Waverider Shock-Absorbing Seat Pedestal (Telescopic, Removable Base) – Adjustable Height for Boat Seats

Upgrade your boat’s seating with the Waverider adjustable, shock-absorbing pedestal – a state-of-the-art seat support that enhances comfort and safety on rough waters. This pedestal is designed by Oceansouth (Waverider series) to provide a smoother ride: the internal shock absorber system dampens the jolts and bumps when your boat hits waves, so the seat (and you) experience less impact. In practice, this means reduced fatigue and spinal stress during long runs or choppy conditions. In addition to the shock absorber, a gas spring height adjustment allows you to effortlessly raise or lower the seat on the fly. By lifting a lever, you can adjust the height within the specified range of your model – the gas spring will support the weight of the seat and assist movement, making adjustments almost weightless.

This Waverider pedestal line comes in three models, each with a different telescoping height range to suit various helm setups and boat sizes:

• Short (48.707.23): 370–450 mm height range – A low-profile pedestal ideal for small powerboats or RIBs where the helm seat needs to be closer to the deck. Great for boats ~4–6 m, or for passenger seats that you want to keep low for stability. Despite its shorter stature, it still includes the full shock absorbance and adjustability features.
• Medium (48.707.21): 500–630 mm height range – The most common size, perfect for standard helm chairs on a wide range of vessels (5–8 m). This provides a comfortable sit-to-stand height; you can drive seated or raise the pedestal to use as a leaning post. The shock absorber makes it popular for offshore fishing boats and RIBs that often slam through waves.
• Tall (48.707.22): 580–710 mm height range – A taller pedestal suitable for flybridge seats or boats where the steering position is elevated. On larger powerboats or sailboats (8–10 m and up) with higher helm stations, this range ensures the pilot has a clear view over the bow. It’s also beneficial when standing support is needed – you can elevate the seat high to act as a leaning bolster.

A standout feature of the Waverider pedestals is the removable outer base. The base that mounts to your deck is designed so the pedestal can be locked in or removed as needed. With a diameter of 228 mm, it bolts securely to the floor. The pedestal column can be unlocked and lifted out from this base if you want to quickly remove the entire seat and post assembly (for security, storage, or to free up deck space). You can also install additional base mounts (available separately) in different locations on your boat – then move the Waverider pedestal between those positions. For example, you might have one base at the helm and another in the fishing area; you can relocate your seat in seconds.

Quality and Construction: The Waverider pedestal is built with marine-grade anodized aluminum tubing – the outer tube is 75 mm diameter, inner tube 65 mm, providing a strong, stable column that resists flex. All hardware and the integrated shock mechanism are designed for the marine environment (corrosion-resistant metals and seals). The seat mount on top is made of tough nylon reinforced with fiberglass, with a universal hole pattern (typically 127 x 127 mm and 5″ x 5″, fitting most standard seats). It also incorporates a swivel, meaning your seat can rotate freely 360°, which is essential for comfort and functionality at the helm or when fishing. A locking knob or mechanism may be present to lock the rotation if desired (depending on model).

Comfort and Use Cases: The shock-absorbing action is especially valued on high-speed RIBs, center consoles, and speedboats – if you frequently travel at speed in a 6–7 m RIB, hitting waves can be jarring; the Waverider pedestal helps soften the ride. It’s equally beneficial for offshore fishing boats where long trips to the fishing grounds can be punishing on standard fixed seats. With this pedestal, the seat almost feels suspended – absorbing impacts similarly to an automotive suspension seat. Pilots and crew can maintain better control and endurance when they’re not getting slammed on every wave.

The adjustable height is great for multi-purpose seating: lower the seat while cruising for a more secure, sheltered position; raise it when docking or navigating tricky waters to have a higher vantage point. Many users appreciate the ability to stand and lean on the raised seat (leaning post style) for comfort and improved visibility.

Installation: Mounting the base requires a flat floor area of about 240 mm diameter. Use through-bolts with backing plates on fiberglass decks for a solid installation (or heavy screws if mounting to a thick wooden surface). Ensure there are no obstructions below deck for the base’s depth (some models might have a shallow under-floor profile). Once the base is in place, the pedestal drops in and typically locks with a cam or latch – follow the included instructions to secure it. The gas spring mechanism may have a control lever (often under the seat) – connect this to the seat if needed and test the adjustability.

In summary, the Waverider shock-absorbing pedestal with removable base is a premium upgrade for your helm or fighting chair. It significantly improves comfort, adapts to your needs with height and location adjustments, and is built to last in harsh marine conditions. Whether you’re cruising through chop, fishing offshore, or just want the flexibility to rearrange seating, this pedestal delivers stability and cushioning that will transform your boating experience.