Nope, I'm not thinking of fogging them with oil!...
Just wondering if there's a position which is better to keep them when the boat is not used for some time.
I mean, maybe there are springs which remain loaded in one position or another? Or anything else?
Actually I guess it doesn't really matter, but thought to ask anyway, just in case.

I do not have electric ones, however I always leave mine in the down position so that the vinyl on vinyl is limited thus preventing any condensation or trapped moisture.

Far as the mechanical parts, I doubt it matters at all. But I leave mine down just to leave the foam relaxed like hp500efi said.

Never thought of fogging them!

There are no springs, just a ram and linkages...as far as the mechanics go. Mine are however they were left, or raised/lowered to access the side storage compartments. Important thing is to not crawl/walk/or step on any of the vinyl when it's cold. Seen alot of vinyl get cracked that way as it is real stiff when cold.

Thanks everybody,
I also leave them down for the reasons you mentioned, but wondered about the mechanisms.
@ US1 Fountain: good hint re. cold vinyl, that must be the reason for a crack in one of my seats, near the stitching (dunno for sure, was already there when I bought the boat).
No way to repair it I guess, aside from re-upholstery?

Maybe not, find a good upholstery guy and have him take a look, might not be a lost cause. Sometimes a good one can take it apart, shift it around a little, restitch and all is good.