The fiberglass cockpit benches get a bit hard on the butt after awhile, but boat cockpit cushions are large and unwieldy. My solution was to use previously used outdoor patio chair cushions over non-slip sheets of that stuff boat placemats are made of. The cushions are bendy, so can be bent to have a back cushion if need be. They are light and flexible and so can be placed on deck to lay out under the stars. They don't slip, even when walked on, they are water resistant, they are comfy and cheaper than cockpit cushions.
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another cushion solution
When we sat on the Hunter-supplied cushions at a boat show, we found them very hard and uncomfortable. Something called closed cell foam. The big selling point was that they float. We were more interested in comfort, and so my husband made a drawing of the cockpit seating area and took it to a local canvas shop. They had us pick an open cell foam that was comfortable for sitting and covered it with a Sunbrella that matches our dodger and bimini, a light grey. The cushions attach with velcro that is sewn to the back of the cushions and that sticks to the seats. I'm not sure yet if the Sunbrella was a good choice (because it will not be easy to clean) but I love the fact that we don't stick to vinyl cushions.
When we sat on the Hunter-supplied cushions at a boat show, we found them very hard and uncomfortable. Something called closed cell foam. The big selling point was that they float. We were more interested in comfort, and so my husband made a drawing of the cockpit seating area and took it to a local canvas shop. They had us pick an open cell foam that was comfortable for sitting and covered it with a Sunbrella that matches our dodger and bimini, a light grey. The cushions attach with velcro that is sewn to the back of the cushions and that sticks to the seats. I'm not sure yet if the Sunbrella was a good choice (because it will not be easy to clean) but I love the fact that we don't stick to vinyl cushions.
How does the velcro stick to the seats?
Thanks for your post Toni. Did you have to attach the other velco material to the seat or does it attach directly to the fiberglass? BTW, I found a book called The Best Tips from Women Aboard" Ed. by Maria Russell that gives all sort of nifty tips.
Thanks for your post Toni. Did you have to attach the other velco material to the seat or does it attach directly to the fiberglass? BTW, I found a book called The Best Tips from Women Aboard" Ed. by Maria Russell that gives all sort of nifty tips.
You may have been misinformed
Closed-cell foam isn't used because of floatation; the benefit is that it doesn't absorb water. Open cell foam does.
Closed-cell foam isn't used because of floatation; the benefit is that it doesn't absorb water. Open cell foam does.
Portable cushions
I just bought "sport-a-seat" portable boat seat/cushions from West Marine. They recline and lay flat. The 4th of July special is 2 for 1. Normal price $89. Check it out on page 772 of the 2002 catalog.
I just bought "sport-a-seat" portable boat seat/cushions from West Marine. They recline and lay flat. The 4th of July special is 2 for 1. Normal price $89. Check it out on page 772 of the 2002 catalog.
Link to earlier sport a seat discussion
Here is a link (I hope) to an earlier discussion with pictures of this cushion.
Here is a link (I hope) to an earlier discussion with pictures of this cushion.
how the velcro sticks
Diane, the velcro sticks directly to the fiberglass. We have had a problem with one small piece coming off, but the others are holding perfectly. When the temperature this weekend was 92 degrees (a very unusual temperature on Lake Ontario) we were glad NOT to have the old vinyl cushions. However, the Sunbrella is much harder to keep clean. Life, a series of compromises.
Diane, the velcro sticks directly to the fiberglass. We have had a problem with one small piece coming off, but the others are holding perfectly. When the temperature this weekend was 92 degrees (a very unusual temperature on Lake Ontario) we were glad NOT to have the old vinyl cushions. However, the Sunbrella is much harder to keep clean. Life, a series of compromises.
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