Squeaky Vantage seat

I have one annoying issue with my vantage seat.....it has a "plastic like sounding squeak" I have not been able to get rid of.
What I have found is the noise appears to be originating, in the area where the bottom control line runs under the seat.....I can take my weight off the seat just a tad and the squeak stops.
I trolled almost 9 miles today in my PA-14......the squeak is driving me crazy.

Anyone have an idea to cure the squeak?

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I get some squeaking occasionally from the seat based on the fabric of the lower seat section shifting on the frame if I'm seated all the way against the back and have my weight in the rear area of the seat while I peddle. It's almost like the material rubs against the frame and squeaks. If I sit on the front half of the seat and peddle, there is no squeak. I'll have to check and see if it's cord related. Mine hasn't been bad enough for me to try and alleviate it. Yours sound like it wasn't very desirable.

I won't be on the water until the weekend, but will check some things and report back.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

The squeak comes from the mesh fabric rubbing on the seat frame. Try a graphite lubricant, or any other dry lube.
Fixed my squeak straight away. It is a very annoying problem.

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2021 Dune Hobie Lynx

Thanks for the suggestions......Since the top mesh is held in place by the outside plastic molded parts the front control line goes around, I loosened slightly the tension straps under the front edge of the seat...will need to test to see if that helps.

As far as using a dry lube.....it looks like the most likely place is over the front edge of the sea frame......any thoughts on this spot to apply like a dry silicone spray?

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

We had a similar problem. Check the foam inserts under the seat. Sometimes they get knocked out in shipping or when you install a transducer cable.

I sprayed some Breakfree "CLP" on the bottom of the seat where the cord rubs/supports the seat bottom and also sprayed the cord itself. It was quiet as a mouse. At least I know where my squeak area is to keep lubricated.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Thanks SRAces....that is where I thought the squeak was coming from......my seat bottom control line seems to be "wearing" in the left hand location and I can see some slight wear to the seat mesh fabric. I plant to fish Tuesday and will see if my squeak has stopped.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

my mirage drive squeaks.. drives me nuts... now wearing headphones and listening to I pod..

Have you "serviced" the mirage drive......lubricated the moving parts, including the pedals?

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Change the oil every three thousand miles, lube and filter every third time ... LOL - yep, I always flush with freshwater when I get back and hang to dry (out of direct sunlight) then spray it down with silicone spray. I have three drives, only one squeaks.... Can fish hear that? Might be why I'm having such bad luck....

redsinthehead.....Suggest reading the 3 tech tips on servicing your squeaky drive......viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12577#p69887

This first one has links to the next 2 tips and is very good info.
I normally take my mirage drive apart at the end of the fall fishing season and use waterproof bearing grease I buy from my local boat dealer to lube the center shaft assembly.
This stuff is very stick and does not wash off while under water and mechanical pressure.
Otherwise, I use WD-40 after each use on the chain...that's it.

You should be able to de-squeak the one offending mirage drive......and yes, I believe fish can hear the noise underwater.
Good Luck!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

It occurred to me that "waxing" the bottom control line might help stop the seat squeak.
I use Filson's "oil-finish-wax" on my heavy canvas, Filson's fishing hat to keep it waterproof.....so, I just worked into the bottom control line, the Filson's wax and will see if it helps tomorrow.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I am very happy to report that waxing the seat bottom control line completely eliminated the squeak!
And to top it off, I caught a 24" long, 6#10oz rainbow on one of my homemade kokanee bugs.
It was a really fat hen as the photo indicates

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Glad to hear it worked out. Now I know how to keep mine quiet as well. Nice trout!

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

SRAces....the silent seat is still performing.....I caught a 4# 7oz rainbow/steelhead today!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR