When you're shopping deck hardware seating covers, you may find yourself weighing two very different parts: a marine deck hatch and a pontoon bench seat base. One part gives you access to the space below the deck, while the other gives you a place to sit. Figuring out which one belongs on your boat comes down to the project you are doing right now. This head-to-head looks at the Seachoice 39161 Rabud deck hatch and the Toonmate 308436GGRR pontoon bench seat base so you can pick the part that actually matches the job.
Quick verdict
These two parts are not interchangeable, so the right answer depends on the job. If your project is about opening up a deck hatch, choose the Seachoice 39161 Rabud. If your project is about adding a bench seat to a pontoon, choose the Toonmate 308436GGRR. They solve different problems, and the choice should be driven by what you're trying to build.
Comparison table
| Feature | Seachoice 39161 Rabud Deck Hatch | Toonmate 308436GGRR Pontoon Seat Base |
| Listed price | $192.50 | $111.96 |
| Primary function | Deck hatch | 36-inch wide bench seat base |
| Standout details | Built-in cam action handle, 100-degree stainless steel hinges, polypropylene and acetone proof | Drainage slots, recessed toe kick, fits Wise 8WD100 or Toonmate 36SEAT-DELX cushions |
| Mounting notes | Requires #8 fasteners (not included) | Pair with one of the listed cushion models |
| Price indicator | | |
Where each product wins
- Seachoice 39161 Rabud wins for deck access. This is the hatch, so if you are trying to reach below the deck, it's the part that fits that project.
- Toonmate 308436GGRR wins for pontoon seating. This is the bench seat base, so if you are trying to add seating, it's the part you want.
Product notes
Seachoice 39161 Rabud Deck Hatch
If an accessible deck hatch is your priority, this Seachoice part is built for that. It includes a cam action handle for opening and closing, plus 100-degree stainless steel hinges. The material is polypropylene and acetone proof, and it is made in the U.S.A. Dimensions give you an inside dimension of 9-5/8 x 19-5/8 inches, an outside dimension of 13-1/8 x 23-3/8 inches, and a cutout of 11-1/4 x 21-3/8 inches, so you can compare it with your existing opening. At the higher listed price, it is the more expensive half of this matchup. The main limitation is that mounting requires #8 fasteners that are not included in the box.
Toonmate 308436GGRR Pontoon Seat Base
The Toonmate base is the part to pick when you are building pontoon seating. It is 36 inches wide with a base height of 11 inches and a depth of 22.5 inches, and it includes drainage slots that let water run out the back instead of pooling in the base. The recessed toe kick adds style and can be used with optional lighting. It is designed for Wise 8WD100 or Toonmate 36SEAT-DELX cushions, so you can match it to one of those. At $111.96, it's about 42% less than the Seachoice hatch and is the lower-priced option in this head-to-head. The main limitation is that it is listed as new other, so you will want to inspect it before building it into your boat.
Final choice by use case
If your project is about opening and closing deck access, the Seachoice 39161 Rabud is the clear choice, provided the 11-1/4 x 21-3/8 inch cutout matches your deck and you have #8 fasteners on hand.
If your project is about comfortable pontoon seating, the Toonmate 308436GGRR is the part you need, as long as your cushion is one of the compatible Wise or Toonmate models. Choose based on the job, not just the price.
