cockpit cushions hold down ideas needed

[Night Sailor]

I'll be making cockpit cushions this winter and have been casting about for ideas as to the perfect way to fasten them down so they aren't lost in a wind or move underfoot.

Velcro is out of the question as TX heat destroys the adhesive.
Snap fasteners on the cushion covers?
Lift the dot or turn post fasteners on tabs sewn in the seams?

[pokerrick1]

Mine (factory) don't ever move in wind or underfoot? Make them a tad heavier than planned

Rick

[Paul S]

Ours are sunbrella, and they do slide a bit on the fiberglass. I use a piece of under-carpet anti-skid pad under each one, works well. No sliding, easy, cheap. I do not see a need to secure the cushions, at least the bottom ones. If they are made out of vinyl, they should not slide.

I doubt you can sail fast enough to get the cushions airborne. If they get airborne while motoring....SLOW DOWN!!

[NiceAft]

I had custom cushions made for my M. I did use Velcro for the seat cushions (not the back cushions). I really don't think the Velcro was needed at all. The only time the seats move is when we are healing at 40 degrees or so. By the way, I attached the Velcro to the back edge of the seat cushions, not on any side that can be used to sit on. This way the cushions are reversible. On the captains seat I did not care if it was reversible or not. Maybe a mistake

I did have back cushions made also. They do make a difference in comfort and appearance. I had box seats made for the seats, and knife edge made for the backs. This is the only picture I have of any cushions. You can see part of the knife edge back cushions.


To attach them, I had long cords, which were made out of the fabric, sewn onto the back cushions at the places that aligned with the stanchions. I then tie them onto the stanchions. It works great for the back cushions. In the photo you can see one. You can also see that I did not tie it. The other two did the job well enough.

I also had cushions made for the captains seat. I really don't know what to use other than Velcro. I don't like the idea of snaps because of potential fabric tearing when you undo the snaps.

One other thing. There are varying thoughts on what type of foam to fill the cushions with. It was recommended to me by an upholsterer who is also a boater, to use open cell foam. I followed his advice, and have never regretted it. He said that the open cell foam is far more comfortable to sit on. The closed cell foam is too hard to use for comfort. Closed cell is great for its buoyancy, and the ability to not absorb water. I was told (and have experienced it also) that the a very good, water repellent fabric on the cushions won't allow the water in anyway. I used black colored Sunbrella.

My cushions have been on the boat for three years, and have many, many more years left in them. I get compliments on their looks all of the time, and they are wonderful to sit on.

Here are two pictures I just found of my captains seat cushions. Both of the cushions are box cushions. Only the back cushions for the cockpit seats are knife edge.



Ray

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I've used the factory stock back and seat cushions for the last 7 years with no issues in all conditions. They use snaps to hold them in place. There are just 2 snaps on the seat cushions, one at each end, The back uses 5 snaps along the top edge to conform it to the curved surfaces.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

i've used the 3M "Dual Lock" (Velcro type) product.
it's all plastic, not material/fabric like traditional velcro).
it comes in clear and colors.
i've had alot of success, especially on the helm back rest.




Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

[ALX357]

I have a set of the factory cushions and the snaps to hold them on, which look great and are full coverage, but as they are somewhat delicate, and too HOH absorptive, and never dry out after a soaking, and are difficult to store inside when damp, and are so time-consuming to deploy, I have a second set of generic closed-cell foam cushions with no covering needed, that I use with webbing straps to use for utility cushions and for mixed weather.


They fold upwards for keeping cleaner, the straps are fashioned around the cushions in a figure eight pattern that keeps them together, yet apart, if you will, and stay in place with the part of the straps extended around the side-pupit and bimini mounts.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

on the closed cell foam topic...
i replaced my cockpit cushions with closed cell foam.
i purchased the required amount off a roll/by the yard from a wholesale shop.
however, i used six layers of 1/2 inch thick foam and stacked inside each OEM zippered cover (to make 3" thickness).
works great (a bit harder pad...which i prefer) and was far less expensive than 3 inch thick closed cell foam pieces.




Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

[NiceAft]

I maintain that closed cell foam is not warranted for the cushions unless you intend to throw them as life saving devices. Closed cell is more expensive, and much harder. IF, you use a covering such as Sunbrella, you won't need the closed cell foam.

There are those who theorize that the Sunbella type fabric will eventually let water in. I have not experienced that yet in the three years since I have had my cushions made. I suggest pricing both concepts, There may be a be price difference. Even with taking into consideration the expensive Sunbrella fabric.

How you handle the fastener issue is something else. This posting has produced an assortment of ways to fasten.

Ray

[delevi]

I'm quite happy with the factory cushions, except that the windward cushion will slide off when heeled over 30 degrees. They're too heavy to blow away. I have considered velcro, but I like the idea of two snaps. Wish Roger offered back cushions for the as well as a cushion with backrest for the captain seat. I would think that custom made cushions would cost a bundle.

Leon

[pokerrick1]

What Leon said

Rick

[Hamin' X]

Go to the craft shop and get the sew-on Velcro in rolls. Sew one side to the cushion and use your own heat proof adhesive for the other. I use this method here in Hermiston for my patio furniture. Lots of wind and 110+ heat.

Rich---Hamin' X---N7ZH

[Divecoz]

I found out the hard way that the Factory cushions absorb water / rain !
What a PITA that was at the slip ! I am thinking about sealing the seam's with silicon {?}

[Night Sailor]

Thanks for all the ideas and opinions guys.

I will be using sunbrella because it is much more comfortable on bare skin than vinyl in high heat conditions. I will use vinyl or stamoid for the seat cushion bottom plates.

I'll use self adhesive poly basting tape in the seams and seal the stiches with seam sealer which prevents seam leakage of water.

I'll use plastic zippers with a full coverage flap to allow breathing without allowing rain water to soak in.

I'll use snaps, as I've tested every kind of Velcro and 3M products over the years and none will hold up to UV exposure or have a non melting adhesive for 140-150 F. degree surface heat of summers. I do use Velcro and 3M super outdoor rated stuff in the cabin. It just doesn't last outside. And if I make a change in the future, I'd rather fill a small screw hole than try to remove a larger area of non melting adhesive from the gelcoat.

Mine do need to be secured well. I lost cushions and lifevests, binocs and other things one time on Lake Lewisville when sudden wind shears outside a storm 20 miles south of us, hit the boat at 60 mph (Fortunately, while anchored, not under sail!)

[Paul S]

could use UV rated velcro (without glue backing) and use 5200 as glue to hold the velcro to the hull!