A boat having a deck section, e.g., a forward deck, having an opening in which a pivotable seat assembly is located. The pivotable seat assembly includes a seat that mounted on a frame and is arranged to be pivoted from a closed position, wherein the back of the seat forms a hatch closing the opening in the deck section, to an open position wherein plural passengers can be seated on the seat in the deck section. The frame pivotably supports the seat. A hydraulic actuating system under electrical control is provided arranged to pivot the seat between its closed and open positions and vice versa.