'd add the back(goes into standard rod tubes) and a foot rest.
Inside we have milk crates on their side, perfect for stacking plano boxes full of plugs etc.
The grab rail is nice for people standing behind while running.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=16662

Here is what I installed in the Sea Hunt I'm currently running to replace the flip flop cooler thing...It holds a 94 qt cooler.. I did modify it by removing the bar across the back and replaceing it with a quick release snap with a strap.. it was too hard to lift the cooler over the bar to get goood acess to the cooler for tossing fish in ...

24840
24841
29130

jtburf

I just purchased a new leaning post from welds of art on ebay I will receive it this week you can call David at 305-986-1756 It look like good quality equipment with under seat storqge, cooler space , foot rest and attached back rest with rod holders. thanks hank

Birdsall...... Best mod I did to my bay boat was get rid of the flip seat and go to this seat... The back rest flips, I also had 2 'side rigger/holders' added and a rigging table added... Sweeeeet. Theres more picts in my album.


http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=15510
http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=15513

Finally got to my pics, I hope this works. I repleaced the swingback cooler with this Birdsall post. Gained storage, support and retained cooler space and a place to sit. What is not shown is the fold down foot rest which my 8 year old uses when she is at the helm. :thumbsup:

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/mersiles/DSC_0933.jpg (http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/mersiles/?action=view¤t=DSC_0933.jpg)

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/mersiles/DSC_0860.jpg (http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/mersiles/?action=view¤t=DSC_0860.jpg)

Afishinado - 1/3/2008 7:36 AM

Birdsall...... Best mod I did to my bay boat was get rid of the flip seat and go to this seat... The back rest flips, I also had 2 'side rigger/holders' added and a rigging table added... Sweeeeet. Theres more picts in my album.


http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=15510
http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=15513


Real nice,. I bet it was big $$ tho.

I do a lot of drift fishing for fluke/flounder and prefer to be seated when drift fishing. This rules out 99.9% of Leaning posts except that one. Probably way out of my budget tho.

I also like the seats with the flip up/down bolsters as well, but again, those are big, big $$$ from what I have seen.

That birdsall is sweet tho.

mboy, it was expensive IMHO, but there was nothing else that even came close in quality with a flip backrest, I like sitting and facing aft when fishing on the hook. As it turns out, it is pretty rare that I do that, but when I do, it is super nice to be able to sit facing aft with my feet resting on the aft deck.

Doorkicker; I wanted to warn you about the rodholders you see on many LP's, they're great for standard CC's, but really don't work well on bay boats with aft casting decks. When rods are in them, the rods are very much in the way. There's just not enough deck to get around the rods....

mboy- wanted to add; Take a look at Smittys, they had a similar design LP to mine but not done nearly as well for about 1/2 the money.

Afishinado - 1/4/2008 8:06 AM

mboy, it was expensive IMHO, but there was nothing else that even came close in quality with a flip backrest, I like sitting and facing aft when fishing on the hook. As it turns out, it is pretty rare that I do that, but when I do, it is super nice to be able to sit facing aft with my feet resting on the aft deck.

Doorkicker; I wanted to warn you about the rodholders you see on many LP's, they're great for standard CC's, but really don't work well on bay boats with aft casting decks. When rods are in them, the rods are very much in the way. There's just not enough deck to get around the rods....

mboy- wanted to add; Take a look at Smittys, they had a similar design LP to mine but not done nearly as well for about 1/2 the money.

Afishinado, nice boat by the way. I thought about that long and hard. That is why I am getting a LP with a fixed back rest and the rod holders are across the back of the back rest. This will put the rods in a close to vertical position. Plus I have a 24ft bay boat that has a rather large aft casting deck.

A LP with no fixed back rest, seem to hold the rods in a more slanted to the rear position and are lower too. I agree that this type would put all the rod ends directly in the path of a aft casting deck.

I am hoping that it will work!!!

Designed this, and had built for 22' Outrage I regret not still having as an inshore boat...
http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/misc%20forge%20pictures%20421.jpg
http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/misc%20forge%20pictures%20327.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/fishing1167/ImportedPhotos00017.jpg

Not real sure this is a good picture, But I do regret having the pemenant back rest because of the lack of room I have to walk around the back of the boat unless I jump up on the deck to get around the back rest. Just something to think about..

