I have a 27' 1980 hunter with wheel steering. Wanted to replace the cockpit cushions. Can anyone suggest which type to go with, the Bottomsiders, Mesh fabric or other suggestions? My current set is a three piece and apparently Bottomsider goes with a four piece, two pieces for the helm instead of one. Thanks, Kevin
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Bottom Siders
Kevin, A few years ago we also needed to get cockpit cushions. We were advised to look at Bottom Siders. We did, we liked them, we bought a 5 Pc. set for our 1990 H-33.5. The 5 pc set has 3 pcs. for the helm seat and the 2 areas either side of the helm seat. We are very satisfied with them. They have held up very well over the last 4 seasons. Dick Carey S/V Puffin
Kevin, A few years ago we also needed to get cockpit cushions. We were advised to look at Bottom Siders. We did, we liked them, we bought a 5 Pc. set for our 1990 H-33.5. The 5 pc set has 3 pcs. for the helm seat and the 2 areas either side of the helm seat. We are very satisfied with them. They have held up very well over the last 4 seasons. Dick Carey S/V Puffin
Have both but would choose...
Kev, the H320 I purchased actually had a set of Bottomsiders and open mesh Cushions. After using boat I find the Bottomsiders to be generally more comfortable to sit on and they have a tendency to "stick" to the boat a bit better in higher winds. It's essentially like sitting down on a high-density pool float. Down side is that in the Texas heat where I am they also stick to you more than the open mesh cushions. The open mesh-type that I have are a bit thicker and more rigid than the bottomsiders so I tend to use them on the rail seats which would otherwise get quite hard on the bottom. If I had to buy them again I would choose the Bottomsiders for the cockpit and open mesh for the rail seats. You can't go wrong with either.
Kev, the H320 I purchased actually had a set of Bottomsiders and open mesh Cushions. After using boat I find the Bottomsiders to be generally more comfortable to sit on and they have a tendency to "stick" to the boat a bit better in higher winds. It's essentially like sitting down on a high-density pool float. Down side is that in the Texas heat where I am they also stick to you more than the open mesh cushions. The open mesh-type that I have are a bit thicker and more rigid than the bottomsiders so I tend to use them on the rail seats which would otherwise get quite hard on the bottom. If I had to buy them again I would choose the Bottomsiders for the cockpit and open mesh for the rail seats. You can't go wrong with either.
also like the Bottomsiders
Kevin: We also like the Bottomsiders. We cover ours with some terry cloth covers (made from towels from Costco). There were two reasons for this, first was the heat. Almost any (vinyl or mesh) material in the hot summer sun is nearly impossible to sit upon. The other reason was the 3 member of our family (the dog). This makes it better for us when she has wet muddy paws. We also used some of that vinyl shelf liner under the cushions to prevent the cushions from slipping off the seats when we are out sailing.
Kevin: We also like the Bottomsiders. We cover ours with some terry cloth covers (made from towels from Costco). There were two reasons for this, first was the heat. Almost any (vinyl or mesh) material in the hot summer sun is nearly impossible to sit upon. The other reason was the 3 member of our family (the dog). This makes it better for us when she has wet muddy paws. We also used some of that vinyl shelf liner under the cushions to prevent the cushions from slipping off the seats when we are out sailing.
C Cushions for ours ...
We got the C Cushions (the closed cell foam like Bottomsiders) for our Hunter 30 and LOVE them. Paid the little extra to get the captain's 8 inch hump added and this makes a world of difference in seeing over the bimini. We also decided on these since after 5 or so seasons, we can have the mesh (and piping) actually added around the C Cushions.
We got the C Cushions (the closed cell foam like Bottomsiders) for our Hunter 30 and LOVE them. Paid the little extra to get the captain's 8 inch hump added and this makes a world of difference in seeing over the bimini. We also decided on these since after 5 or so seasons, we can have the mesh (and piping) actually added around the C Cushions.
C Cushions
Was down in Rockport a number of years ago and went through the factory and met the owner. Ordered a set for my H35.5 and haven't had any problems. Their biggest customers are ambulances where their pads cover the stretchers. Nice family and good customer service.
Was down in Rockport a number of years ago and went through the factory and met the owner. Ordered a set for my H35.5 and haven't had any problems. Their biggest customers are ambulances where their pads cover the stretchers. Nice family and good customer service.
I've used both
Like Dick down below, I have BS on my boat and we adore them. And have had them for 8 seasons. They conform to your shape for comfort. The darker the color, though, the hotter they are. Ours are white and don't have any problem with heat - even on the hottest days. And are not difficult to clean - only more frequently. Some friend took our recommendation and bought royal blue. They love theirs, but they do get hot in the sun. I've had mesh on several charters that I have done in the BVI. They were royal blue (know who I chartered with?) and were comfortable except the mesh stuck to your skin in the heat. Plus, after sitting on them for any duration, you develop a case of "boat butt". That is to say they get itchy where you make contact with the seat. The mesh also takes a bit of time to dry off. My choice? - Bottom Siders.
Like Dick down below, I have BS on my boat and we adore them. And have had them for 8 seasons. They conform to your shape for comfort. The darker the color, though, the hotter they are. Ours are white and don't have any problem with heat - even on the hottest days. And are not difficult to clean - only more frequently. Some friend took our recommendation and bought royal blue. They love theirs, but they do get hot in the sun. I've had mesh on several charters that I have done in the BVI. They were royal blue (know who I chartered with?) and were comfortable except the mesh stuck to your skin in the heat. Plus, after sitting on them for any duration, you develop a case of "boat butt". That is to say they get itchy where you make contact with the seat. The mesh also takes a bit of time to dry off. My choice? - Bottom Siders.
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