Custom Foam Seat Description

The Custom Foam Seat is a accessory brought to you by Redfish Custom Kayak & Canoe Co.. Read Custom Foam Seat reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Check out a few other accessory recommendations below or explore all accessories to find the perfect one for you!

Redfish Custom Kayak & Canoe Co.
Custom Foam Seat Reviews

Read reviews for the Custom Foam Seat by Redfish Custom Kayak & Canoe Co. as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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5

EPIC 18X Sport Seat…

Submitted by: ohblackwater77 on 8/29/2022

EPIC 18X Sport Seat PERFECTION! Joe at Redfish built me a seat for my 2009 Epic 18x Sport, and it is absolutely awesome. The OEM seat left me with a painful butt and tailbone, and leg numbness after about 5 miles of paddling. After 10 miles, my only desire was to get OUT of the kayak. Redfish seats take care of all those problems, and make the paddling experience absolutely perfect.

Ordering/measurement/installation: It was simple to order from Joe. I had a couple of questions pertaining to the exact generation of my 18x sport versus others he may have built for, so Joe encouraged me to go ahead and take the measurements just to be sure that the product I ordered was exactly right for my boat. He spent time with me on the phone while I took the measurements just to make sure that we were crystal clear on the measurements. After that was complete, he got the seat together and had it ready to ship within 24-hours. There is an installation video on YouTube which shows you exactly how to install the seat. It's simple, but you need to follow the directions to make sure it's installed perfectly. It only takes 1 minute to install the seat, and you don't have to remove the seat track from the OEM seat as there is a cutout in the new seat foam for it. The Redfish seat fits perfectly. The back sits up against the bulkhead perfectly which allows you the maximum amount of room to get your feet and legs inside the kayak. The seat is perfectly molded to the floor, the side padding is a perfect fit, and everything is exactly how you'd dream it to be if you could dream it up yourself.

Paddling experience: The seat is extremely comfortable. It's closed-cell foam so it doesn't absorb water, get heavy, or anything of that nature. It's soft, yet firm, and fits your body well (not sure how he did that, because I didn't have to give him measurements of my backside, but it is as close to a perfect fit as I could imagine). It's solid seating. No movement, no squeaking (which I would get from the OEM seat) and no pressure points in sitting position. It allows me to press on the footboard, use the rudders, and paddle using my knees / hip / core motion as it should be. Have paddled quite a few miles with this seat, and have never felt like I couldn't have paddled double that trip in comfort.

Summary: Experience, craftsmanship, ergonomics, quality, service, expedience, knowledge. These are all attributes I'd give to my experience with Redfish. Very well done, and it made my kayak into something that I can enjoy so much more than before.

5

just received a seat from…

Submitted by: paddler2092131 on 7/11/2022

just received a seat from Joe at Redfish for my recent Pygmy Arctic Tern 17 build. This is the second Redfish seat in my collection—the first is well used on my Pygmy Coho.

I’m writing this review because of the incredible service I got from Redfish. From the email order til I received my seat was 4 days—over a weekend, for a custom build to include shipping time.

It’s my second seat because of the quality; but in this case, the quick build allowed for a week long paddle in the new boat. And it fits the boat like a glove.

I couldn’t be happier.

5

2 of my well-respected…

Submitted by: NuitsBlanches on 5/3/2021

2 of my well-respected paddling friends recommended a RedFish custom seat when i bought a second-hand Pygmy Cohoe - a pretty wooden boat, but with only a very Spartan piece of foam for a seat. I am more than satisfied with the whole process, and with the seat.

ORDERING:

Ordering was easy - a couple emails to work out details and pricing, quick check of the website to look at the detailed instructions posted there, one email with 2 simple measurements, done. Joe has done Cohoes before, and already has the major standard measurements for many types of boats. Communication was excellent, and i always got a quick and friendly reply to any enquiry.

ETA was a couple weeks out, but the seat actually arrived within a week. Good package, seat looked great. The box felt so light, at first i didn't think this could possibly be the seat.

