Gate opening

[worrell]

So we have the 2020 Bennington salt, water series. I realize that the bottom opening of the gate on the front of the boat is there if you use a trolling motor, my concern is a small child slipping through there when the boat is moving. Should I just put an ice chest in front of that?

My second question is about the four swivel fishing chairs. I’m so bummed that you cannot sit in these while the boat is moving so I feel like that’s four wasted seats. Should I put beanbag chairs in if we have about 10 people on the boat and where should I place the beanbag chairs? As I mentioned- I’m nervous about that bottom opening of that front gate.

 

[worrell]

Pics for reference about the opening on the front gate and about extra seating since the swivel chairs are useless while the boat is moving

 

[Potomacbassin’]

I don't know your model very well but those are legitimate concerns. However - any swivel seat anywhere on any boat is going to be dicey if you've got a bumpy ride (waves, wake etc). I have one amidship and I've thrown a full grown adult man out of it hitting some wake. Bench, lounge or fixed captains chairs are really the only stable seats I'd put my kids in while running.

As far as the front gate goes - you don't need to overthink it, it's an opening and as such kids should be instructed to stay away from it while running. If they're that small they probably should an adult nearby anyhow to keep them from doing something dangerous. Blocking the hole is fine but who is keeping them from standing up or hanging over the fence?

 

[Bill N]

I can see your concern if running WOT, but for 20 MPH & under I wouldn't have any concern about the swivel chairs.
If your boat is new enough, you can 'lock' them to prevent the swivel if not yours could easily be retrofitted with pedestals/bases that will.

 

[lakeliving]

If it was me I’d price out a new gate, or I’d rig up a piece of black starboard and hang it on the like a French cleat. A strap around the starboard and gate would keep the wind from blowing it while underway. Basic but it would so the job.