do you use your bow filler cushion

[stubbsboogie]

I was wonering if people use their bow filler cushions. We are thinking about getting one for lounging around. While it seems like a great idea, they are quite pricey. Before I spend 250 on something I want to make sure it will be used. And not be too much hassle.

We do spend a lot of time lounging at the sandbar ect.

 

[lkbum]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

Yes and No. I have a large bow rider (Chaparral 280 SSi). The bow area is large and the filler cushions are very high quality.
Good things about the cushions -
1) Kids and Teens love them. Allows them more room to "spread" out
2) They create a nice storage space under them - A new place to "stuff" things. When the cushions are in, I shove live vests, and things like that underthem that would normally blow around or have to be put somewhere else.

Bad things
1) They are heavy, bulky and somewhat of a pain to store. I keep them out of the boat most of the time. If kids are going to be around, I put them in the boat. My boat has a very large storage area in front of the helm. So I do have a place to put them, they are just large and heavy.

 

[Thad]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

My filler cushion stays in the boat at all times. The only time it is removed from the bow is when we are at achor and the girls are jumping off the bow.My wife and daughters absolutely love it. Could not imagine not having one.
As far as storage, my cushion is actually two pieces. You can remove one or the other or both. Also, my boat is only 21' so my bow is a bit smaller than posted above.
They stow under the bow seats with no problem.

 

[seaboo]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

I use mine alot, (my current boat also has a small bow "camper" set up and the cushions make for a nice large bed). It depends on how many people I take out, dictates whether they are in place while cruising or not. I'm luckly as far as storage for them goes, there is a place in front of the pass. seat (under dash) so their storage space really is just normally wasted space.

The front sunpad is nice for sunbathers.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

I spent 300 on mine, and wouldn't do it again. They haven't gone out with us in a couple years. Very heavy and bulky, the fall down a lot, and it is difficult to get up front when they are in. Maybe just a bad design for ours (Hurricane), everyone else seems to like theirs

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

My 20' Chaparral has three bow cusions, one large triangular one in front and two smaller wedges on either side, they kinda lock each other into place, i couldn't imagine not having them, there is one piece I'm missing and it goes right in the center and transforms the bow into a laying area so I've never tried that arrangement to say good or bad but I plan to one of these days.

 

[sebber83]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

I have a bow filling fat sac, ahaha, fill it with water and throw a towel on it and presto! Then when your done, you emty it and it shrinks to the size of a life vest. But it sucks the gas mileage from under you. I wouldn't have it if not for wakeboarding...lol ...so don't take my answer seriously!

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

Thanks guys for the responses.

I have not actually seen the way that the factory filler works for my boat. I do know it is a two piece set. I think we are going to take a chance and order one.

Hopefully it will not be wasted money. Like I said we do alot of lounging and hanging out.

It will be an early birthday present to myself and the admiraless.

 

[sebber83]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

going back on my idiotic response from earlier...has anyone ever made an inflatable bow filler cusion. Would be pretty simple to design and imagone the space and weight saving when it is deflated!!!

 

[lkbum]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

sebber83, they have inflatable "bow" fillers for pontoons. They are used to make the entire front of the pontoon boat a giant "bed"

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: do you use your bow filler cushion

My kids and dog loves to spread out on the Bow when the Cushion is there. Yes I use the storage below.

FWIW.