Storage Locker Seat for 2.30–3.30 m Inflatable Dinghies – Adjustable Universal Box

This storage locker seat for inflatable boats is an ingenious solution that adds comfort and storage to small rubber dinghies (tenders) between 2.3 and 3.3 meters in length. Instead of a simple plank, you get a comfortable seating area (with the inflatable tubes acting as a backrest of sorts) and an enclosed compartment for storing items.

Design and Adjustability:

• Telescopic Sides: The unit is built with sliding side panels. During installation, when the dinghy is about 75% inflated, the side walls extend outward, spanning the gap between the tubes. The adjustment range is from 62 cm up to 75 cm, which covers the beam of most small inflatable boats. Once you spread the sides until they press firmly against the tubes, you finish inflating the dinghy to full pressure – the locker will then be securely wedged by tension, with no gaps and no need for additional straps or hardware.
• Locking Knobs: To maintain the chosen width and keep the sides from retracting, the box is equipped with side screw knobs. After extending to the required length, you tighten these knobs, which lock the panels in the extended position. This ensures stability in use – the box won’t slide or shift even in choppy water or as passengers move.

Functionality:

• Cushioned Seat: The top of the box features a soft cushion (approximate size 27×62 cm) which serves as the seat. The height of the unit with the cushion is 31 cm, making it comfortable to sit on at the bottom of the dinghy. The seating position is similar to a standard thwart but with the added stability of the box bracing against the pontoon sides, providing lateral support. Two people (especially children or lighter adults) can sit side by side on this seat, or one adult can sit centered comfortably.
• Interior Compartment: The unit offers a dry storage compartment inside, with internal dimensions of about 37×16 cm and a depth of 23 cm. This is perfect for stowing valuables like phones, cameras, and documents, as well as small gear – for example, a hand pump, repair kit, a bottle of water, or extra clothing. The lid (which is the seat) closes snugly, protecting the contents from splashes. This way, your essential items are within reach but secured and off the floor of the boat.
• Materials: The body of the locker is made of tough plastic/fiberglass, which resists impact and UV exposure (it won’t crack or discolor easily in the sun). The sliding mechanisms and locking hardware are made of stainless steel and high-strength polymer (POM), providing smooth adjustment and long-term operation without corrosion.

Installation and Removal:

• Setup requires no tools: as described, you simply place the unit between the half-inflated tubes, extend it to fit, and top up the inflation. This makes the product portable and temporary – you can insert it only when needed (for instance, when anchored or on longer trips) and remove it when you want to save weight or when packing the boat down.
• No Drilling or Gluing: Unlike fixed wooden benches, this requires zero modifications to your dinghy. This is especially valuable for inflatables because it doesn’t compromise the air-holding integrity of the tubes and gives you the freedom to reposition or not use the box at times.
• Compatibility: It’s designed for standard inflatable dinghies/tenders. It can be used with hard-floor inflatables (aluminum or plywood floors) as well as those with inflatable floors, as long as the pontoons are of a shape that provides a good contact surface. Because of its adjustability, one unit can fit several different dinghies, which is handy if you upgrade your boat or use the box on multiple vessels.

Advantages in Use:

• Comfort: It turns a small dinghy into a more comfortable craft by adding a true padded seat. This is a significant upgrade from sitting on the tubes or a hard thwart – especially on longer rides or when ferrying guests.
• Organization: It provides much-needed storage space on a boat that typically has none. No more items rolling around the bottom or getting wet – you can keep your important things secured inside. For example, while shuttling to your yacht with a tender, you can store provisions, tools, or spare parts in the box to keep them dry.
• Safety: The snug wedging means the structure is stable – passengers sit lower and more securely, reducing the chance of falling overboard in a bounce. The weight of the unit and its contents (around 7.3 kg empty) is distributed low and centrally, which can even slightly improve the boat’s balance.

In summary, the adjustable dinghy locker seat is an accessory that enhances the comfort and functionality of your small inflatable boat. It’s quick and fuss-free to install, and the benefits – more comfort, better organization, and added safety – are immediately noticeable. When you’re done, just slide it out and pack it away – it’s that simple.