Waverider Shock-Absorbing Seat Pedestal (Telescopic Ø75/65mm) – Adjustable 340–710mm for Boat Seats

Give your back a break with the Waverider shock-absorbing seat pedestal – a high-performance seating post for boats that combines height adjustability with impact cushioning. This pedestal is essentially a hydropneumatic suspension for your boat seat, using a gas strut for lift and a built-in shock absorber to soften vertical jolts. You will particularly notice the difference when running in choppy waters or at high speeds: the pedestal compresses slightly under impact, significantly reducing the jolt felt through the seat.

There are three versions to choose from, depending on how high you need the seat:

• 48.707.01 (340–450 mm): A compact shock-absorbing pedestal for smaller craft or lower seating positions. If your boat is around 4–5 m or you have a low console, this range is ideal. It keeps the seat near deck level (34 cm at lowest) but still offers about 11 cm of lift when needed, for example, to give a better view over the windshield.
• 48.707.02 (500–630 mm): A mid-range pedestal suitable for most standard helm seats (common on 5–7 m boats). With this, you can sit at a normal height or elevate to stand/lean. It’s a popular all-purpose size, delivering comfort for fishing, cruising, or watersports driving.
• 48.707.03 (580–710 mm): The tallest variant for elevated helms or flybridge-type seating. If you have a pilot seat that needs to be quite high (on a larger cruiser or sailboat with a flybridge, or even a tall center console), this model provides that extra elevation up to 71 cm. It’s also useful if you want to use the seat as a leaning post – you can raise it to waist height.

All these share the same robust build: dual aluminum tubes (75mm/65mm) give a tight telescoping action without wobble. They’re anodized to marine standards, so you won’t see corrosion or pitting even after years of exposure. The base plate is round (~230 mm diameter), distributing loads evenly on the deck. It’s typically through-bolted for strength.

The top of the pedestal has a universal seat mount that will fit virtually any boat seat or swivel. In fact, a swivel is integrated, so once your seat is bolted on, it can rotate freely. This is great for situational awareness (turning to face your crew or look behind while towing a skier). The mount material is corrosion-proof and UV-stable.

Performance & Benefits: Where this Waverider pedestal truly shines is in reducing fatigue. Think of long boat rides across a choppy lake or offshore – normally, every wave translates into a sharp impact on your body as the seat slams. The Waverider’s shock absorber dampens that. Users report being able to run longer at speed with less discomfort. It’s almost a safety feature, as it helps you maintain better control and alertness instead of bracing painfully against constant pounding.

The gas spring assist is another benefit: if multiple people of different heights use the helm, they can quickly adjust the seat height to their preference, even while seated. The spring counterbalances the seat weight, so raising the seat feels nearly weightless and lowering is smooth.

Installation & Compatibility: The pedestal installs onto any flat floor space with enough strength to hold a seat (check that the floor can support the leverage – add a backing plate if needed for fiberglass floors). The base has pre-drilled holes; use stainless steel hardware for installation. The column does not remove from the base in this particular model (unlike the outer-base version); it is fixed once bolted down – offering maximum rigidity. Maintenance is minimal: occasionally rinse off salt and check the tightness of bolts. The gas shock is sealed and does not need servicing.

Use Case Examples:

• On a 6 m center console fishing boat, swapping the original fixed post for a Waverider 500–630 mm means the captain can sit low when cruising slowly, then pump it up to full height to act as a bolster when fishing standing up, all while enjoying wave shock reduction.
• On a small 4.5 m RIB, using the 340–450 mm pedestal for the helm seat allows the driver to sit comfortably and still see well, and the shock absorber spares them the hard hits when jumping waves, which is crucial in a lightweight RIB.
• Larger cabin cruiser (9 m) with a flybridge might use the 580–710 mm pedestal for the upper helm seat, giving the driver the needed height to see over the bow. And if the sea gets rough, that shock absorber keeps the ride enjoyable on the flybridge which typically feels more motion.
• Sailboat application: Mount the pedestal at the helm of a sailing yacht – often these seats are on a pedestal anyway; the Waverider adds comfort when the boat slams into waves upwind, and height adjust helps shorter or taller skippers.

By installing a Waverider shock-absorbing pedestal, you’re investing in improved comfort and ergonomics on board. It’s a difference you will feel every time you head out – a more cushioned ride, adjustable vantage point, and high-quality construction you can rely on.