230 Seating a crowd

[srock]

I rarely fill the boat up with passengers but this summer a family reunion may have my 16 person rated 2009 230 at 13-14 persons. I never install the rearward seat but I am thinking this is the key to managing all those bodies. Any advice on the realistic number of people and if I should install the extra seat would be appreciated. There will only 6 adults, 4 young college age adults, and 2 - 14 year olds.

[markj]

A few years back, I had 14 people in my 230. A mix of adults and teenagers. It worked. Everyone had somewhere to sit. Don’t think I would put more than that in. Rearward seat may add two more seats, but it cancels the leg room of at least two existing seats not to mention it takes away floor space. My .02

[hal2814]

14 is the most I’ve done. It was fine. We don’t have the bench seat and didn’t need to use the flip cushion. It was tight but reasonable.

[Nautique Fan]

We have done 14 as well. Ive only used the jump seat twice as it keeps me from getting to the back and helping. If you have good helpers, the the jump seat works ok.

[srock]

Thanks for the input. At least extra ballast will not be a concern.

[charlesml3]

If you have the "Port-side Lean-back option" take it out and store it under a seat. That'll give you a good bit more room.

-Charles

[Luebowski]

I consistently have 10 (adults/teens) on my 2004 210, you will be fine! Is it a little tight, yeah but everyone has fun and I seem to be the only one that wants a bigger boat in my family... We have the jump seat which really helps to.

[stereoman405]

I have a 2012 230 in my fleet, took 6 adults and 9 kids out on it last spring, pulled the STRBD rear seat back out and installed the rear facing bench, actually worked out GREAT. I liked it better with bench in for bigger groups than without it.