Configurable Observer Seat For A Boat

Abstract

A boat, having a stern having a transom, includes one or more configurable seats operable to face to the rear, face forward, or lay flat. Each transom seat includes first and second portions. A first portion may function as a seat bottom with the second portion functioning as a back support. In a rear facing configuration the first portion functions as a seat bottom, is generally flat and is closest to the boat stern while the second portion is inclined at an angle relative to the first portion and is closer to the bow. In a forward facing configuration the second portion functions as a seat bottom, is generally flat and is closest to the boat bow while the first portion is inclined at an angle relative to the second portion and is closer to the stern. Both first and second portions can lay relatively flat in another configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A boat comprising:
 a stern having a transom;   the transom having an upper surface for at least a portion thereof;   a configurable seat positioned proximate the transom surface including:
 a first portion positioned towards the stern, 
 a first pivotable support coupled to the first portion for positioning the first portion at an angle relative to the surface, 
 a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the how, 
 a second pivotable support coupled to the second portion for positioning the second portion at an angle relative to the surface. 
   
     
     
         2 . The boat of  claim 1 , wherein with the first portion in a flat configuration and the second portion in an angled configuration the seat comprises a rear facing configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The boat of  claim 1 , wherein with the second portion in a flat configuration and the first portion in an angled configuration the seat comprises a forward facing configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The boat of  claim 1 , wherein with the first portion in a generally flat, horizontal configuration and the second portion in a generally flat, horizontal configuration the seat is in a generally flat, horizontal configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The boat of  claim 1 , including one or more additional portions between the first and second portions. 
     
     
         6 . The boat of  claim 1 , the pivot axis of one of the portions relative to horizontal is nested within the pivot axis of the other portion. 
     
     
         7 . A boat comprising:
 a stern having a transom support structure with an upper surface above the seat level of the driver's bottom seat;   a configurable seat positioned proximate the upper surface with a first portion positioned towards the stern and a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the bow;   a pivot support coupled to each portion and to the transom which allows each seat portion to be angled independently relative to the upper surface and permits at least a seat rear facing configuration, a seat forward facing configuration, and a seat flat configuration.   
     
     
         8 . A boat comprising:
 a stern having a transom support structure with an upper surface above the seat level of the driver's bottom seat;   a configurable seat positioned proximate the upper surface with a first portion positioned towards the stern and a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the bow;   the first portion including an aft facing waterfall with an extension that extends upward above said upper surface.   
     
     
         9 . The boat of  claim 8 , the second portion including a forward facing cockpit lean back with an extension that extends upward above said upper surface. 
     
     
         10 . The boat of  claim 8 , the extension comprising a hinged portion that pivots upward. 
     
     
         11 . The boat of  claim 8 , the extension comprising an insert that attaches to the upper portion of the waterfall. 
     
     
         12 . The boat of  claim 9 , the cockpit lean back extension comprising a hinged portion that pivots upward. 
     
     
         13 . The boat of  claim 9 , the cockpit lean back extension comprising an insert that attaches to the upper portion of the waterfall.