INSTALLATION:

Installation in the Cohoe required taking down a couple lateral struts, as Joe had informed me ahead of time, but once those removed, the seat slid into place with just a little bit of force to convince it to pop in under the coaming. 30 seconds, tops, including a swig of adult beverage as mental fortifier. The custom size and shape are perfect, the seat molds well to the hull at the bottom, and to the cockpit on the side and back, and sits securely, jammed under the side and back coaming. Once in place, it is SOLID, no need for velcro, straps, bolts, duct tape, prayer. It stays put when i'm sliding into the cockpit, when wiggling around, or when the boat is upside down, yet can be removed in 10 seconds, say, to clean the boat, if need be. Clever design, well executed.

IN USE:

Proof of the cake is in the paddling - very comfortable, as reported by everybody else. The foam hits the right balance between firm and soft: it is comfortable to the sit bones and the hips, while providing good support below and to the side, enhancing control of the kayak for edging, for instance. Kind of a soft brushed surface, very kind to the skin when paddling naked, if that's your thing. Closed cells, so it's not going to act like a sponge and retain water, and will dry quickly. I might drill a couple holes through to limit standing water in the "butt cups" - if i get the approving nod from the builder. :-) In the past ~2 weeks since receiving it, I've done a few 3- or 4-hour outings with zero discomfort, and i am looking forward to pushing longer. I fully expect a major improvement on those longer paddles, over even decent commercial seats i've used in other boats.

Joe, thanks for the great service, and for the fiiiiiine seat. Highly recommended.

5

I just received my seat from…

Submitted by: GML on 3/17/2021

I just received my seat from Joe and it has transformed what was for years a painful kayaking experience into a lounge chair-level of comfort. For a couple of years my left leg would become numb and painful after about 20 minutes of paddling in my Walrus kayak with a seemingly form-fitting fiberglass seat. I tried every trick I could think of - adjusting the backhand, moving the foot braces, adding thigh support, adding a seat pad - but nothing worked, until I got the Redfish seat from Joe. It fit perfectly and instantly solved my leg issue. I've been able to stay in the boat for hours without the need to stretch my legs and the integrated backrest (which I wasn't sure I'd use) has also turned out to be amazingly comfortable. It is also beautiful and the suede texture he give the seat helps keep my butt planted when edging and in rough water. I've been kayaking for 25 years in all kinds of high tech and skin of frame boats and this purchase was probably the single most game-changing thing I've ever bought for kayaking. I am totally impressed and would recommend Joe's seats and his process to everyone. He's also a pleasure to work with and was immediately responsive to every question I had. Thanks Joe!

5

Joe, owner of Redfish…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/20/2021

Joe, owner of Redfish Kayaks, custom made me a foam seat for my Necky Chatham 16 composite kayak. It fits like a dream. When I paddled it the next day I didn’t bother to stop for over 3 hrs because my bad back was so comfortable. Also, The hand made, mini-cell foam seat promotes upright posture. So I noticed an instant improvement in my lean turns, edging, and the power of my strokes. My boat feels like an extension of my body now. Joe took a great hull with a poor seat and thigh pads and made it into a fantastic kayak.

5

27th of December ordered,…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/20/2021
27th of December ordered, delivered in Hamburg, Germany at the 15th of January!! The seat fits absolut perfect. I‘m so lucky.
5

I have two Pygmy Coho kayaks…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/5/2021

I have two Pygmy Coho kayaks which were built about 15 years ago. During the whole time of ownership, my wife and I found the seats to be uncomfortable and they had a pronounced effect on sciatica nerve discomfort. We had tried a few different options to improve the seating but were always unsuccessful. During a visit to the Portland Kayak company store, we were again looking for seats and the sales person said they had no options for our custom kayaks but suggested contacting Joe. It turns out that Joe makes custom seats to order for boats. Each seat is custom made specifically to the boat dims. They are a medium soft/firm closed cell foam seat which is pressed into location and is held firmly once installed. Joe made the process very easy and even removed the hips stays expoxied into the boats for a very nominal charge. The seats are very comfortable and much more supportive than the original seats. I just wish we had not waited so many years before making this huge improvement to comfort

5

I got this seat for my…

Submitted by: pmozbert on 10/19/2020

I got this seat for my Current Designs Slipstream. It's a huge positive improvement. The old seat had been giving me back pain. When I contacted Redfish, Joe let me know that he already had the templates for my boat. After submitting a few added measurements, the seat arrived in under 2 weeks. The Slipstream has vertical supports in place to hold the stock fiberglass seat. Joe gave me detailed instructions along with some photos on how to remove the supports to make room for the new seat. The new foam seat is very tight fit. It needs to be carefully centered to press it into the boat and quite a bit of force was required to get the sides in and under the cockpit rim. Once in, it fits perfectly. I've had about 10 hours on it so far. It's very comfortable and well worth the investment. It's cured all the back pain I was having before and given me a couple inches of extra legroom.

