Does anyone have a good way to attach the Foam Back Cushions in the cockpit? The original velcro from Hunter deteriorated in the UV after a couple of years. I have tried the new "Industrial Grade Velcro" and the UV causes it to fail after a few weeks of Texas Gulf Coast sun. I remove the cushions and stow them below so they are in good shape after five years but I have not found an attaching system that will survive the sun.
- Status
Same experience
I too tried the "Industrial Grade" Velcro and the adhesive detached from the velcro after a few weeks in the sun. It left a sticky, gooey mess that I can only remove with elbow grease and acetone. I also tried taking the hook and loop tape that became detached from the adhesive and stuck the now adhesiveless material to the boat using 3M 5200. That seems to be working. It is going to be a real bear to remove when the velcro wears out. Alan Long
I too tried the "Industrial Grade" Velcro and the adhesive detached from the velcro after a few weeks in the sun. It left a sticky, gooey mess that I can only remove with elbow grease and acetone. I also tried taking the hook and loop tape that became detached from the adhesive and stuck the now adhesiveless material to the boat using 3M 5200. That seems to be working. It is going to be a real bear to remove when the velcro wears out. Alan Long
UV Protection
Why not cut a piece of canvas the size of the cushions. Place velcro on the identical locations that the cushions have it, and put in place of the cushions when you put them away. That should protect the velcro. Might even use some of that reflective material for auto dashboard protection. Could use just squares the size of the velcro you want to protect.
Why not cut a piece of canvas the size of the cushions. Place velcro on the identical locations that the cushions have it, and put in place of the cushions when you put them away. That should protect the velcro. Might even use some of that reflective material for auto dashboard protection. Could use just squares the size of the velcro you want to protect.
What I did
I had covers made our of Sunbrella and put eight snaps on each one. They stay put, can easily come off and look great. We just leave them on all the time. If yo know any good seamstress, that's who I took them to.
I had covers made our of Sunbrella and put eight snaps on each one. They stay put, can easily come off and look great. We just leave them on all the time. If yo know any good seamstress, that's who I took them to.
Ask Hunter, they know
When I bought my H-26 in '94, I noticed the velcro-type material holding the back cushions in place. I figured, oh well, that should last a year or 2 in Las Vegas, with our sun and heat (it is 108° right now). I was wrong. The stuff Hunter put on works like velcro, but is actually like a plastic ball and socket system, not a hook and loop like velcro. Anyway, the enclosed pic is of my 9+ year old "velcro", and it is the side that got full southern exposure for all that time. Hunter bought it somewhere, they should be able to tell you where, and also what adhesive they used. If mine fails, that is what I would look for.
When I bought my H-26 in '94, I noticed the velcro-type material holding the back cushions in place. I figured, oh well, that should last a year or 2 in Las Vegas, with our sun and heat (it is 108° right now). I was wrong. The stuff Hunter put on works like velcro, but is actually like a plastic ball and socket system, not a hook and loop like velcro. Anyway, the enclosed pic is of my 9+ year old "velcro", and it is the side that got full southern exposure for all that time. Hunter bought it somewhere, they should be able to tell you where, and also what adhesive they used. If mine fails, that is what I would look for.
Attachments
i have another cushion question ...
which is, what are the options available when the original cushions give up the ghost? has anyone tackled this one successfully? the vinyl coating on our cushions are covered with cracks which is really detracting and sooner or later the cushions will go to. can they be recovered? thanks, ed
which is, what are the options available when the original cushions give up the ghost? has anyone tackled this one successfully? the vinyl coating on our cushions are covered with cracks which is really detracting and sooner or later the cushions will go to. can they be recovered? thanks, ed
Mesh from chandlery here
I dont' have the full cokcpit cushions, but I am extremely satisfied with the mesh stern rail seat covers that are sold here in the chandlery. I will probably purchase the mesh ones for cockpit when I decide that I need them.
I dont' have the full cokcpit cushions, but I am extremely satisfied with the mesh stern rail seat covers that are sold here in the chandlery. I will probably purchase the mesh ones for cockpit when I decide that I need them.
Another Option
We have an H26. The previous owner screwed the cushions into the bench wall with stainless steel screws and ring collars. They hold up nice. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
We have an H26. The previous owner screwed the cushions into the bench wall with stainless steel screws and ring collars. They hold up nice. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
3M makes a plastic interlocking mesh...
that works like Velcro. I think that you can get it at Home Depot. Fair winds, Tom
that works like Velcro. I think that you can get it at Home Depot. Fair winds, Tom
Stll looking
My back cushions have been below since the velcro fell apart (one year in the Texas sun). I've been to Home Depot and Loews in search of this 3M stuff that is supposed to hold up in the sun. Has anyone in the DFW area seen it? Tom
My back cushions have been below since the velcro fell apart (one year in the Texas sun). I've been to Home Depot and Loews in search of this 3M stuff that is supposed to hold up in the sun. Has anyone in the DFW area seen it? Tom
Here is what it is called
The fastener they put on my 94 H-26 appears to be called 3M Dual Lock. Check the link below for a description. Put "3M Dual Lock" into a search engine like Google and you'll get a bunch of hits. You just have to find someone that sells small lengths. I can see why Hunter went to the cheaper stuff, the 3M is pricey compared to Velcro, but it lasts. I would probably use an epoxy to install it.
The fastener they put on my 94 H-26 appears to be called 3M Dual Lock. Check the link below for a description. Put "3M Dual Lock" into a search engine like Google and you'll get a bunch of hits. You just have to find someone that sells small lengths. I can see why Hunter went to the cheaper stuff, the 3M is pricey compared to Velcro, but it lasts. I would probably use an epoxy to install it.
Bottom Siders
I bought a 1995 23.5 last year. The back cushions are shot. Hunter directed me to their supplier, CSI Bottom Siders at 360-533-5355. $125 or so. They came with only about 8 inches of the velcro that you all say deteriorates in the sun. I haven't installed them yet. I like the idea of covering the velcro with other velcro, canvas covered etc. The original cusions are screwed on. The new cusions are much thicker than the originals.
I bought a 1995 23.5 last year. The back cushions are shot. Hunter directed me to their supplier, CSI Bottom Siders at 360-533-5355. $125 or so. They came with only about 8 inches of the velcro that you all say deteriorates in the sun. I haven't installed them yet. I like the idea of covering the velcro with other velcro, canvas covered etc. The original cusions are screwed on. The new cusions are much thicker than the originals.
Check this link in the chanldery here
You can buy them online here for the same price... see link below.
You can buy them online here for the same price... see link below.
- Status