Removable seat bases. Any comments on Springfield Taper-Lock? Other options?

[M R Dux]

I just ordered my new Excel Storm Cat 230. The stock boat has fixed deck mount pedestal on all 4 seats in the floor. I really want the ability to remove the rear seats for tournament fishing or just whenever I don't want them in the way. The bases have to be strong enough to hold up to the seats being in place when I'm running in rough water with passengers in them. I'm looking at the Springfield Taper-Lock flat bases that require a hole in the floor. As long as I have clearance above the belly gas tank, I don't mind cutting holes in the floor for a flat base. (I'm buying this boat so I can cut it up however I like, unlike the current factory boat I have now.) I know they have been standard equipment on many boat company's new boats over the years. I also know some folks don't like them since they can be prone to sticking in the bases.

I have to go with the 2 3/8 inch diameter posts. The 3/4 inch pin bases are not an option. Do you have these bases or do you have experience with them? Is there a better option for flush mount bases and posts?

["G"]

When I ordered my SeaArk.....i specified what type bases...how many....and locations.

[M R Dux]

When I ordered my SeaArk.....i specified what type bases...how many....and locations.

I've done that on all my other Excel Bay boats and may be able to get it done on this one. The Storm Cat is a totally different animal. Some times it's just easier to do it yourself than fight the battle.

What kind of posts do you have G?

[frugalfisherman]

I have a Lowe with Springfield 2 3/8 post I really like them as far as stability the only downside I have to them is the cost of equipment is very high compared to 3/4 inch stuff the post and seat bases are sometimes harder to find at local stores but are easy to order. Overall I like them once there paid for


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["G"]

I have the 3/4 screw in type

[M R Dux]

I have the 3/4 screw in type

That's what are on my Bay Pro 230 after I swapped them out from the regular 3/4"pins.

[Hanr3]

I have the Springfield taper lock bases in my boat. When I rebuilt it I added more seat bases. They are solid and depending on the pedestal are rated for either driver or passengers while under power. I have three seat bases on the bow, and three in the cabin area. Tiller boat. I can move the two from the cabin to the bow and do it frequently. Running across the lake, seats in the cabin, spider rigging seats in the bow bases. Works great. I also have a 4th seat with adjustable pedestal I put in the bow when it's just me fishing.
You can see all 6 seat baes in the below picture. Yes they are costly, and can be hard to find locally. however they were original equipment on many boats for decades.
Edited to add: check Springfields scratch and dent site, I bought 3 bases on sale for $10 each. they were used at boat shows and had a scratch in them. Not that you can see the scratch now. The three on the bow were original in the boat, it's a 1997 Sylvan. 23 years old and still perform as the day they were installed.

One more thing. When the pedestal sticks in the base, give it a love tap and slightly rock it. It'll come out.