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Leaning posts are structures that you can install on your boat near the helm in order to provide you with some safety and support while still giving you enough space to navigate various features on the boat. Particularly helpful when the weather conditions around you are brutal, a leaning post can let you lean against it and hold onto something.
Additionally, some of them also come with storage facilities that you can use to keep your fishing rods and other accessories in a single place.
It is, therefore, a wise choice to buy an aftermarket leaning post for yourself. How, then, do you pick a suitable one? Which is the best aftermarket leaning post out there? What should you consider while buying this?
To help you out, we have created this guide to introduce you to some of the best aftermarket leaning posts as well as some of their features, pros and cons that can allow you to make an informed choice. Let’s begin!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
Best Aftermarket Leaning Post
There are several options available to you in the market, which can make it confusing to just find and pick one. Through this section, however, you can go through our top five picks of this product that we have thoroughly reviewed.
Taco Metals Marine Neptune Leaning Post
This leaning post comes in the form of a backrest that you can simply attach to a compatible rod holder. Designed to provide your back and neck the support it requires, this leaning post can help prevent aching muscles while you fish or look out into the water.
The supporting arms of this backrest leaning post are adjustable so that you can fit them onto standard structures on your boat. You can further fold the arms up to make it easier for you to store and carry the leaning post around.
The leaning post comes with some mounting hardware to allow you to make the installation. This reduces the need to buy additional tools and carry them on your boat.
For installation, you should measure the backrest as well as the rods you want to install it on. Once this is done, you can drive the screws into their positions and mount the backrest and secure it in place. Whenever you are done using it, you can simply remove it and fold it back up.
The dimensions of this leaning post measure 34 inches in width, 17.5 inches in arm height, 7.37 inches in cushion height and 3 inches in depth.
What We Like
- Foldable arms for easy storage.
- Cushion backrest for enhanced support.
- Adjustability and compatibility with most kinds of rods and posts.
- Heavy-duty construction with sturdy material and structure.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- 3-year limited warranty period for repairs or replacements.
What We Don’t Like
- You will need to buy the supporting posts and rods separately as this purchase only includes the backrest leaning post.
Dolphin T Tops Leaning Post
The Dolphin T Tops Leaning Post is a premium choice that can allow you to reliably rest against the structure while also holding onto several accessories.
Made from anodized aluminum, a vinyl cushion seat and stainless steel arms and legs, this leaning post is sturdy and can support plenty of weight during rough conditions of the water.
The back of this leaning post includes four holders that you can use to place your fishing rods in while waiting for a catch. This can make it extremely convenient since you can not only sit or lean against this post but can also minimize your concerns about having to maintain your balance while fishing.
You can also use this leaning post for center console and bay boats, allowing you to rest comfortably while accessing and navigating the controls easily on the boat.
The rods placed at the back can also support a standard backrest in case you want to increase your comfort, making this a versatile choice for you and your boat.
The dimensions of this leaning post measure 29 inches in length, 15.7 inches in width and 33 inches in seat height. Thus, this leaning post is large enough and can further be used for multiple purposes.
What We Like
- Separate holders included for holding fishing rods.
- Suitable for various kinds of boats including fishing, center console and bay boats.
- Holders can also be used for installing a backrest.
- Heavy-duty seat cushion made from foam and PVC substrate.
- Simple and quick installation that can take place within an hour.
- Included mounting hardware.
- 5-year limited warranty for convenient repairs or replacements.
What We Don’t Like
- It is a bit expensive.
Todd Single Portable Leaning Post
This portable leaning post can help ensure convenience as well as safety while you are on your boat. It is white in color and has a strong and reliable structure through its vinyl and stainless steel construction.
It comprises a single rod that you can attach to the pedestal or holder on your boat. What makes this leaning post even more accessible and easier is that you can simply remove your boating chair from the pedestal and install this leaning post or vice versa. This interchangeability makes this leaning post a favorable product to have.
It also includes two holders for your fishing rods so that you can comfortably fish and hold onto the post when things get difficult.
This leaning post additionally includes tufted cushioning as well as a small storage compartment.
The dimensions measure 19.75 inches in width, 8.25 inches in cushion height, 13.75 inches in depth and an overall height of 32.25 inches.
You will need to install some of the parts together using screws and other mounting hardware. However, this is a simple process with sufficient instructions provided. The actual installation onto the pedestal is even more convenient.
What We Like
- Simple and interchangeable pedestal rod.
- Two fishing rod holders for convenience.
- Rod holders can also be used to support a backrest, if compatible.
- Durable and reliable structure.
- Simple installation process.
- Tall and sturdy enough to support multiple body structures.
- Presence of storage compartment to place smaller accessories.
What We Don’t Like
- Cannot function as a combined chair and leaning post. You will need to buy both separately by ensuring that they both fit into a 2.8-inch pedestal tube.
Tempress Casting Boat Seat
Available in the form of a seat, this leaning post is another form of comfort and support. It comes in the colors of black and blue, although you can also choose other colors of your choice while making the purchase.
This boat seat is compatible with most kinds of boats, which include ones for fishing, skiing, bass and more. It can also fit a standard pedestal or rods. For installation, it comes with some stainless bolts that you can easily secure onto the pedestal.
It is made from vinyl and foam that is threaded together using a strong polyester thread. This can help prevent too much wear and tear even under rough weather conditions. The internal foam is further able to resist mold and mildew, corrosion and rotting.
Overall, this is a durable and sturdy seat. Its dimensions measure 9 inches in height and 16.75 inches in width. The radius is further 8.75 inches while the mounting pattern is 5.25” x 5.25”.
