When you're standing in a boatyard deciding between used seating and vintage chrome hardware, you're really choosing between two different projects. The boat marine bench seats offer a ready place to sit while you're on the water. The NOS Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings offer period-correct details for a restoration or display. Both are legitimate deck upgrades, but they solve different problems.
Quick Verdict
If your boat needs seating and you're comfortable with used gear, the boat marine bench seats are the practical buy. If you're restoring a classic boat or want rare vintage chrome, the Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings are the more special find. The two options don't compete for the same job, so your decision should hinge on what your deck is missing.
At a Glance
| boat marine bench seats | NOS Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 399.00 | USD 275.00 |
| Condition | Used | New old stock |
| Key detail | Removed from freshwater-only boat | Triple-plated chrome, late 50s/early 60s |
| Best for | Adding seating to a boat | Restoring or displaying classic hardware |
Where Each Product Wins
boat marine bench seats win if: you want functional seating without a long parts hunt. The set was removed from a freshwater-only boat, and the listing includes a shelf between seats 2 and 3, adding a small practical surface. The used condition is the tradeoff, and mounting hardware is included only if it appears in the photos.
NOS Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings win if: you're restoring a boat from the late 1950s or early 1960s or you want a display piece. These are brand new old stock, never installed, and still in the original display box. The chrome is very clean and just needs a polish to bring out its shine.
Product Notes
boat marine bench seats
The boat marine bench seats are a functional buy for boaters who want seating without hunting for new parts. Priced at USD 399.00, this set is in good used condition and was removed from a freshwater-only boat, which reduces the risk of heavy saltwater corrosion. The set includes a shelf between seats 2 and 3, so you get a small built-in surface for drinks or gear. Choose these if your priority is seating and you can carefully review the photos. The main limitation is the used condition: expect normal wear, and mounting hardware is included only if you see it in the pictures. That means you may need to supply your own fasteners. If you're comfortable assessing used marine gear, this is a straightforward way to add bench seating.
Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings
The NOS Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings are the pick for classic-boat restorers and vintage hardware collectors. At USD 275.00, they cost $124 less than the bench seats, and you're getting new old stock that was never installed. The triple-plated chrome finish appears to be from the late 1950s or early 1960s and still sits in its original display box, having come out of marine dealership storage. The set is described as very clean, though it needs a polish, so the chrome is in good shape but not show-ready out of the box. This isn't a seating solution; it's a period-correct hardware upgrade or an eye-catching display piece. The warranty length is unspecified, so rely on the photos and condition description. As an extra, 100% of proceeds benefit a veteran.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the boat marine bench seats if you spend time on a boat that could use more comfortable seating and you don't mind a used, functional set. Choose the Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings if you're restoring a vintage boat, want authentic chrome details, or appreciate rare old-stock hardware. For a deck that needs a place to sit, the bench seats are the obvious pick. For a deck that needs a period-correct finishing touch, the deck fittings win.
