Bow rider seat replacement options?

[reelfishin]

I figured I'd put this here just to see if anyone else has any ideas.

I own two bowrider type trihulls, both have left and right bow seat cushions that are little more than padded 3/4" plywood. The one boat has all new seats and I've added self stick velcro to keep them in place, the other boat needs new padding, but that boat is more for just fishing and no one ever rides up front. I have been thinking of either using two premade hatches up front so as to keep the storage area below each seat or to make something more utility minded.
I will not only remove the seat cushions but I also want to do away with the gunwale pads that run around the perimeter of the entire boat. Removing them will leave a few dozen holes to fill in but I think the lack of padding will make clean up a log easier. I will replace the two rear pads with 3/4" teak or even 5/4" pressure treated along each side to add some support to each gunwale since that's were everyone stands when boarding from a higher dock. There are no longer any seats to step onto, and I've opted for two stand along pedestal seats in place of the factory back to back wood framed seats. I may still build boxes there for storage and shorten the pedstals a bit, and to make boarding easier but I feel the sides still need some support that the padded 6" wide 3/4" plywood gave it. (I am also thinking of moving the tanks forward and placing them midship beneath the seats as well).

Any idea on how to deal with the bow seat openings? I am trying to avoid buying $200 worth of deck hatches to fit the existing cutouts. I have also considered building a hinged platform up front to form both an under storage area and an elevated casting area.

 

[Hondo65]

Re: Bow rider seat replacement options?

I looked at an aluminum Sylvan Fish and ski boat. The guy had built a raised platform across the two seat bottoms. He did spend the money on the two hatch covers as well as a removable pedestal seat. He also removed all of the padding. He did a nice job and it looked like it was originally built that way. I suppose if you are a good carpenter you could make your own hatches. Me, I'd buy the plastic ones.

Hondo

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow rider seat replacement options?

there are many conversions like what you are talking about, the back bolsters in the bow, have no structural value, they are just screwed on. no need to do all that construction. you can just put duct tape on the back side, and fill the holes, with marine tex. as for hatches, remember that if boarding from and higher dock there is going to be alot of stress on those hatches when stepping down of them. i would take a piece of 3/4 inch exterior plywood, cut to fit the bow area, then cut hatches a little larger then the existing opening, so the existing frame work support the hatch. once all is fitted, glass the total insert and then install, using 3M 4200 to seal all mount screws.

 

[oops!]

Re: Bow rider seat replacement options?

if i can add to td's post...on the bow hatches .....how bout piano hinges on the plywood openings. just like the seat...just get rid of the foam do somthin purty with the wood? then you have your deck to cast off...and storage under them....?

just a thought.

cheers
oops

 

[redfury]

Re: Bow rider seat replacement options?

I agree. I was thinking along the same lines for my glastron. The original seats have aluminum plates so you drop it in at an angle, then they are held down with a button strap so they don't flop up.

My plan was to create two pieces of decking that would fit in similarily, but join in the middle and then have a front casting seat. This way, I can have my tackle box up front, a rod holder and be able to run the foot controls for the trolling motor.

Then, when the wife and kids are with, I can pull that out, put it in the truck and replace that with the original seats. OR, I'll see if I can recreate what Crestliner did with with some of their convertible bows and have a seat that hinges to the middle.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow rider seat replacement options?

redfury, go with a wireless controlled trolling motor, i will never go back to a foot control.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Bow rider seat replacement options?

Reel, I modified a 15ft bowrider for my father-in-law just as TD described. He used it for fishing for many years. The forward platform was still solid when he sold the boat. I made the hatch covers lift-out without hinges or latches.
Good luck!