Removing padded bolsters 88 BlueFin

[chasmo]

I will be removing the existing padded bolsters from a 88 BlueFinn1700 Sportsman. I haven't had a chance to peek up inside yet, (just brought home yesterday). I was wondering with all the 'sperianced rebuilders here, if you had any idea how they are held in place. Screws, bolts, automotive clips??? any input is appreciated. They are not in bad condition, just out dated and I want to recover with newer materials.

 

[gm280]

chasmo, I think you will get more responses with posting pictures of what you are dealing with. Pictures always gets more help and suggestions. JMHO

 

[JameO]

Yeah if you take pictures,and open up a free photobucket account , I believe you'll get more responses. It's hard to visualize and give an opinion. If you can't figure out photobucket let us know, we"ll walk you through it. No biggy

 

[chasmo]

No Title

OK, I got a chance to get into the boat today, I tried to pry one of the top bolsters with a thin pry bar/blade to see if it was held by auto type snaps. No go. Here are photos but they do not show much. I did find one screw at the rear of one of the lower bolsters. My next step will be a hack saw blade to separate the bond. Who knows, they may be glued on. All gunwales are lined with padded bolsters. I can live without them but don't want to tear too much up removing them. HELP!!

 

[ahmincha]

from my experience they are bolted on from behind. Reach in but watch your hands always some pointy glass up there

 

[chasmo]

I cant find any type of bolting, flat head screws, nothing. As a matter of fact the backs of the lower bolsters are not accessible. Im thinking if I remove the single screw I found, it may allow that bolster to slide out of place. Some sort of keystone type lock. Like my Harley seat....

 

[BevoHoward]

If you haven't already tried this, try separating the fabric at the seams. I had the same problem. By chance I took my fingers and separated the seams and found screws hidden in there.

 

[chasmo]

Bevo, After looking at the pictures after my previous post I was thinking the same thing. With all the tuck and roll there may be fasteners in there. Hopefully will get a chance to look closer tomorrow. I don't think I am going to reuse the existing. I may put something at the top insides of the gunwales buy probably not the bottom. I'm thinking of a high density foam similar to kneeling pads.

 

[mattsmall1972]

I have some bolsters in my 2007 SeaPro 186DC. It's held in using a metal clip like this: http://metalmoulding.com/UpholsteryClips.html The clip is attached to the back of the bolster and slides into a hole in the hull where you want the bolster to sit.

 

[chasmo]

Bevo, After looking at the pictures after my previous post I was thinking the same thing. With all the tuck and roll there may be fasteners in there. Hopefully will get a chance to look closer tomorrow. I don't think I am going to reuse the existing. I may put something at the top insides of the gunwales buy probably not the bottom. I'm thinking of a high density foam similar to kneeling pads.

 

[chasmo]

No Title

I am so frustrated !! Ok, I found screws in the pleats of the bolter upholstery and the came off easily. Frustrated because the post describing my findings and expectations disappeared when I pushed the "Post Reply" button. Hope this one goes thru. I am going to start a new thread for my "work in progress" to upgrade this boat. It will be a long process as I do not intend to have any down time except for winter months when these NE Ahia lakes freeze over.
Thanks for your help.

I have tried posting more photos....no luck. When I open a new thread I will open a photobucket account also. New thread will be

Chasmo's 88 Bluefin Sportsman 1700 Upgrades Work in Process (WIP)