The vinyl cushioning holds 30 ounces and is also molded and contoured. The rear part of the seat is slightly raised to provide some support to your lower back while resting or leaning against it.
What We Like
- Comfortable and thick cushion seat.
- Compatible with most kinds of pedestals on the boat.
- UV resistance is provided by both, the polyester thread and vinyl cushion.
- Resistant to corrosion and build-up of mold.
- Durable and compact.
- Stainless steel mounting hardware included.
- 1-year warranty period to make certain repairs and replacements if required.
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include the pedestal along with the seat.
Tempress Guide Casting Seat
The Tempress Guide Casting Seat is another great option if you are only looking for a seat that you can attach and detach conveniently from the pedestal on your boat. It comes in a molded gray color, although you can also pick from charcoal and gray or blue and gray.
It is made using vinyl and foam whereas the thread is made from a long and continuous polyester material. These materials contribute to making this casting seat strong, sturdy, comfortable and long lasting.
The foam included inside the seat further has a high density and is able to resist corrosion and mold that can otherwise reduce the quality and durability of the seat. Thus, even for difficult conditions of the water, this seat can be a dependable structure that you can sit on while fishing or driving your boat.
This seating design of this leaning post can allow you to rest your legs without exerting too much effort. Since this seat is also light and weighs only four pounds, you can easily handle it during installation or removal as well as while carrying it around.
The dimensions of this seat measure 9 inches in height, 16.37 inches in width and 11.5 inches in depth. The mounting pattern is further suitable for most kinds of 5.25” x 5.25” pedestals.
What We Like
- Comes with four stainless steel bolts for installation.
- Simple installation process with included instructions.
- Provides safety against the harsh UV rays of the sun.
- The inner foam is resistant to damage in the form of corrosion and mold.
- Compatible with standard-sized pedestals on different kinds of boats.
- Raised up seat shape to provide support for lower backs.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty period for repairs or replacements.
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include the pedestal rod when you make the purchase.
How to Choose the Best Aftermarket Leaning Post
Now that you have gone through the detailed product reviews, you might be curious about the factors that you should consider whenever you are looking for the best aftermarket leaning post.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to keep in mind while making your choice.
Quality
You need to ensure that the aftermarket leaning post that you opt for is high in its quality and made from the finest and most reliable materials. Usually, your cushioning should be made from vinyl or some form of polyester, whereas the supporting rods (if any) should have a stainless steel structure.
These materials will help in making the leaning post durable and strong enough to withstand harsh weather and strong waves. They will also be able to prevent mold, corrosion and damage due to the strong ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The warranty period is also important here. You should ideally opt for leaning posts that give you a warranty of over a year or two as this also acts as quality assurance.
Comfort
The level of comfort of a leaning post is also equally important since it is meant to provide you with a convenient, safe and relaxing experience whenever you are on your boat, whether that includes fishing, driving or simply holding onto a structure while the boat rocks against the waves.
For the comfort level, you can look at whether the leaning post has a seat or not. The presence of a backrest or holders to install backrests can act as good indicators of comfort.
How soft or hard a leaning post is can also make a difference.
Another point of comfort can also be how easy it is for you to look into the distance.
Usually, tall enough leaning posts can assist you with this, making fishing as well as navigation extremely convenient.
Storage
Several leaning posts can also include several storage structures that make your boating and fishing journey even more comfortable. For example, some posts have holders on the back of the structure to support your fishing rods whenever you are fishing (or even when you are not).
Author Note: There might also be smaller compartments for some other accessories that you can conveniently place inside them. This can keep them all secure while saving additional space for the rest of the boat.
Make sure that you confirm all of these storage specifications before you make the purchase.
Installation
The ease of installation is another significant factor for you to consider while choosing the best aftermarket leaning post. What are the steps involved in installing the leaning post?
Do you need to assemble the post together on your own? Are there separate bolts and screws included in your purchase so that you don’t need to buy extra tools?
There should also ideally be some instructions given online or in a manual that you can refer to while setting everything up.
Compatibility
Compatibility of the leaning post with other structures on the boat is a highly important consideration here. You need to ensure that your leaning post has adjustable rods and supporting rods that can mount onto the posts on your boat as well.
In most cases, your leaning post will be compatible with standard boating rods that are generally available in the market. If not, they should have some kind of indication of this along with a way to make modifications.
In some posts, you might also be able to simply exchange your leaning post for your other rods or structures on the boat.
FAQs
- Will I Need to Keep Cleaning the Post?
Since you need to use these leaning posts on a boat, it is likely that they will continuously get wet, especially when the waves are particularly strong. Further, with the harsh sun or stormy skies, your leaning post will have to endure plenty of rough conditions.
In this case, you don’t need to worry too much. You can simply wipe them off with a cloth regularly. You can also buy a cleaner for a more thorough cleaning. This is an important step when it comes to maintaining the quality and durability of the leaning post.
- How Do I Install It?
Installing the leaning post on your boat is a simple process and you will be able to gain access to instructions whenever you buy the post.
You will first need to make all the necessary measurements of the rods and seats to ensure that everything can fit into place. In some cases, you will also need to assemble the leaning post itself while in some others, you can simply attach the screws and bolts and secure the post onto a rod or other boat structure.
You should refer to a manual as instructions may differ depending on the product you buy.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, we have now taken you through detailed product reviews with their features, pros and cons as well as the factors you must consider while buying. All of these products are of high quality and dependable, so all you need to do now is pick one.
For a compatible and sturdy backrest, you can go for the Taco Marine option but if you need a comprehensive leaning post, you can choose the Dolphin T Tops post. We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best aftermarket leaning post.
Happy Hunting!
