An improved
cushioning apparatus on a
watercraft enhances the comfort of the ride, reduce rider fatigue, and
cushion impact forces experienced by the
watercraft hull, while allowing for convenient and easy access to various engine components for maintenance and repair of the engine. The
cushioning apparatus absorbs at least a portion of any
impact force which the rider experienced from the
hull, as well as provides at least one degree of movement between the seated rider and the
hull in order to
cushion such
impact forces. The
cushioning apparatus may also isolate the rider, at least to some degree, from vibrations experienced by the hull. In one mode, the cushioning apparatus is connected to the
watercraft by quick-disconnect fittings, which allow the seat and support frame to be easily moved away from an engine access opening for maintenance of the engine. Furthermore, a quick-access opening is disclosed which allows a rider to access various engine components without requiring that the cushioning apparatus be disconnected from the watercraft. Moreover, the cushioning apparatus increases the convenience and stability of the watercraft for heavier load conditions such as when multiple riders are riding on the watercraft.