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IT ALL STARTS WITH THE SEATS
AS THE MOST BASIC INTERFACE BETWEEN BOAT AND BOATER, FEW ELEMENTS OF MODERN WATERCRAFT HAVE MORE CAPACITY TO INFLUENCE THE QUALITY OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE QUITE LIKE THE SEATING WATCH CONSUMERS SHOPPING

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Added functionality in the form of joysticks, power adjustments and integrated lighting improve the occupant’s experience IT NEEDS TO look good, it needs to feel good, it needs to survive a harsh maritime climate. As if there weren’t enough demands placed on marine seating, increasingly we’re seeing growing demand for greater functionality. From helm seats in the largest luxury yachts to bench seats on pontoon and watersports boats, buyers are increasingly looking for more utility. It’s all about providing boat owners with the greatest level of comfort and convenience possible within sometimes confined spaces.
EUROPE – FOCUS ON FUNCTIONALITY
Some level of customisation has always been expected among OEMs working in the luxury yacht segment. Among seat manufacturers, one clear trend is mounting requests for integrated vessel controls. “We receive more and more requests for the installation of boat controls and joysticks on our helm seats, it is becoming quite common,” says Giorgio Besenzoni, CEO for Besenzoni SpA, Italy-based in Bergamo. “It’s normally a request that comes from shipyards for seats installed in yachts longer than 60 feet, but every one of our helm seats can be customized and enhanced, including those for use on smaller boats.” The integration of engine binnacles and joystick controls is only the start for manufacturers of premium helm seats, which can be fitted with virtually any type of add-ons imaginable. “Client demands for accessories such as integrated USB plugs, storage places for mobile phones, and mounting pads for laptop computers are becoming more frequent, particularly from Italian and North European boat builders,” says Besenzoni. Perimeter lights for added safety at night and Integrated temperature controls are also popular features, he adds, along with beverage holders and integral storage compartments for small personal items like sunglasses. “They are small things, perhaps, but they bring increased everyday functionality to the seat.
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NORTH AMERICA – FOCUS ON COMFORT
“In Europe we receive requests for what we term super-equipped seats, complete with LED courtesy lights and other amenities, while US shipyards are generally more focused on occupant comfort,” says Besenzoni.
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