Barefoot Gal desperately needed new cockpit cushions. The ones that were brand-new when we bought her five years ago didn’t really stand the test of time — they always looked filthy and showed wear very badly — and so we decided to go a totally different route with Sport-a-Seats.
Sport-a-Seat cushions have a ratcheted metal frame with well-padded cushions covered in Sunbrella. You can lay flat on them or use them in any position up to fully upright. We’re really liking them so far! We’ve had them for two months now.

We got two Sport-a-Seats and are getting four other flat cushions that we can use for guests and when underway. This is going to be a LOT less expensive than getting new custom cushions made and, we think, much more serviceable.
More Comfortable
The Sport-a-Seats, with an adjustable back, are simply more comfortable. I used to have to get a separate cushion for my back, and it was never right. The higher back on the Sport-a-Seat gives much better support and I don’t get a crick in my neck while sitting and reading — that used to happen almost every evening. This was an unexpected side benefit! I had no idea it was just due to the lack of support in our cockpit seating.
I also like that I can lean one back and have it still support my thighs as I’m reading. Dave tends to sit more upright.
Lying them flat makes a perfect two-person seat!

We Don’t Walk on Them
One of the problems with our custom, complete cushions was that if you wanted to go on deck or get on/off the boat, you had to step on the cushions. Even with bare feet, they got filthy and had a lot of wear. The Sport-a-Seats are easy to move out of the way if they’re in the cockpit, so we don’t walk on them. They’re staying cleaner and I’m sure they won’t be showing wear like the old ones. Not having to walk on the cushions was one of the major attractions for the Sport-a-Seats.
More on Cleaning
Two more bits on keeping the cushions clean: the Sunbrella covers are removable for washing and the Sport-a-Seats are easy to take inside at night. Our old cushions were large to bring inside — both to handle and the amount of space they took up. So we didn’t, which I know is a big part of why they didn’t last well. When we were looking for new cushion options, the ability to bring them inside easily was a big consideration.

Far Lower Cost
Sport-a-Seats aren’t cheap but they cost a lot less than custom cushions for our cockpit. The previous owner spent over $2,000 for custom cushions; I got estimates in the same range just for new covers. Sport-a-Seats, in contrast, are $149.95 each, and provide more support and are more comfortable — plus will stay cleaner.
For guests, we can lay the Sport-a-Seats flat and two people can sit on each one, plus we’ve ordered some inexpensive flat closed-cell foam cushions for guests and also to use underway.
Easily Replaceable Covers
Sport-a-Seat makes replacement covers for the cushions. Current cost is $69.95 — far less than having custom cushions recovered. So if they get torn up or stained or even if we just want a different color (9 are available), it’s relatively simple and affordable.
Good Ashore
The Sport-a-Seats fold up sufficiently to take ashore for a beach barbecue or day at the beach, and sand brushes off the Sunbrella pretty easily. We’ve never had folding chairs on the boat with us but and have always just taken 5-gallon buckets ashore to use as seats. The Sport-a-Seats will fit in our dinghy and be much more comfortable ashore.
I wouldn’t want to put the seats in salt water (say, right in the water at the beach) as the interior frame is steel. But for sitting in the sand, on grass or pebbles? Heck yeah!
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that several other companies make similar cushions, but my research says that the Sport-a-Seat ones last far longer than the less expensive ones — and longer than some that cost more, too. The mechanics of the frame tend to be stronger and the cushions last for years and years. Being able to wash and replace the cushion covers is a big plus.
After researching all the options for new cockpit cushions for us, I reached out to Sport-a-Seat with a few questions and they offered me two for review purposes. I heartily recommend them — all in all, they are a better solution for us than the custom cushions we had and the fact that they are considerably less expensive is a very nice bonus.
Initially Dave liked the look of the old cushions better — as he said, probably just because it was what he was used to as “cockpit cushions.” But after just a few days of using the Sport-a-Seats, he’s admitted that they are much more practical, comfortable and cost effective.
Discount on Buying Sport-a-Seats
Buy Sport-a-Seats directly from the company website. Use coupon code THEBOATGALLEY10 for $10 off per seat ordered, no expiration date. Free shipping as I’m writing this too — but they don’t know how long they’ll be able to continue that.
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Keith SV Coddiwomple says
The promo code isn’t working.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I just let the company know about the problem and they are working to fix it.
Judy Madill says
There is a video from the WYNNS on the sport a seat, they have a promo code that I used and it worked. Promo code was WYNNS, $10.00 off per chair, i got free freight since we ordered 2. I read the reviews and saw that the cheaper version from west marine was not as a good of quality.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Same discount as THEBOATGALLEY10, exact same terms. Yes, the Wynns do videos, whereas I write. But we all like each other!
Carolyn Shearlock says
UPDATE: It’s been fixed and is now working.
Kim Wegesend says
Great recommendation. Ours are 22 years old and still going!
Mike Mulryan says
Hi, just purchased a Sport A Seat . Sorry, the discount offered when applied makes the purchase not eligible for free shipping. So, with the discount applied you pay more than without the discount.
Ordered one anyway, just a fyi. Good luck, thank you for your hard work! Mike
Carolyn Shearlock says
Oh no! I’ll be sure to point that out to the folks at Sport-a-Seat.
Shawnae says
Are the seats from West Marine any different? We bought ours and absolutely love them. They run $100 though we got ours on sale for 50 and bought two.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’m told that they’re pretty good but don’t tend to last as long (but we’re still talking years).
Dawn says
We bought two of the west marine chairs and one of them completely fell about in less than 6 months- the frame doesn’t hd the back up and the zipper broke so the foam is hanging out. Trash! Going to buy sport a seat this time.
Gemma Rasdall says
the website doesnt appear to ship to australia, any tips?
Carolyn Shearlock says
Why don’t you try sending them an email and ask if they can? Their email is [email protected]
Janet Childers says
We use our Sports seats underway. Tie them off to the stern rail. Make a great Stern rail seat
Carol Zipke says
We have 2 that came with our boat 15 years ago. The zipper no longer worked and the material was getting worn, so I made a cover that just slips over both sections, no zipper required. We also found 2 Terry cloth covers for the seats on our boat which can be used if you have sunscreen on and want to use them for sunbathing.