FastJake

After a few failed attempts I finally built a bike that my dad finds comfortable. It's basically a flat bar hybrid but with tall riser bars for a very upright riding position.

He hasn't ridden a bike regularly in decades, if ever. He weighs about 260lbs and is trying to get into better shape. The only sticking point now is the saddle. I'm sure things will get better the more he rides, but I remember when I first started biking that different saddles felt very different to me. Now I can ride pretty much anything including hard, narrow racing saddles.

So, any specific recommendations? He doesn't want a Brooks, since the amount of miles required to break it in will likely take him a year or two to put on. He just wants something that is comfortable.

AnthonyG

The saddle that is most comfortable when you start riding will be different from the saddle that is comfortable after a few hundred kilometres and it will be different again after a few thousand kilometres..

Just start off with a big soft Gel saddle. It will get him started. The problem with soft saddles is that after too long in the saddle they become very numbing. Such is life. Start there and change the saddle when it becomes a problem. If you go too hard too soon then then you become bruised which will be a reason not to ride regularly and if you don't ride enough you never get to the point that you can handle hard saddles.

Anthony

late

I am the same age, just got a hybrid, and put a B67 on it.

Took 3 short rides. Sis has had one for years, done many long rides on it.

It's the way to go.

late

I just did a ride, and my butt was a little tender when I started. This was both longer and harder than what I've been doing, so it feels like more tenderness may be on it's way.

Still, I don't know of a better saddle for the situation I find myself in.

IK_biker

Find a bike shop with a "stash" of used $5 apiece saddles. Lots of shops have these in bins, and Madison WI is big enough that you can find one of those.
Have your dad select a few of them, and test them on the spot. This exercise could be fun for him.
Buy his top 3 preferences.
Have him ride them. Help him with minute adjustments. He will determine which one of the 3 he prefers.

Repeat the process once he's done a 1,000 miles, or a year later, as by then he'd both require and deserve (meaning that he'd have a better idea of his needs and preferences) something different.

And generally, ignore saddle recommendations given in online forums.

Wildwood 

+1 = Dad has to ride and choose.
Maybe he wants a big saddle with soft sheepskin cover. Maybe a saddle with springs.
If he takes to the cycling, even just a few times a month, then have him join a club with folks around his age & riding ambitions.