Let’s Dive into Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post
The Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post is a seemingly simple, yet essential component for boat owners looking to upgrade or replace their seating system. Designed by Springfield Marine, this bushing promises a quick and easy installation, ensuring your boat seat is securely mounted and offers the desired height adjustment. Is it just another piece of plastic, or a vital link between comfort and a stable boating experience?
My old fishing boat, lovingly nicknamed “The Minnow,” had a serious seating issue. The original seat post bushing had cracked and crumbled over the years, leaving my seat wobbly and at an uncomfortable height. After enduring too many fishing trips with a backache, I knew I needed a reliable replacement.
Upon receiving the Springfield Marine bushing, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The high-quality plastic construction seemed significantly more robust than the original bushing it was replacing. The sleek black finish also gave it a professional look.
I considered a few other options before settling on this one. Some aftermarket bushings seemed flimsy, while others were part of complete seat pedestal systems that were more than I needed. The Springfield Marine bushing seemed like the perfect balance of quality and value, promising a straightforward solution to my wobbly seat problem. My first impression was definitely positive – this looked like a product designed to last.
Real-World Testing: Putting Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post to the Test
First Use Experience
The real test came on the water, of course. I installed the Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post in “The Minnow” just before a planned weekend fishing trip to Lake Serenity. The lake is known for its choppy conditions in the afternoon, so a stable seat was crucial.
The installation was as simple as advertised. A few taps with a rubber mallet, and the bushing was snugly in place, ready to receive the seat post. The seat felt immediately more stable, and the slightly increased height, thanks to the “Hi Lo” design, was a welcome improvement.
The first day on the lake was relatively calm, and the new bushing performed flawlessly. The real challenge came on the second day, when the wind picked up, creating some decent waves. Even in the rougher conditions, the seat remained secure, and there was no wobble or play in the post. It handled the conditions without any issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous fishing trips and a few pleasure cruises, the Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post is still going strong. There are no signs of wear and tear, no cracks or deformation in the plastic, and it remains as stable as the day I installed it. The black color hasn’t faded either, despite constant exposure to the sun and water.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. Occasionally, I wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime, but that’s about it. Compared to my previous experiences with other marine components that required constant cleaning and lubrication, this bushing is a dream.
This product far outperforms my expectations based on past replacement parts. My original bushing cracked and failed within a couple of seasons. The Springfield Marine bushing feels like it will outlast the boat itself, that’s how durable it appears to be.
Breaking Down the Features of Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post
Specifications
- The Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post is specifically designed for use with taper-lock seat posts. This ensures a secure and stable connection between the seat and the boat’s pedestal.
- Its outer diameter (OD) measures precisely 2 inches. This makes it compatible with standard pedestal openings, ensuring a snug and reliable fit.
- The “Hi Lo” design provides a slight increase in seat height compared to standard bushings. This can be beneficial for taller individuals or those who prefer a higher seating position for improved visibility.
- Constructed from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic, the bushing is built to withstand the harsh marine environment. This prevents premature degradation and ensures long-lasting performance.
- The bushing comes in black. This allows it to blend seamlessly with most boat interiors and seating systems.
These specifications are critical for ensuring the bushing fits correctly, provides adequate support, and withstands the elements. Without the correct dimensions and durable materials, the bushing would fail quickly, rendering the seat unstable and unsafe.
Performance & Functionality
The Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and secure base for the seat post, eliminating wobble and play, even in rough water conditions.
Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. There are no complicated mechanisms or moving parts to fail; it’s a simple, well-designed bushing that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. An area for improvement might be the addition of a slightly textured surface to enhance grip.
The bushing meets and exceeds my expectations. It transformed my wobbly, uncomfortable seat into a secure and enjoyable seating position, improving my overall boating experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The plastic feels dense and durable, and the dimensions are precise, ensuring a perfect fit.
The design is incredibly user-friendly; there is no learning curve. Simply insert the bushing into the pedestal and the seat post into the bushing, and you’re good to go.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and UV-resistant materials, this bushing should last for many years. Regular exposure to sun and saltwater are no match for it.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post doesn’t come with any accessories, nor does it require any. It’s a standalone component designed to work with standard taper-lock seat posts and pedestals.
While there are no specific customization options for the bushing itself, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket seat posts and seats. This allows boat owners to personalize their seating system to their specific needs and preferences. Ensure your seat post and pedestal are compatible before purchasing.
Pros and Cons of Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post
Pros
- Provides a stable and secure base for boat seats. Eliminates wobble and play, improving comfort and safety.
- Made from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic. Ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to the harsh marine environment.
- Simple and easy to install. Requires no special tools or expertise.
- Offers a slight increase in seat height (Hi Lo design). Provides improved visibility and comfort for taller individuals.
- Compatible with standard taper-lock seat posts and pedestals. Ensures broad compatibility and ease of replacement.
Cons
- May not fit non-standard pedestal openings (check dimensions before purchase). Although it’s designed to fit 2″ OD pedestal openings, some older or non-standard pedestals may require a different size.
- It only comes in black. While black is a versatile color, some boaters may prefer other color options to match their boat’s interior.
Who Should Buy Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post?
This bushing is perfect for boat owners looking to replace a worn-out or damaged seat post bushing. It’s also ideal for those who want to improve the stability and comfort of their boat seats or who need a slight increase in seat height. Pro anglers and recreational boaters alike will find this bushing a valuable addition to their vessel.
Anyone with a pedestal opening that’s not designed for a 2″ OD bushing should skip this product. Also, boaters who need significant height adjustments may want to consider a complete adjustable pedestal system instead.
A rubber mallet can be useful during installation to ensure a snug fit. Other than that, no additional accessories or modifications are typically required.
Conclusion on Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post
The Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post is a well-designed, durable, and effective solution for stabilizing boat seats. Its simple design and high-quality materials make it a worthwhile investment for any boat owner.
At $32.49, the price is justified by the bushing’s quality and performance. It’s a relatively small investment that can significantly improve your boating experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend this product. It solved my wobbly seat problem and has held up remarkably well over time. Don’t let a wobbly seat ruin your next boating trip. Upgrade to the Springfield Marine 2171035 2″ OD Hi Lo Bushing For Taper Lock Post and experience the difference!