5

I love Redfish’s custom foam…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/18/2020
I love Redfish’s custom foam seats. I first purchased one for my new-to-me Kevlar Gulfstream. The fit is perfect. As an added bonus, I no longer worry about is seat-back/backband “flop-over” during entry (or re-entry). I’m y’all & the new seat allowed me to move it back a scootch,, adding a very welcome inch of room for my tired, old legs . But it’s not just comfort & fit; it is light, athletic, & is itself additional flotation. Plus, when I screwed up a measurement on a new seat for my old plastic kayak , Joe called me when something seemed out of whack to him. When you receive a superior product with that level of service, you have really tapped into a special value.
5

Just bought a custom foam…

Submitted by: Jon-Waite on 9/5/2020

Just bought a custom foam seat from Redfish in Port Townsend today. I live in the Seattle area so I hauled my Cadence kayak over to Redfish’s shop to have them install it. Glad I did! There were some complications with my old kayak seat that required some cutting - and they took care of that and custom-fit a beautiful foam seat in my cockpit and gave me very clear instructions regarding how remove it if necessary and re-install it. No glue required! It just fits snugly in the kayak tight against the rear bulkhead. And oh - comfort at last!!

You see I suffer from a little back sciatica like some of us do as we get older, and my old seat was contributing to classic leg numbness and pain that limited my kayaking to no more than a few hours before I’d have to beach and crawl out of my kayak - writhing in pain. Kayak Academy in Issaquah, WA recommended I go see Redfish and get this custom foam seat which other kayakers in my situation have done in the past - and have gotten terrific results. Can’t wait to get my boat out on the water now. Thanks!!

5

I've always liked Pygmy…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/31/2020

I've always liked Pygmy kayak's inflatable thermarest seats, but bought one of these custom seats for my wife's new boat. Investing in the comfort of one's spouse is never money wasted. He told me he was a week out before shipping, and I wouldn't want to create unreasonable expectations for him (and I do live in the same state), but let's just say it was way faster than that. And when I put it in her boat and sat in it, I knew I was going to have to have one. Much better fit at the hips makes it feel like you're one with your boat. And nice on the tush as well! Fit snuggly and perfectly so no need for velcro or anything else to keep it in place. Lots of buoyancy as well. Highly recommend!

5

I now have four of Joe…

Submitted by: paddler858545 on 8/21/2020
I now have four of Joe Greenley's (Redfish Kayaks) custom foam kayak seats. The latest is for an Outer Island strip build I"m just completing. As usual, Joe's seat fits perfectly, looks great, and weighs almost nothing: just under 14 ounces--pretty amazing for a full seat with backrest and hip braces. Comfort is the best of any kayak seat I have experienced, which also still holds true for my Shooting Star (Laughing Loon Kayaks) seat, which is now over 15 years old, and my wife's One Ocean Storm SLT seat, which is nearly as old. My daughter's seat in her Wood Duck (CLC) is also no exception. I should also comment on service, although maybe Joe would prefer I'd keep it a secret. I needed the seat in less than a week, as the new kayak is part of a fund-raising effort on Lake Tahoe that's due to start soon. Joe happened to be building seats the day I called him, so he bumped me to the head of the line and built and shipped the seat the same day I called. As I write this, the boat is set to splash three days from now, complete with its new seat--a new seat that arrived early. Please put me down for SIX stars. Thank, you, Joe!
5

On the recommendation of…

Submitted by: paddler845132 on 8/7/2020
On the recommendation of friends I went into the Redfish workshop of Joe Greenly to purchase a custom foam seat for my Eddyline Fathom. He has the template for this boat and was able to get it done and installed the same day. These seats are molded to support your butt bones and relieves the pressure. The seat also transfers all of your peg push to drive you forward. The stock Eddyline seat pan slipped out of position frequently and was a little annoying. If you get a chance to visit his shop you will be blown away by the custom boats he has for sale, really floating art pieces, and will give you yak envy. He was most helpful and his service was first class. I will recommend his products and service to all who are in need of his products and talents.
5

