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Help me choose...

  • Yeti Hondo

    Votes: 14 35%
  • Yeti Trailhead

    Votes: 9 23%
  • Bean bag

    Votes: 17 43%

Bean bag chair or Yeti chair

14K views 43 replies 33 participants last post by  Psycho_Killer  
#1 ·
I had a bean bag chair on my skiff, but lost it in a move. I am almost done building my beryllium skiff and thought I might go with the Yeti chair for this skiff. With that said, everyone loved the bean bag chair. So, should I order the Yeti chair or another bean bag chair? I'd love to hear from people that use the Hondo or Trailhead chair on their skiff.
 
#3 ·
I ran the Trailhead in my skiff for a little bit. It was nice and comfy but if the weather gets nasty and it isn’t tied down you can bounce around a little. Plus that mesh in the chair can create a little bit of a trampoline effect. Also, keep in mind the feet on that chair are hard plastic. I added seadek to the feet so it wouldn’t slide or scratch the nonskid. I had a side console which is why I ran the trailhead. If you have a center console the hondo chair would probably be a better option due to the chair frame shape.
 
#4 ·
I'm leaning Yeti Trailhead for my build. I am going to do the Yeti tie downs for a 65 qt cooler and they will double to secure the Trailhead. Just seems the Trailhead will be easier to get up from than a bean bag. I dunno, my mind can be changed.
 
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#6 ·
I want the Hondo but it doesn’t have slip resistant feet. For $300 bucks it should.

I’m looking hard at these


FWIW I’ve got two bean bags as well. Super comfy but take up a lot of space and they get moldy as heck.
 
#10 ·
I'm currently using Yeti Trailhead chairs in my 24' ProLine without tie-downs, and my clients like them better than the old school Garelick folding chairs that a lot of the Homosassa guides use. They are light and easy to slide around, but seem to hold position with an adult seated. What I really like about them is I can bag them, and store below deck while trailering.

I also have a Yeti Hondo that I bought to go in my side console Pro that will probably never leave the patio because it is so much more comfortable than typical patio furniture, plus I am also concerned about it sliding and folding it really doesn't save any usable space in a poling skiff. One of my Trailheads will probably be used when needed.

And lastly, the nice color matched bean bag chairs I was given for Christmas to go in my Pro Line may never leave my garage except for scalloping season. They're way too bulky in my opinion. A cooler with cushion is a better option than that.
 
#11 ·
I have skiff buddies that run the Hondo and the Bean bag. I really like the Hondo for the comfort and stability. He does have full SeaDek cockpit though. You'll want to put some padding on the bottom of the chair or put down a damp towel. The chair folds up and we can stash it in front of the side console. The bean bags work well and are certainly versatile. They are big space hogs but mighty comfy. If you go bean bag, spend the coin for the E Sea-rider marine grade ones.
 
#12 ·
I bought a Hondo chair to go in my open cockpit tiller skiff. It was perfect. I put seadek on the feet to protect the nonskid and keep the chair from sliding. I since sold that skiff and have a side console now and have yet to use the chair. It is a little large. Super comfortable though.
 
#14 ·
Trailhead is smaller footprint, good strap tie down locations. Four contact points better than two long bars plus better storage footprint. I trailer a lot, so like the chartplotter, I remove for trailering. Also if your guests need a beanbag, buy another vessel or get a better operator.
Better operator because of a beanbag? My 4 year old absolutely loves the E Sea Rider beanbag. There’s pros and cons of each but don’t discount a beanbag for kids or wives. Plus the Wedge takes up basically the same amount of room as my Yeti Trailhead. Both have their place.
 
#17 ·
For what it’s worth, the way I compare the yeti chairs is hobby grade (trailhead) vs professional grade (Hondo). I sat in both on multiple occasions before deciding to purchase the Hondo for use in my skiff. I deleted the hard plastic feet, and it’s mounted on tie downs so it’s pretty rock solid when running around.

I used an Esea rider for a year or so before growing tired of having it in the skiff. Very comfortable but always in the way. Also if you have old guys on the boat do them a favor and get some form of chair. All the other options are a poor compromise at best.


 
#22 ·
For what it’s worth, the way I compare the yeti chairs is hobby grade (trailhead) vs professional grade (Hondo). I sat in both on multiple occasions before deciding to purchase the Hondo for use in my skiff. I deleted the hard plastic feet, and it’s mounted on tie downs so it’s pretty rock solid when running around.

I used an Esea rider for a year or so before growing tired of having it in the skiff. Very comfortable but always in the way. Also if you have old guys on the boat do them a favor and get some form of chair. All the other options are a poor compromise at best.


View attachment 201739 View attachment 201740
This has the be the best use of some vinyl tubing that I’ve seen! Definitely making a note of this for my own use
 
#20 ·
dont' want my passengers sitting on the deck on a glorified dog bed

I can't spend Yeti money on a chair (with all due respect)

dont' like the big heavy expensive upholstered chairs

I've been using the West Marine deck chair for 10+ years now haven't looked back. Quality is good enough, but they will breakdown over time (mine have lasted around 5 years each). The FORMA Marine brand is a similar style and appears to be made with superior components compared to the West Marine version, but it costs more. Once (if?) my West Marine chair dies, I'll get a Forma.
 
#31 ·
Haven't tried the Yeti chair but I love my Ocean Tamer. Lets a third guy ride up by the front bulkhead. I got the medium long-neck version, which helps it be a little more free-standing. The owner told me a narrower bag like the wedge really needs a little support side to side, either from the boat or with your legs. Basically it's more like a seat than a beanbag that you can just sink into. Only downside of the bag is that it's more difficult to get out of than a chair, but still not bad. I'd make the trade for the extra comfort any day. Plus it's versatile enough to be used by my 3 yr old daughter or my 75 yr old dad.