Cockpit Cushions

[Mara]

Does anyone have a good design for cockpit cushions? My mate tends to get sore right in the middle of his back (he's 6'0"). The seat itself is not so bad, but the back just seem to hit in the wrong place. I'd like to create a 'hinged' back/bottom cushion. We were just at a boat show and the custom cushions are really expensive. I know how to sew and just want to know of any experiences someone else might have had, (other than getting a shorter mate!!).ThanksMara

 

[mmsailor]

cushions

Check out the sail rite web site, they have plans patterns etc for cushions, sail bags , sails etc, one alternative, I have some stadium, camp, seats, they have backs with straps, , they might not be tall enough for him though , good luck MIke B

 

[Frank]

auto parts department

I some times use a lumbar support cusin made for a car.

 

[Ward Niffenegger]

Boat Show Cushions

We bought two cushions at the boat show last year. They were hinged to adjust from flat to 90 degrees. They had an air bladder in them and covered with sunbrella material.Expensive.... I think around $60. each, but are absolutely the most comfortable thing you ever sat on. If you are interested I can ask my wife to dig out the name and address on them.Ward

 

[Jon Bastien]

H23 seat is sort of form-fitting...

...so the standard cushion solutions (like Ward's hinged sport seats) won't work very well. Since you can sew, I would agree that you should look into purchasing a UV-resistant fabric like Sunbrella from a local upholsterer (sp?), and making the cushions yourself. In addition, you'll want to use snaps or some other 'positive' form of keeping the cushions on board- You may recall that the lid for the large lazarette on the port side of the boat swings up and over the cockpit coamings when it's open, and that would be a lousy way to lose a brand new cushion! I'm not sure that Velcro would work here. As for cushion design, I think that you could get away with designing 2-part cushions, as opposed to one 'hinged' cushion, as long as you put some thought into how you plan to attach the cushions to the boat. A two-cushion setup would be easier to store aboard than a hinged setup, in my opinion. Just my $0.02... Good luck!--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'