Pro Angler Vantage seat mod...EASY!

[bolocop]

So it sounds like I'm one of the few who find the Vantage seat somewhat uncomfortable after extended periods of time. It's certainly better than the gel pads that come in the stock kayak seats for the other Mirage kayaks in the Hobie family. I always replace those with the $50 icomfort air cushion seat Hobie sells. As a result, I could fish the entire day with no numbness in my legs or rear.

Then I purchased a 2014 PA12 and the numbness came back. If you have similar symptoms, this mod may be of interest. Buy yourself a Thermarest lite self-inflating air cushion $27. Any air cushion will work, but make sure the cover of the cushion is synthetic and dries fast, that pad itself isn't too thick, and will fit. Also check your Vantage seat. I have a 2014 and I'm not sure if the design has changed for years prior.

This is a no-brainer for me. Cheap and no modification to the seat. I think it'll even stay in the event of a yard sale.

I tried to search for Vantage seat modifications, so maybe this has been brought up, but I couldn't find anything.

Here's the youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmf5HEm6RII

[Zfish03]

Looks worth it, I'm on board with you. My boney ass always kills me at the end of the day!

[ChristLike]

I have the old seat with 2 patio chair cushions, one to sit on one for the back rest. They fit perfect and turns the seat into pretty much a couch. Fish all day and feel nothing. Best thing about it is you probably have some at home

https://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrB8p0FEP1SZyEAM72JzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTIzbj FwazJiBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAMyZTE0OGJmY2I2ZDFj MzIyYjQ1ZTUwMmFiOTZmMmQ1ZARncG9zAzY3BGl0A2Jpbmc-?back=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsear ch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dpatio%2Bchair%2Bcushions%26fr%3D yfp-t-764-s%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26spos%3D12%26nost%3D1%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D 67&w=530&h=397&imgurl=housepict.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F04%2F2-Pillow-Perfect-Outdoor-Wicker-Seat-Cushions.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhousepict.com%2F7-patio-chair-cushions-its-time-to-choose-it%2F&size=78.7KB&name=...+Wicker+Seat+%3Cb%3ECushions+%3C%2Fb%3E7+% 3Cb%3EPatio+Chair+Cushions+%3C%2Fb%3E%3A+Its+Time+ To+Choose+It&p=patio+chair+cushions&oid=2e148bfcb6d1c322b45e502ab96f2d5d&fr2=piv-web&fr=yfp-t-764-s&tt=...+Wicker+Seat+%3Cb%3ECushions+%3C%2Fb%3E7+%3C b%3EPatio+Chair+Cushions+%3C%2Fb%3E%3A+Its+Time+To +Choose+It&b=61&ni=96&no=67&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=122hc617n&sigb=1401nqe0e&sigi=12qa9l7pb&.crumb=w.tcbgdQlxb&fr=yfp-t-764-s

[RockyRaab]

I have the pre-Vantage Prangler and I also use a self-inflating pad. Got mine at a camping supply store. I sometimes also use one of those cheap mesh lumbar supports they make for office chairs. I hold it in place with a light bungee around the back of the seat. Ahhhhhh!

[MrPatrick]

Doubles as a life ring in the event of an emergency.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/ara5e8ud.jpg
✌️

[RockyRaab]

"These are not the 'roids you are looking for..."

[Fish]

I'm goin to be trying one of those square float devices as extra cushion seems to be comfy trying it at home also doubles as flotation device , could be an option for extra comfort.

[alanw]

I've tried a few different cushions. They all work for a little while, but 4-5 hours later and even soft foam ones hurt. I just picked up a Thermarest air cushion (http://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Trail-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B00452XJAC) at Sports Chalet today, sitting on it for a while now and it feels good. Will try it on the yak this weekend.

[bolocop]

I hope it works for you.

I'm thinking now that this could work or not work depending on weight. I weigh 230lb with a boney rear, so I have no problem compressing the top mesh layer to the tightly pulled vinyl bottom layer on the vantage seat. I can actually feel my rear bones through the bottom of the seat. That bottom layer is hard!

I think this is why some find it more comfortable than others. If you don't reach that tight bottom layer, then it should feel soft. I haven't spent 8 hours out there in the PA12 yet, but I have with the icomfort air cushion hobie sells and I'm good.

Good luck. If it doesn't work for you where I put the cushion, at worst you can sit directly on it so you haven't lost any money, then you can use that pocket to store the air cushion.

[alanw]

Tried the thermarest today on my malibu with a regular seat. 6 hours on the water and no problem. Best seat cushion for a boney rear is an air cushion no doubt. I give it two thumbs up.

I think the hobie one may be a better shape for some seats but for less than half the cost I'll go with the thermarest instead.

[Cadillyak]

Just got my thermarest from Amazon. Legit!