H26 Cockpit Backrest Replacement Cushions

[Ron]

My original white, hard, foam vinyl-covered cushions which are attached with industrial-type velco to the backrest areas in the cockpit are looking pretty worn and cracked after six years. Has anyone had experience with the specific replacement Bottomsider cushions which are sold on the HunterOwners website. I have been told they are double the thickness of the original. They sell for about $100 for the pair.Any help or thoughts on replacement or repair of these backrest cushions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Ron, My wife and I made a new set for our 95 H26

last year. The original cushions were attached with 2 or 3 screws as I recall. I used the original cushions for a patern and cut a piece of 1/4 or 5/16 inch plywood as a backing plate in the shape of the original piece although slightly smaller. We then glued a piece of 1 inch foam rubber to the plywood. We then covered this with some blue upholstry similar to Sunbrella and wrapped it around the plywood and stappled it to the wood with 1/4" staples. Make this as flat as possible.Then I bought some very sticky industrial, super bondo, "touch anything and here you stay" glue. Not just contact cement glue you paint on, let dry and then stick together stuff. I mean real men's pull the hair of your chest stuff. "Tool Time Glue"!!With this glue we painted over the backing we stapled on and then covered it with another flat piece of Sunbrella. This gives the cushion back a fairly flat surface. On that I glued 1/2 of the velcro required to attach the cushion. Attach the other 1/2 to the boat and mount your cushion.Our cushions were on all last year without cover and still look perfect. They mounted so well that I never removed them.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Elaine]

bottomsiders

When our original cushions started to look shabby, we purchased the back rests from Bottomsiders who made the original cushions. They are not double in thickness and have lasted for about 5 years already. While we were at it, we purchased seat cushions to match. It's the seat cushions that are double the thickness. Love them both.