Hinged bow seats?

[blazin_jason]

So on my 82 16' SS it has 2 front bow seats/cushions. I'm going to change that into 3 pieces and hinge them somehow. I'm having a hard time finding specific hinges or ideas on how to make them work. I want the seats to remain the same size and hinge up towards the outside of the boat. It would seem that the hinge point would have to be up closer to the top of the seat in order to work. Anyone have fully hinged bow seats or know what I need?

 

[cpdchap]

Re: Hinged bow seats?

Jason, I have a 16' SS so I am familiar with the desighn, just out of curiousity why hinges? It seems to me it would be mush easier if they could be lifted off completely so you are not fighting something trying to close on you. I am building mine right now and am making them removable so you can lift them out of the way. Just my 2 cents.

 

[blazin_jason]

Re: Hinged bow seats?

Removable would be easier, but not what I'm after. Currently one seat can be removed, but it also has the plywood base under the seat. So it's the seat and then the base both to be moved. I understand a thicker seat base would eliminate that. Even so the 1 time I got to use the boat I found it inconvenient to move the seats to get access. Under the very front is where the anchor is kept, so in that case currently both seats need to be removed, once again 3 piece seats would make that a little easier. They won't be used a whole lot, just to keep a battery under each side, anchor in the front, tool/emergency kits and then what ever other misc items. I think being able to flip them up won't be too bad, I was also thinking about adding a gas spring to help or a lock. The only idea I have right now is to make up some butt hinges that sit just below the top of the seat to allow full motion.