I just finished building a…

Submitted by: Deano0055 on 5/18/2020
I just finished building a wood-strip high-deck Night Heron, and ordered a custom seat from Joe Greenley at Redfish. It took him about a week to make it, and it just arrived this weekend. It is sculpted from a thick piece of closed cell foam, and has hip pads and and a backrest built right onto it, and a rear extension that goes under the coaming and presses against the bulkhead. Joe's website has instructions for the measurements he needs to fit the seat to your boat, and how to measure the hull cross-section if he's never built one for your type of boat. Anyway, I compressed it a little to get it down into the boat. Then I pushed it to the rear of the cockpit against the bulkhead, and popped the hip pads under the coaming sides. It fits the boat so well that you can't slide it a millimeter in any direction. Sitting in it makes you one with the boat.
5

I purchased a custom foam…

Submitted by: howard on 1/25/2019

I purchased a custom foam seat from Joe Greenley at Redfish Kayaks....and I am wowed and delighted!

I have been paddling and building high performance kayak's for a number of years and was a regular buyer of Joe's seat blanks which were very comfortable and easy to finish with three other boats i had built.

But most recently, I was working a very special project where I wanted a very light weight build and a very high standard of fit and finish, So I basically sub-contracted the seat part of the project to Joe.

Because i was looking for a very light weight boat, the idea of an integrated seat with back support and thigh support in a single package was intriguing. In this approach, using Joe's custom seat, there are no back-bands, cheek plates or associated structure required....so weight is saved. it is also a very clean and professional look.

The only question I had was, "how is Joe going to make a good fitting seat working on the west coast when i am building on the east coast?" Anyway, after some pictures, measurements and conversations, Joe set out about the work and a couple weeks later a box arrives with the seat in it. I put it in the boat and it fits perfectly. I simply mean, perfectly.

Anyway, this boat is a 'show' project and the seat matches the fit and finish of the work. As I said when I opened my review, I am delighted and I get a lot of great comments. Price wise, this is incredibly reasonable for this level of work, and, if you add it up, not a big uplift from buying any other quality seat offering when you also consider a high quality back band needs to be factored into the comparison as well.

Thanks Joe.

5

I worked with Joe and got a…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 11/30/2017

I worked with Joe and got a perfect fit for my squall GTS. It was almost 3 pounds lighter and the form allows me to enter and exit much easier. I like that I can pop it out to easily clean out my cockpit. It doesn’t fit perfect, but I even cut out the seat in my classic Phoenix whitewater boat and move my redfish seat between the two. This year I’ve paddled over 2,000 miles and recommend this seat.

5

Though I didn't finish the…

Submitted by: terrydavison on 8/8/2012
Though I didn't finish the MR340 I did put in 150 miles on this incredible seat. The comfort of this seat is wonderful. Besides saving 3 lbs on my Epic 18X it also makes it bearable on long distance endurance kayaking!
5

Here is a follow up om my…

Submitted by: terrydavison on 6/14/2012
Here is a follow up om my previous review on this incredible seat.

I've been training for the upcoming MR 340 canoe and kayak race.
Monday I put in 25 plus miles on my Epix 18X with the newly installed seat that Joe made for me. I never got out of the kayak and when I finished my back and butt felt fine! (I'm almost 60 with an extremely bad back)

I will report back after the MR 340 which will be the ultimate test.

5

I bought a new Epic 18X in…

Submitted by: terrydavison on 5/18/2012
I bought a new Epic 18X in November and as much as I like it I just couldn't make the OEM seat comfortable.
After many hours of research, and reading many reviews I contacted Joe Greenly at Redfish Kayak. I gave him the kayak info that he needed and within a week the seat was delivered.

After taking the OEM seat out, I weighed both seats and the Redfish seat weighed 3 lbs less. The first run I went 2 hours, and the next day I put in a very taxing 3 hour run. I just cannot believe how comfortable this seat is, and support it offers!

Joe, you really should get in the motorcycle seat business as I would gladly have you make me a couple of them.

5

Recently installed this great…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 12/23/2003
Recently installed this great seat in my NC 17LT Daytripper. Pressure fit exactly. Good backrest just below cockpit coaming, built in hip braces, greatly improved stability, control, and comfort for my cranky (surgically renovated) back. Joe Greenley makes a quality product designed to fit exactly. Saved me time, labor, and well worth it.