I've been looking into cockpit cushions. Wondering if other people have recomendations. I can have some made locally that are covered in the same fabric as my sail cover. I think that would look great. But I talked with the folks at Bottomsider at the St. Pete's show and I liked the look of theirs that didn't have a fabric cover. They look durable and are said to not absorb water, but has anyone has any experience with those. Any input is appreciated. Thanks! JW
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Bottomsides are the Greatest !!!
Gerry : We have had Bottomsides aboard for three years now & I can honestly tell you that we consider them to be one of the best purchases we have made for Winpipe. Not only (as you say) do they not absorb water, but they look as good now as the day we first got them...they are very durable & easy to clean. Two bits of advice concerning them... 1) Storage : Consider (as I did) how you will store them when they are not in the cockpit & have yours cut into matching sections. Ours were set up as 6 equal panels, plus one for the helm seat. This way, we can stack them together, standing on end in the v berth to save space (foam would get deformed if you tried this) & the helmseat cushion stays on the nav station seat when indoors. 2) Color : Some folks think that it's the right thing (as you mention) to match the green or blue of the canvas or hull stripe. After "tons" of consideration, we ended up with light grey as our color & white pinstriping. The grey matches the mast & boom and the white matches the boats fiberglass hull & deck. With such a light color combo, the result is no burns on "our bottoms" !! Of course whatever color combo you choose, you'll be singing their praises too once you own them, just as we do. Fair Winds, Paul Ouellette, www.winpipe.ca
Gerry : We have had Bottomsides aboard for three years now & I can honestly tell you that we consider them to be one of the best purchases we have made for Winpipe. Not only (as you say) do they not absorb water, but they look as good now as the day we first got them...they are very durable & easy to clean. Two bits of advice concerning them... 1) Storage : Consider (as I did) how you will store them when they are not in the cockpit & have yours cut into matching sections. Ours were set up as 6 equal panels, plus one for the helm seat. This way, we can stack them together, standing on end in the v berth to save space (foam would get deformed if you tried this) & the helmseat cushion stays on the nav station seat when indoors. 2) Color : Some folks think that it's the right thing (as you mention) to match the green or blue of the canvas or hull stripe. After "tons" of consideration, we ended up with light grey as our color & white pinstriping. The grey matches the mast & boom and the white matches the boats fiberglass hull & deck. With such a light color combo, the result is no burns on "our bottoms" !! Of course whatever color combo you choose, you'll be singing their praises too once you own them, just as we do. Fair Winds, Paul Ouellette, www.winpipe.ca
BottomSiders
Hi Jerry, We sell Bottomsiders in the BON chandlery and have for some years. If you have questions or want a price quote just click the chandlery link then click the Seating tab. One word of advice: in warm climates (FL certainly counts) it is best go with a light color. the dark colors get hot in the sun and in extreme conditions (dark blue in Texas, for example) can even warp. Get a light cushion with a pinstripe to match your canvas or hull and you're good to go. They're a great product.
Hi Jerry, We sell Bottomsiders in the BON chandlery and have for some years. If you have questions or want a price quote just click the chandlery link then click the Seating tab. One word of advice: in warm climates (FL certainly counts) it is best go with a light color. the dark colors get hot in the sun and in extreme conditions (dark blue in Texas, for example) can even warp. Get a light cushion with a pinstripe to match your canvas or hull and you're good to go. They're a great product.
More flexible alternative
We considered Bottomsiders, and also the other canvas covered ones sold on BON, but not wanting to spend in excess of $600 for cushions for our 321, we opted to try two of the folding cushion-seats that West Marine (and others) sell. It ended up being a great decision! Folded flat, they are the perfect size for two people to sit side-by-side. Then when the friends go home, we fold them up to make "chairs" out of them and they are perfect for lounging in the cockpit (or wherever). I found they also work great folded into the chair position as a helmsman's seat. Gives me a nice cushy back support as well as for my seat! Cheers, Tim
We considered Bottomsiders, and also the other canvas covered ones sold on BON, but not wanting to spend in excess of $600 for cushions for our 321, we opted to try two of the folding cushion-seats that West Marine (and others) sell. It ended up being a great decision! Folded flat, they are the perfect size for two people to sit side-by-side. Then when the friends go home, we fold them up to make "chairs" out of them and they are perfect for lounging in the cockpit (or wherever). I found they also work great folded into the chair position as a helmsman's seat. Gives me a nice cushy back support as well as for my seat! Cheers, Tim
We have custom cushions, but rarely use them as the folding seats from West Marine are more comfortable.
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