Bucket Seats????

[helimech2003]

Does anyone know where I can get a decent set of bucket seats without paying $700?
I've looked around on here and several other sites and the prices are shocking. I don't need the high dollar suspension seats but it looks like that's al anybody sells anymore. I just need a nice set of normal buckets. I'm trying to redo the interior of my 89 SeaRay and want to replace the fore/aft lounge seats.

Thanks in advance

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Re: Bucket Seats????

One of the most frugal way's is to learn to sew it yourself. It will take some time but can be very rewarding and is not all that hard if your mechanically inclined.
The savings can be huge.


Get an older vintage sewing machine ( all metal ) & tune it to work with good quality suitable thread & vinyl from web sites like these. Reuse what you can from the seat frames-- replace the wood and foam as needed, copy the originals to make the new vinyl pieces.

Automotive Vinyls, Marine Canvas items in Marine Vinyl store on eBay!
sailrite.com
Upholstery Supply & Marine Fabric Superstore
Upholstery Supplies, Leather Upholstery, Naugahyde, Upholstery Foam

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: Bucket Seats????

Yeah, new seats are spendy for sure... Couple of options___ Like WC said ^^^^ a lot of folks on here have fabricated their bases and made their own seats... In fact, the iboats dry dock has developed quite a little sewing circle (of which I am not a member). I poke fun at them because I am jealous of their skills....

Another option: Look for used ones on Craigslist or ebay... If they vinyl is not cracked, you can sometimes buff it out (or they even make paint for it)...

Third option: Buy a donor boat (wrecked or engine shot, etc...) that has a low ball price, but decent captains chairs... Sell all the working/salveable parts to the boat (gas tank, controls, gauges, brightware, etc...) for more than you paid for it and end up with free (or very cheap) seats...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bucket Seats????

I boought some UGLEEEEE Seats from and ad on CL for 60 bucks. Bought and OLD sewing machine and Watched a Ton of YouTube vids and learned how to sew. Ripped the covers off, used em for patterns and made new covers. Turned out OK. Cost less than $150 bucks including the original $60. $35 for the sewing machine and $40 for the vinyl.

I also made a Bench Seat from scratch

As PMC stated, lot's of others have done the same and much better than mine. Really not that hard to do. We're here to help when and where we can.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Bucket Seats????

DIY is always the cheapest way to go.

 

[helimech2003]

Re: Bucket Seats????

Thanks for all the replies. I was actually thinking of going this way but I'm scared lol. Never sewn anything before in my life but, it looks like i'm fixin to learn. I've got a sundeck to rebuild and cover, a bench seat and the captians chairs. I'm sure I'll have more questions as this progresses so wish me luck

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: Bucket Seats????

Well, lucky for you, there is an Okie about 2 hours from you (WoodonGlass) that loves to help people...

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Re: Bucket Seats????

A few more tips based on what I went through not so long ago. ( I am certainly not an expert-- but here goes )

Look for a good used all metal machine -- straght stitch will do & less things to break. Be prepared to modify the tensioner as many will not pull the thread hard enough for multiple layers of vinyl with seaming tape. I found one for $35 that's been great.

If you go this route-- get a welting foot and look into better threads ( V69 not v 96) a# 20 size needles and seaming tapes ( these are not the place to skimp ) -- Sailrite has good quality-- others may be good also.


OR
Alternately purchase for a sailrite machine LS1 or similar if have the budget and want the labor savings of ; larger stitches, walking foot setup often means no seaming tape needed. These can also use larger thread ( V92)

Rebuilding existing seats of good design offers patterns to be copied and is easier for a beginner for that reason.

Practice on some samples to gain confgidence & hone your skills.

Donor foam from something used is a great way to save on foam. I added carpet padding foam glued with 3M77 spray to some thin foam 1 time and had very good result.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Bucket Seats????

Attwood Centric II Seating - iboats

I was very close to buying that seat. At the last moment i elected to drop the sunpad and went with traditional back to back

 

[sphelps]

Re: Bucket Seats????

My name is SP and I admit that I have a sewing problem ! :facepalm:

One stitch and I was hooked .. We are here to help !

 

[britisher]

Re: Bucket Seats????

I'm just coming to the end of my full resto on my 1987 SR 180. I too had to replace the seats as they had both rotted away. I trawled around the internet and eventually found Veada.com who do boat seats, etc. I paid $199.00 each for mine and you can customize the vinyl colors. You might also want to shop Walmart.com for marine stuff. They carry some nice Attwood seats there for $299.00 and of course with Walmart the freight is free. Good luck.