> I am currently building a CLC Patuxent 17.5. I need to choose a seat to
> install. My intent was to install a Happy Bottom seat and a backband. But
> several messages I saw on this board had some unkind things to say about
> the Happy Bottom. The only other alternative I am aware of is the Creature
> Comfort Seat. I have not seen any comments about that.

> I would be interested in people's thoughts (preferably based on
> experience) about these seats. Also, has anyone used the "basic"
> seat that comes in the kit? It's a piece of plywood and a thin piece of
> foam. I just can't see it being real comfortable.

> I have read the messages about building a custom seat. That's something I
> don't want to do at this point. Building a boat is intimidating enough.

> Thanks in advance for your comments.

> Ken

For what its worth I have a happy bottom seat and like it a lot. I haven’t used it more than about four hours straight so I can't testify as to "expedition" use. I am sure my bottom is as big as any bottom (I am about 6'0" 215#). However, when I installed it in my Arctic Tern I did not put in any solid hip braces. I just glued in the seat and let the foam sides rest against the inside hull of the boat. This seems to be a comfortable arrangement. The foam sides are at least 2.5"-3" thick. The boat is about 21.5" wide at the chine. That leaves 15" or 16" for my hips. Seems about perfect for me. Also, the happy bottom is just a molded piece of foam. It can't be much less comfortable than a home molded seat. For $30 or so it seemed worth it.