new seating layout + upholstery

[bigdawggie]

hello

So I got my first boat. It's a 71 Kona with a 150Hp merc and the seats are pretty trashed. I'd like to attempt to design and upholster my own seats because I can't see spending a lot of money for something I can potentially do myself. so my question is... I am planning on using 2x4's as the base of my seats but how do I secure them to the floor of the boat. Can I screw into the bottom of the boat? it seems like it's pretty thick fiberglass but I dont want to make swiss cheese out of it. Also if anyone has attempted new seat design or upholstering and has any tips for me i'd appreciate it since I have never made a seat let alone upholster anything in my life.

Thanks

 

[charliesracing]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

ok i don't know anything about the apholstery, but to secure the base of the seat what i would do is i would take 2x4s and fiberglass over them to the boat where u are going to be mounting the seats so you would have a secure foundation for the seats sorry i cant be of anymore help

 

[oops!]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

DAWG AND CHARLIE.....


WELCOME TO IBOATS

just about any question you ever wanted to know about boats has allready been discussed on these forums...(just hit serach)
this is a cool place with many experts on many subjects. any questions you ever wanted to ask...the pros are here.

the "moderators" dont get paid and are really knowalageable..so treat them with total respect (youll see, if you read..they deserve it.)

as far as the seat goes.....if your floor is carpeted you cant glass them in...

the floor is 1/2 to 3/4 inch plywood with a fiberglass matt over top of it.
you can bolt your new seats to the floor using L brackets. (remember ...when screwing anything into a boat ..use stainless steel screws, and a sealant between the wood and the screws..or it will rot.)

the base of your seat is however high you want it to be...the L bracket would be on the inside of the seat pedistal.....

re upholstering your seat is not that hard unless you have back to back loungers.....if thats the case...its a little more difficult...

what kind of seats do you have?
get back to us and we can guide you


cheers
oops

 

[hdradaza]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

I started from scratch reupholstering the seats. Redid the layout and did new upholstery for it.

Here is the link for it...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=230922

I used a free program called google sketchup (very quick learning curve) to design the layout. You can google this up.

But I did, however, pay to get the upholstery done as I couldn't do it myself. The use 2" wide velcro to get the leather covered foam to stick to the base and the walls.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

Big, I would "search" up some pictures of boats like yours, and see if the layout or the seats is to your likeing. You can copy their design or parts of it to come up with your own design.

You can fiberglass the seat bases to the floor, or screw them down, like most boat builders do (silicone the screws to keep the water out). On my speedboat, I fiberglass the seats down as it is the only method that will hold up.

 

[QC]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

This old Kona may not have a floor and that's why he is talking about the fiberglass . . .

Bigdog, you should look into the Restoration section below vvvvvv

 

[Chris1956]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

QC - I would think that a '71 boat would have foam under the floor. My '60 Crestliner did not have a flat floor(no floor at all, just hull), but had an air chamber in the rear of the baot and a chunk of foam in the bow, however, I had thought foam was mandated before '71..

 

[scoutabout]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

Along with the stainless fasteners for the seat frames, make sure to use stainless staples for the upholstry.

 

[pduquette]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

Welcome Guys!
As we all like to say ---We LOVE pictures ! Not only to share in your project , but you will be amazed with how quickly the eagle eyes here will pick up on what needs to be done, and the many ways to get it done!

 

[bigdawggie]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

Thanks guys

hdradaza - your boat looks good thanks for sharing.

I don't have any pictures yet will take some this weekend.

as for the floor there is carpet there and it's still in pretty good shape so I'd hate to tear it up to check the floor. what would be the minimum length of screw to be safe and secure the seat. also what is the proper way to silicone the screws should I dip them in the silicone before screwing them in or just put a blob over the head once its in. I can cut a hole in the carpet to check the floor but what should I look for? The floor is completely flat if that helps

I have a design in mind but will require building all new seats. I have an estimate for $650 from a guy working out of his garage but to me it seems a little expensive.

I plan to make a new driver and passenger seat and an L shape from the back of the passenger seat across the rear of the boat leaving room behind my seat for the cooler and water toys.

Thanks Again

 

[Lakester]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

(remember ...when screwing anything into a boat ..use stainless steel screws, and a sealant between the wood and the screws..or it will rot.)

hello,
good to know. what is suggested as an adequate sealant for fresh water use?
regards
lakesgter

 

[stevens]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

...so I'd hate to tear it up to check the floor...

You need to know exactly what you would be screwing the screws into and what lies behind it - the outer hull, foam chamber, rotten plywood, gas tank....?

 

[QC]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

QC - I would think that a '71 boat would have foam under the floor. My '60 Crestliner did not have a flat floor(no floor at all, just hull), but had an air chamber in the rear of the baot and a chunk of foam in the bow, however, I had thought foam was mandated before '71..

I agree. This is a closed bow and could have foam like you suggested and under the gunnels. Also it could've been all ripped out by another owner. It does now sound like it has a floor in it though . . . I was just reacting to his "Can I screw into the bottom of the boat? it seems like it's pretty thick fiberglass but I dont want to make swiss cheese out of it." comment, which suggested there was no floor. These are VERY low freeboard boats, and it and others are often run with carpet glued directly to the hull . . .

 

[QC]

Re: new seating layout + upholstery

what is suggested as an adequate sealant for fresh water use?

3M5200