Bumfortable Models

Which Bumfortable is for you?

Bumfortable kayak seats come in two models.  The correct seat for you depends on the shape of the hull (bottom) of your kayak. Narrow kayak hulls have a rounded bottom whilst Wide kayak hulls have a flatter bottom.

“Narrow” hull, and “Wide” hull refer to hull shape, not your bum size!  In fact, the two models of Bumfortable have the same internal dimensions, it’s just the external shape that differs to match the hull curvature. Manufactured from low density closed cell foam, the Bumfortable is very adaptable and conformable to various bum shapes and sizes.

Narrow - Rounded shape vs Wide - Flat bottomed shape Kayak Seat

Narrow hull (rounded bottom shape):

A narrow kayak hull has a more rounded shape in cross section. I categorise a narrow kayak to be less than 500mm measured at the cockpit (where the paddler sits), from outside to outside.

Narrow Bumfortable seats have “Narrow” embossed on the underside, and are yellow and red blotch in colour as seen in the picture in the upper left. (Narrow Bumfortable kayak seats manufactured prior to July 2005 are coloured red/purple/green blotch.)

Some typical boats that suit a “narrow” Bumfortable:

Wide hull (flat bottom shape):

A wide kayak hull has a flatter shape in cross section. I categorise wide kayak hulls to be more than 500mm wide when measured at the cockpit (where the paddler sits), from outside to outside.

Wide Bumfortables have “Wide” embossed on the underside, and are coloured yellow/black blotch.

Some typical boats that suit a “wide” Bumfortable:

Kayaks that fit either Narrow or Wide Bumfortables

Some kayaks will be right on the "fence" between Narrow (round) hull or a Wide (flat) hull Bumfortable. These will be kayaks with a hull width at the cockpit of 500 +/- 50 mm.
This is great because it gives you an option, and you’ll be able to fit either a Narrow (round) hull or a Wide (flat) hull Bumfortable.

If you're a proficient paddler and want to "get above or over" your paddle stroke, then go for the Narrow hull Bumfortable. This will lift you 15 mm higher than the wide hull Bumfortable, BUT it is less stable. If maximum stability is important to you and/or you're not racing, then the Wide hull Bumfortable will be more stable and comfortable for you.

Kayak examples that could use either a Narrow or Wide Bumfortable are:

Distinguishing between Narrow and Wide
(at a glance):

Narrow Bumfortables are yellow/red and have “Narrow” embossed on the underside.  Narrows manufactured prior to July 2005 are coloured red/purple/green blotch.

Wide Bumfortables are yellow/black and have “Wide” embossed on the underside.

What boats can I NOT fit a Bumfortable to?

An occasional minority of sea kayaks have a seat that is built in as an integral part of the structure; or in some cases the seat seals off a rear water-tight compartment. These boats are not appropriate to fit a Bumfortable without building an associated structure to fulfill the original intention of the manufacturer. Be aware too that this may void the boat manufacturer's warranty. 

Matching your bum size & shape, and all of that stuff. 

You will be tempted to test the comfort of the seat by sitting in it on the floor. Nice try, but you will quickly realise that the seat needs the shape and support of the kayak hull to give its luxurious comfort.

Bumfortables are very flexible and are designed to conform to fit most bum shapes and sizes. If adjustment is needed, Bumfortables are generally customised by additions and alterations on the outside of the Bumfortable, leaving the paddler contact side of the Bumfortable intact and smooth.

For Narrow hull models, there is usually no adjustment needed.

For Wide hull models, the positioning and angling of the Wedge kit is usually all that is needed to customise your Bumfortable to your bum and boat. It allows you to choose the level of support and contact you get between your hips and the sides of the hull. Position the wedges higher up the sides for bigger bum size and lower for smaller bums. Bumfortables are designed to allow the foam to conform to the angles of the wedges.

The sides of the Bumfortable are 8 mm in thickness and can be trimmed if needed.
Being made of closed cell foam, it is also easy to further customise your Bumfortable kayak seat by cutting, grinding and heating it - see the customising page for more details.

Some kayaks have a fiberglass flange that extends down from the coaming to attach a fiberglass seat pan. In many circumstances this flange can be left intact, the Bumfortable can be glued directly to this, thus saving the need for a wedge kit. This flange can also be chopped off.  It’s personal preference and depends on how wide your hips are. I would recommend the wedge kit as being the most reliable method of customizing the fit of your hull and bum shapes.

There is also a back strap kit that is good for customising the fit to your bum. This provides adjustment for the support at sacrum level. (It is also provides security to insure against the glue coming unstuck).
 

Bumfortable Models product image