It works for leaning or sitting and it stores all of the tackle that you need within arms reach. There is also tons of storage under both the front and back. The back storage compartment can be plumed as a livewell. All the cushions are off in this picture.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=749

-Scott

I want to say again, swapping out my flip seat cooler for a leaning post was the best thing I've done to the boat.. It is so much easier on your body...

The cooler is a little smaller, but the space in the storage tray makes up for it . :thumbsup:
Having the rail around the backrest for hand holds is GREAT.

There are tons of LP's once you start looking at them, most will customize for you.

This off-the-shelf type from Taco is pretty nice for $539.
http://www.defender.com/large/402017_l.jpg

Taco Neptune II, a great product.

Some great designs in this thread. You may want to pick/choose the good points on the various designs and check price of having something custom made with all the options you like the best. Lots of ideas in these posts.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/thundra04struck/Lookingbacktowardsleaningpostanddow.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/thundra04struck/LeaningPostConsoleFinished.jpg

Yes, having the backrest built in so as not to take up 2 rodholder slots is the key. Put the cooler underneath, put a bungee on it and good to go. I could go without a bungee but the cooler won't move at all with a bungee on it.

And yes, great for the kids, or at least my neice and nephew.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/thundra04struck/NikTyMeDusky.jpg

My boat has a great leaning post. My kids sit on it while underway, and I lean on it. The back rest is removable, but I leave it in all the time, my only comlaint is that there should be rocket launchers going across. There is storage for a 96q cooler, with bungie tie downs easy access. There is a section that has rigging storage with a drain, and a dry storage under each seat. I would look at the whaler site and look at their leaning post, well thought out. Then compare it to what you are looking at.

Happen to come across this in my notes...
Here is the Smittys I was talking about, $569.00 Base Price. Their model 8000...

http://www.smittysmarine.net/images/80002_WEB%5B1%5D.jpg

I also swapped out the flip/flop bench on my boat with the Taco II Neptune, best thing I ever did to the boat, very happy with it.

I am working with a couple different custom makes and I should be able to get exactly what I want. I'll post some pics as soon as I get it installed.

Thanks for all the advice.

Try Island Towers on Laurendine Rd. in Theodore, they do a lot of t-tops & leaning post for boat dealers in the area.

This guy, which is 60 miles north of me in Tallahassee, is building me one.. . pick it up Tuesday.. went no back rest, (get removable later) folding foot rest, cooler strap, 36 inches wide, under seat storage area, 4 rod holders.. $650.
This Guy on ebay... (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CUSTOM-LEANING-POST-W-4-RODHOLDERS_W0QQitemZ130183735818QQcmdZViewItem?has h=item130183735818&_trksid=p3756.m20.l1116)

I have a Scout 172 shrinkwrapped. How would that Taco II neptune fit on this size boat?

You may want to check out Arrigoni Design, they have many models to choose from including to type that slip over pedistals - arrigonidesign.com.

Flips up for well access.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s320/23Dorado/IMG_0237.jpg

I have put the leaning post on hold for now. I decided that since my Son rides behind the console with me, that having him sit so high up on the LP would not be a good idea. My flip flop seat is SS and the back rest can be locked forward and acts like a leaning post if need be for now. When my Son is older, I may add a LP but for now I'll leave it be.

Finally got to my pics, I hope this works. I repleaced the swingback cooler with this Birdsall post. Gained storage, support and retained cooler space and a place to sit. What is not shown is the fold down foot rest which my 8 year old uses when she is at the helm. :thumbsup:

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/mersiles/DSC_0933.jpg (http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/mersiles/?action=view%C2%A4t=DSC_0933.jpg)



Are the Birdsall posts aluminum or stainless?

Is that the "whale tail" or the regular rear handrail?

I'm looking at the 32" as the console on my CC is 30" wide. I saw a stainless 30" from a Florida shop as well that is suitable. Has anyone installed one of these smaller posts? Comments appreciated, please mention brand, model, and accessories, links are always welcome.

Thanks in advance.

I have a leaning post/livewell combo. The lid of the livewell is cushioned so it doubles as a seat facing backward. It has four rod holders and some storage underneath. It was an option on my May-Craft, but I think Parkers have almost the exact same set-up.

I made the switch from a cooler seat to a leaning post and its the best thing I have done to the boat. My friends drink like fish and I got tired of standing up every time they wanted a beer.

Interesting