We are constantly being asked this question by customers and decided to answer it the best we can by listing the advantages and disadvantages of having a raised seat on a plastic kayak in both the river/dam or offshore.
Advantages:
Improved Comfort on Long Sessions
A raised seat often sits on an aluminum or composite frame with breathable mesh, keeping you off the hard plastic deck. This reduces pressure points on your lower back and buttocks, which is especially valuable during multi-hour fishing trips. It also improves ventilation, helping to keep you cooler in hot conditions.
Better Ergonomic Posture
Sitting higher allows your knees to be bent at a more natural angle rather than being straight out in front of you. This reduces hip and lower back strain, making it easier to paddle without fatigue. For anglers with back issues, this can make a big difference in how long they can stay out on the water.
Enhanced Visibility
The extra height improves your line of sight. You can spot fish activity, structure, and changes in water conditions more easily. In shallow or clear water, this can give you an edge in targeting fish.
Easier Casting and Rod Handling
Standing up in a kayak isn’t always possible in choppy water, but a raised seat puts you closer to a standing position. This makes it easier to make accurate casts, especially when flipping or pitching lures, and gives you more leverage when fighting fish.
Quicker Access to Gear
A higher perch gives you better reach to tackle boxes, rod holders, and gear stored in the kayak’s deck area. You don’t have to bend as far, which is both faster and less tiring.
Dryer Ride
Sitting higher means you’re less likely to get splashed by paddle drip or water pooling on the deck. On sit-on-top kayaks without scupper plugs, this can make the difference between staying dry and sitting in a puddle.
Disadvantages":
Reduced Stability
The higher your center of gravity, the less stable the kayak feels. On narrower kayaks, especially under 32 inches wide, a raised seat can make you feel tippy in waves or when leaning over to land a fish. Beginners may need time to adapt.
Increased Wind Resistance
Your body sits higher above the waterline, catching more wind. This can make the kayak drift faster when fishing and increase effort when paddling upwind. Anchoring or using a drift chute becomes more important.
More Paddle Drip and Splash in Certain Conditions
While you may stay drier from deck water, your higher paddle angle can cause more drip onto your lap, particularly in choppy water or when paddling aggressively.
Reduced Paddling Efficiency
A raised seat changes your paddling mechanics. Your paddle enters the water at a steeper angle, which can be less efficient and more tiring over long distances. It may also require a longer paddle to avoid hitting the kayak’s sides.
Added Weight and Bulk
Framed raised seats weigh more and take up more room than moulded plastic seats. This can add 2–5 kg to your kayak setup and slightly reduce available deck space for other gear.
Potential for More Drift When Fishing
With your weight higher, the kayak may react differently to movement and wind. You may find you have to make more frequent position adjustments, which could be a minor annoyance for lure presentation.
Cost Factor
Plastic fishing kayaks with raised seat systems are generally more expensive, and replacement seats can be pricey if damaged. For budget-conscious anglers, the cost might outweigh the benefits.
Conclusion
A raised seat on a plastic fishing kayak is a trade-off between comfort and fishing performance on one hand, and stability and paddling efficiency on the other. If you value comfort, visibility, and better casting ergonomics—particularly for freshwater or calm inshore fishing—then a raised seat is often worth the extra cost and learning curve. However, if you fish in rougher offshore waters, need maximum stability, or prioritise long-distance paddling efficiency, a lower seat position might be more practical. In addition to this, should you fall off your kayak while beaching or launching the kayak offshore, this may seriously hamper your ability to get back on the kayak, but at the same time the extra drag of a kayak flipped with the bigger seat, you may even loose the seat.
Feel free to contact us for more advise and information on which kayak seat option is best suited to your needs.
