Take the Shock Out of Rough Water
September 17, 2026
Weekend boaters and anglers know the feeling all too well. Whether crossing a windswept lake filled with short, steep chop or running through rolling swells, every wave impact sends a jolt through the boat and everyone on board.
A long day in rough conditions can leave boaters feeling the effects, with sore backs, aching knees, and general fatigue caused by constant pounding. Over time, repeated exposure to these impacts can take a significant toll on comfort and physical well-being.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience designing and manufacturing suspension seating systems for military and commercial marine applications, Shockwave Seats offers a range of suspension bases designed to bring professional-grade comfort to recreational boaters.
The cast aluminum S5-AL and lightweight S5-LW suspension bases are ideally suited to freshwater boating. Both models utilize air-sprung shock absorbers to reduce the vertical and forward forces generated by wave impacts, helping to deliver a smoother ride in challenging conditions. An adjustable rebound setting allows boaters to fine-tune performance based on weather and water conditions, while the versatile design accommodates most marine seats and is straightforward to install.
For boaters who spend long hours on the water, upgrading to a Shockwave suspension base can make a remarkable difference. By reducing the impacts transmitted through the seat, these systems enhance both comfort and safety, turning a rough day on the water into a far more enjoyable experience.
Find out which Shockwave S5 suspension base best suits your needs
The Shockwave S5 range of suspension bases for recreational boaters has expanded to three bases, each aimed at meeting specific needs of everyday boaters. The S5 design is engineered to deliver four inches of vertical travel and 1 ½ inches of forward travel to offset the impact of each wave.
Shockwave S5-LW
Ideally suited to light seas and freshwater lakes, the Shockwave S5-LW is made from cast A360 aluminum, anodized and powder coated – either black or white. It utilizes a three-link action with an air sprung shock that is adjustable for rebound. The lightest of the three S5 suspension bases, it is a great choice for a cabin seat for occupants up to 250 lbs.
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Shockwave S5-AL
Better suited to moderate seas, the S5-AL is also made from anodized cast A360 aluminum, powder-coated in either a black or white finish. The robust design uses a four-link arm and the FOX shock that is adjustable for rebound. The S5-AL caters for occupants weighing up to 300lbs and is a great option for a cabin seat and craft that regularly encounter choppy sea conditions.
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Shockwave S5-SS
The newest addition to the S5 range, the S5-SS is designed for boaters in humid, high-salinity waters where saltwater corrosion is a challenge. It is made from 316 stainless steel – known for its exceptional corrosion resistance – and completed with a tough electropolish finish. It utilizes a four-link design similar to the S5-AL and features a FOX shock adjustable for both rebound and compression. It is a great looking suspension base built to last a lifetime!
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