Choosing deck hardware and seating covers for a boat can feel like two projects in one. You might be after a functional seating base for a pontoon, or you might be restoring an older boat and want hardware that looks right for its era. The TOONMATE 308436GGRR PONTOON 36" WIDE BENCH SEAT BASE MARINE BOAT is a purpose-built base at $111.96. The NOS MARINE HARDWARE BOAT WILCOX CHITTENDEN DECK FITTINGS are a vintage set at $275.00. The decision comes down to whether you need a ready-to-mount component or a piece of boating history.
If your priority is a ready-to-mount frame for a pontoon seat, go with the Toonmate. It is built around a specific pontoon seating setup. If your priority is vintage character, the Wilcox Chittenden deck fittings are the stronger choice. They come in the original display box, have never been installed, and are described as needing a polish.
| Product | Price | Price indicator | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOONMATE Pontoon Bench Seat Base | USD 111.96 | A pontoon seating refresh where you want the base, not a full seat | |
| Wilcox Chittenden Deck Fittings | USD 275.00 | A vintage boat restoration or a display-worthy original hardware set |
Where the Toonmate wins
- The base includes drainage slots so rail water can run out the back of the seat instead of pooling in the base.
- It is designed for Wise cushion 8WD100 and Toonmate cushion 36SEAT-DELX, narrowing the matching-cushion search.
- A recessed toe kick adds a cleaner, more finished look.
Where the Wilcox Chittenden wins
- New old stock from the late 1950s or early 1960s, with a triple-plated finish that needs polishing.
- It is made in the United States, and 100% of the proceeds benefit a veteran.
- The dealership-storage story gives it a strong restoration or display provenance.
TOONMATE Pontoon Bench Seat Base
The Toonmate base is the practical route for a pontoon seating refresh. The listed measurements-36.5-inch width, 22.5-inch depth, and 11-inch height-give you a clear footprint to plan around. The drainage slots are a genuine functional plus: water can escape out the back of the seat rather than sit in the base. A recessed toe kick adds a little polish without changing the mounting job. The main limitation is that this item is the seat base only. There is no cushion included and no mounting hardware in the box, so you will need to source both separately. Its condition is "new other." The compatible fits are Wise cushion 8WD100 and Toonmate cushion 36SEAT-DELX, which helps narrow the search.
Wilcox Chittenden Deck Fittings
The Wilcox Chittenden set is the character-rich route for a classic boat build. These are new old stock from the late 1950s or early 1960s, never installed, and they are described as very clean with a triple-plated finish that just needs a polish. For a restorer, having an original-era set from a marine dealership's storage is a strong draw. It comes in the original display box, and 100% of the proceeds benefit a veteran. The limitation is specificity: the set covers deck fittings without itemizing exactly which pieces are included, and the manufacturer part number is "misc." Plan to inspect the set and compare each piece to your boat's existing hardware before committing.
Final choice by use case
- If you are replacing a pontoon seat base and want a component made for that job, choose the Toonmate base.
- If you are restoring a vintage boat or want an original deck fitting set with display appeal, choose the Wilcox Chittenden set.
- If your build needs both a seating base and vintage deck hardware, the Toonmate base and the Wilcox Chittenden set can work together in the same project.
