For Christmas, Santa gave me a set of cushions for the cockpit. Custom made, so they fit, but being from down-under, not the genuine article.
My question is : Those of you who already have cushions, how is the best way to fix them to the fibreglass? I figured strips of velcro. Just before I do it, I thought might seek advice from the experienced.
Thanks again, in advance and all the best for the festive season, to all.
I tried velcro- problem was the heat would soften the adhesive and looked bad and felt real sticky. Finally cleaned it all off and use nothing. I put them below when not there to make them last. The factory back rest pieces are too thin and short so I don't use them. Heard stories abou tthe factory supplied snaps pulling out of the fiberglass so never tried them. Good luck. Mike
epoxied the snaps on mine as well.
however, the helm backrest snaps seem to cause the most problem (break off on a regular basis).
the only cure for this would be to cut an access hole and use a nut/bolt or rivet.
we had custom cockpit cushions made out of sunbrella...they slid around a lot...our solution was to cut some under-carpet anti-skid rubbery stuff, cut out in roughly the same shape...works well... I couldn't get myself to put snaps or other fasteners into the seat fiberglass or new cushions...found this works quite well..
Making cockpit cushions next spring will be my next project for the boat. On other projects over the years I've found velcro to be fantastic in cooler temps but undesireavle in or outdoors for anything above 100 degrees. It will also degrade over time if left in direct sunlight, as when you remove the cushions.
Screws don't work well in the thin fiberglas coaming but pop rivets do. Put the male parts, (studs) of snaps in with a dab of silicon before popping, then cover the exposed end with a small dab of silicone or paint. A very light dab of dry lube on the female snap will prevent excessive force being necessary to remove.
Put the female part on separate, reinforced tabs sewn in the seams of the cushion cover, to take the stress of the pull.
I Carefully pilot drilled, and screwed the snaps into the fiberglass, just like the factory does, but used 3M 5200 adhesive, and have not had any trouble, but I was sure to use the hint someone on here made and put a tiny bit of chapstick (any waterproof grease) into the female snaps, to make sure they didn't resist letting go of the male snaps.
If using aftermarket or custom cushions, and if possible, sew a reinforcement onto the backside of the cloth behind the snaps on the cushions.
The snaps are never in the way when not using the cushions, and nothing else holds the cushions when used, as well as they do.
Shabby factory cushions. No snaps, no velcro. They slide and tumble when sailing, only good for night time at anchor. They really get wet by morning's fist light. Should try to remember to bring them in cabin.
My solution. About four bright colored toss cushions with the straps on the side. I pile two at helm to be able to see over pointy end when motoring. They're handy to take up on deck if you have to kneel down to do something. Also handy to fling at mate's head when she slides overboard.
