When anglers think about upgrading their boats, the first things that come to mind are often electronics, trolling motors, or livewells. But if you spend serious time on the water, especially in rough conditions, there’s one comfort feature that can make a bigger difference than you’d expect: a boat seat suspension system.
Whether you’re running a tiller boat across a big windswept lake or fishing long hours in bumpy water, the pounding your body takes adds up. Fortunately, premium seat suspension systems like the Smooth Moves Ultra are built to absorb the shock, reduce fatigue, and keep you in control, even when the water’s fighting back.
What Is a Boat Seat Suspension System?
A boat seat suspension system is exactly what it sounds like: a suspension mechanism mounted between your pedestal base and your seat. Similar to the suspension in a car, it’s designed to absorb vertical shock and soften the ride when your boat hits waves or wakes from other boats. 
Unlike traditional fixed seats, suspension systems allow the seat to “float” through impact. This movement cushions the driver or passenger during rough conditions, which is especially valuable in fishing boats where you’re seated during long runs.
Spotlight: Smooth Moves Ultra Suspension Seat
One of the most trusted systems in the industry is the Smooth Moves Ultra, a heavy-duty seat suspension trusted by top-tier anglers, such as Jeremy Smith of Angling Edge.
“This is definitely an amazing tool for traveling in rough seas,” Jeremy says. “I absolutely love having this beauty in the boat.”
The Ultra model is known for its strength, clean install, and adjustability. It’s designed to fit most pedestal-style seats, making it easy to retrofit into a wide variety of fishing boats, from tillers to consoles and from aluminum to fiberglass. With adjustable spring tension and height control, it adapts to your weight, riding style, and seating preferences.
And best of all? It’s incredibly easy to use.
How to Adjust the Smooth Moves Ultra Suspension System
Jeremy breaks it down: the Smooth Moves Ultra has just a few simple adjustments, but they make all the difference in comfort and performance. Here’s how it works:
1. Swivel Lock + Friction Control
At the base of the seat is a flip-up lever that locks or unlocks the swivel action of your seat. Keep it locked when you need control. Unlock it for smooth rotation, especially useful in tight fishing quarters.
Right next to it, a small dial allows you to adjust the ease of seat swiveling. Loosen it up for quick movement, or tighten it for resistance.
2. Suspension Travel Adjustment (Height Control)
This plus/minus dial controls the vertical travel of the suspension system. Want your seat to ride lower and stay closer to the deck? Dial it down toward the minus.
Need to sit higher for better visibility, like in a tiller boat with passengers or electronics in front? Crank it toward the plus side to maximize suspension travel and increase your seated height.
“I’m in a tiller boat here, and I need to be able to see over the passengers and electronics,” Jeremy explains. “So I basically have the travel maximized.”
3. Spring Tension Knob
This top-mounted control allows you to adjust the suspension stiffness according to your weight.
- If you’re heavier, you’ll want a tighter spring to prevent bottoming out
- If you’re lighter, loosen the spring so you still get a soft, comfortable ride
The key is finding a balance: you don’t want the seat so loose that you bottom out, and you don’t want it so stiff that it defeats the purpose of the suspension.
4. Fore/Aft Slide Lever
Mounted on the side, this lever functions similarly to the seat adjustment in your truck. Slide the seat forward or back to get your preferred position relative to your tiller handle or helm.
Whether you’re tall or short, this makes a big difference in reducing strain while running your boat.
When Do You Actually Need a Suspension Boat Seat?
Let’s be clear — if you mostly fish small, calm lakes in short stints, a suspension seat might be overkill. But if any of the following sound familiar, it’s a worthy upgrade:
- You run big water (Great Lakes, Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, etc.)
- You fish out of a tiller where you’re seated a lot of the time
- You make long runs in wind or waves
- You have back, hip, or joint discomfort after fishing
- You fish in spring/fall conditions when the weather shifts fast
In those scenarios, a boat seat suspension isn’t just a comfort boost; it’s a tool for performance, safety, and longevity on the water.
Key Benefits of Boat Seat Suspension for Anglers
Reduced Impact: Protect your body from wave slam and rough water
Better Control: Maintain better posture and responsiveness at the helm
Longer Days: Less fatigue = more time fishing effectively
Improved Safety: Especially for aging anglers or those with past injuries
Simple Installation: Most systems (like Smooth Moves Ultra) are drop-in ready
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If your fishing takes you into big water or heavy chop, the answer is simple: yes!
A high-quality boat seat suspension, like the Smooth Moves Ultra, provides a better ride, more control, and significantly less fatigue. And once you’ve fished with one, it’s hard to go back.
If you’re serious about comfort and performance, this might be one of the best investments you can make in your boat and on your body.
