Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

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chrisf695

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 6, 2011
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176
So I just tore out all the rotten wood and faded vinyl from my open bow Powerplay... I will be installing all new vinyl, foam, and using 1/4-3/8 foamed pvc instead of wood.

Problem is... how to attach the seat backings how they were before. There is no way that I can reach under and through the storage to the bolt holes... its impossible. I tried, wife tried, even had the kid neighbor try. They obviously attached these before they dropped the top cap of the boat together.

My ideas for attaching is:

-3m Dual lock Velcro.. best idea I think..
-Snap buttons (like you use for our covers)
-Hook and loop (attach a rope to cushion and drop through the bolt hole down to the storage area and attach it somewhere in there)
-Christmas tree snaps... probably worst idea...

Will any of these hold when i'm going 75+ mph??
 
Texasmark

Texasmark

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Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

Velcro as long as the glue holds. I prefer the buttons as you can just screw the male into one surface, female the other and you don't have to get to the back of the backing surface. How does the plastic hold screw threads?

Mark
 
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Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,073
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

For that speed, you need solid attachment, especially in the bow. See if you can find plastic caps the fit over screws. You can screw the cushions to the fiberglass and then install the caps. It will look like darts in the vinyl.
 
roscoe

roscoe

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21,750
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

My throwable pfd/cushion is velcro'd down, it's used as seat cushion on the front of my center console. It stays put at highway speeds.
 
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Cptkid570

Ensign
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Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

Snaps would work, must make sure you get them lined up right.
 
R

rlamothe

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Nov 19, 2012
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Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

Could you use t nuts?
 
C

chrisf695

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 6, 2011
Messages
176
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

The snaps do sound like a good idea... but what about all the holes i have from the bolts? they are about 1/4 inch big and there are six of them on each side... looks kinda bad. The 3m velcro sounds appealing because its strong and I could at least cover the holes with it and its white... wouldn't be seen.

Any of you have had experience with this stuff?

Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener :3M US
 
Fireman431

Fireman431

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Sep 17, 2007
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4,292
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

From a 20 year upholsterer: NO SNAPS (they won't hold the weight)! NO VELCRO (EVER!!!)

Coaming pads, backrests, trim panels, etc should be hung with these brackets. They are held on with 2 small SS screws and spaced approx. 18"-24" apart. The new pad backing (wood or starboard) get matching 1 3/4" holes in them. Upholster the pads as normal and then slip them on to the hangers. The pads will sit tight and flush with the inner hull and are removable for cleaning/drying. I use them all the time and they work absolutely perfectly. They run about $2-3 apiece in SS, a little less in aluminum.

pad brackets.jpg
 
johnj11

johnj11

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May 1, 2013
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Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

Factory upholstery on my dads bowrider were all snaps and stayed put fine BUT boat never saw 75 MPH Tri hull w/ 165 prolly topped out at 42-45 MPH
 
saumon

saumon

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Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

You're not the first one...http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/upholstery-buttons-329078.html

As suggested by Fireman431, you should use the clips, they're available here.

I see some problems with your plan. According to your other thread, you plan to use Starboard for backing. HDPE is a fantastic material cause nothing stick to it, but it's also a PITA material cause nothing stick to it! Where are you gonna place that Velcro in the back of your backrests? It won't stick to the Starboard and, on the vinyl, it will tear it apart the first time you'll try to remove it. And, aside, how did you plan to tack the vinyl to the Starboard? HDPE is so dense (hence the "high density"!) it's nearly impossible to drive staples into it.

I'd choose another backing material. I know there's some waterproof fiber composite material for that application.
 
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chrisf695

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 6, 2011
Messages
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Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

saumon said:
You're not the first one...http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/upholstery-buttons-329078.html

As suggested by Fireman431, you should use the clips, they're available here.

I see some problems with your plan. According to your other thread, you plan to use Starboard for backing. HDPE is a fantastic material cause nothing stick to it, but it's also a PITA material cause nothing stick to it! Where are you gonna place that Velcro in the back of your backrests? It won't stick to the Starboard and, on the vinyl, it will tear it apart the first time you'll try to remove it. And, aside, how did you plan to tack the vinyl to the Starboard? HDPE is so dense (hence the "high density"!) it's nearly impossible to drive staples into it.

I'd choose another backing material. I know there's some waterproof fiber composite material for that application.
Click to expand...


Well.... sh*t...


I didnt know that the dual lock adhesive would not stick to starboard... how do those clips go into the fiberglass in the boat?
 
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chrisf695

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 6, 2011
Messages
176
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

ok, found out how they work. But the starboard is 3/8 thickness...
 
saumon

saumon

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Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

The hangers/clips goes on the hull, with the tab up. You can bend them to accomodate your backing material thickness. I'd still try to find something else than HDPE...

Sans titre.jpg
 
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chrisf695

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
176
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

saumon said:
The hangers/clips goes on the hull, with the tab up. You can bend them to accomodate your backing material thickness. I'd still try to find something else than HDPE...

View attachment 193062
Click to expand...

what else is out there other then the HDPE? I just called a plastics company and the guys suggested PVC board... but only if it wont be in the sunlight... which it wont. So whats your thoughts on PVC board?
 
saumon

saumon

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1,452
Re: Cushion backing attachment for open bow???

Search for phenolic + 1/4" but it's really pricey ($176 for 1/4" x 36" x 48")!

You could use good exterior grade (that means with waterproof glue) 1/4" plywood that can be coated with porch paint for added protection or, better yet, try to find some BC fir plywood. It's about $50 for a full sheet but it will never rot. Most hardware stores, if they don't have it, can at least order it.

For your project, go get a sheet of BC fir plywood, 12 hangers (6 for each side) and 24 SS screws. That's, by far, the easiest, cheaper and most durable way to go.
 
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