Sideways Seating Question

[lilau3]

I'm looking at building a small boat for general cruising and light ski duties.

The rear seating options are:
1. bench facing forward
2. bench facing backwards
3. two smaller benches facing inwards

I'm leaning towards the third option as then it would be easier for anyone in the back to watch whoever is being towed behind the boat.

Are there any con's to this configuration - e.g. more likely to get motion sickness?

[tunnels]

Seating in the back of a small boat is not a good place to be ,Its all to do with balance and stability Facing inwards is ok but need to sit on the opposite side to the driver ! balance !!
Can have a seat on eachside at about a 30 degree angle to the centreline neatly tucked on each side not uncommon !!
Have done my seat time watching ski-ers do there thing ! but as a driver of a smal boat you can feel through the boat what and where the sk-er is and how hard he's pulling . I have a 115 yamaha on my 14 foot boat and can feel every movement any ski-er makes, when they fall off theres a instant increase in speed . Yes you must always have a compitant observer that knows all the moves and the hand signals and knows how to handle a rope so it doent get wrapped round the motor or the propor what ever !!

[gonzo]

Rear facing seats are pretty standard in ski boats. I don't know what the regulations are in your neck of the woods. In some places a rear view mirror complies with someone watching the skier.

[spenance]

rear facing is best for ski spoting. keep the weight forward. tow from the CG of the boat. If its an inboard use engine tow mount. Out boards use a tall tripod mount on floor. Check out the ski boats in my gallery. Jump seats next to engine were snug and fun, but hull beam needed to be 7' for this to work.I have tried many cocpit configures and the Correct craft style rear facing passenger seat is the most practical for a small space. I would think being sideways is ok for riding but its up to the individuals if they get sick or not. Put them in the back seat because their butt has alot less air time. Rember the back seat has a rope wizzing back and forth above the heads.

[claydog]

You might look at something like this...

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...D&merchID=4006

face forward for cruising, rearward for skiing, and a little extra cooler space never hurts.

[pistnbroke]

whats wrong with a couple of the seats where the backrest flips front and rear ....one for the driver and one for the observer?