Building seat frames......

[bherron]

Any suggestions on building seat frames for a pontoon boat.....i.e aluminum, plywood, starboard???

 

[sdunt]

Re: Building seat frames......

Well for long life you are going to want something that is waterproof. Aluminum would be a good choice for waterproof and light weight, but the cost, depending on whether you're talking about angle iron or 1/4 inch thick sheets could be high.

If weight is not a concern, how about the plastic - wood based decking material? It is waterproof and rot proof and with deck boards are 1 inch by 5 1/2 inch, might be good size for bases.

If you use plywood you're going to need to seal all of the surfaces and edges with 'poxy to keep the water out.

And remember the 'new' treated wood, AC2, will EAT metal.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Building seat frames......

1/2" exterior grade plywood good 1 side, sealed with an oil base sealer, then you can paint of use contact cement and cover with vinyl. if you keep the boat covered when not in use should last as long as the upolstery of longer. it should give you atleast 10 years of service. the trick is sealing the wood. coat all your edges before assembly. 45 years in the general contracting and remodel business, boating experience.

there are some new foam core materials, but they have'nt proven themselves. as far as holding fasteners. they want you to use special glue.

starboard is heavy, expensive.

also if your deck is carpeted, a spacer between deck and the box, will really extend the life. the carpet hold water, especially, where things are attached. it's the wick theory. wet is going to wick to the dry, then get trapped.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Building seat frames......

consider pedistals ?

if not then use teak or mohogony for your base cleats..

Oh yea..dont use starboard..good for little cute cockpit doors and sink covers..but not framing..

I could suggest the Best way..but Ill have to take that left leg of yours.....oh yea..you wont be needing that right arm right ? ill take that too

You want cheap and fast ..or best no price/labor range ?

YD.

PS. look into pedistals.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Building seat frames......

I agree, pedestals are the easiest and maybe the lightest option. But if you want storage beneath the seats, I would say being it's a pontoon boat, I'd probably make up some from 1" aluminum tubing and sheetmetal, then just paint to match. Doing so however would require some welding and sheetmetal tools and skills. You may be able to find a local sheetmetal shop that can build what you need too, but draw up some plans first.
Like stated above, wood would work, but it's a bit heavier and will require more attention to detail to preserve it.

You could also incorporate some insulation in a box style base for use as a cooler, or even a custom livewell too. If thinking that way, aluminum is probably your best bet.
Both Starboard and 'Engineered wood' like used for house decks would be to heavy and not very good for structural puposes.
You could also do a wood frame and custom fiberglass seat bases? Fiberglass would allow you to make some pretty trick looking shapes and still keep the weight down and it's water resistant. You could also resin coat and seal a regular wood seat base too. It's all a matter of preference and what you feel comfortable working with.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Building seat frames......

another thing, if building storage boxes, it's good to leave the box open or put a block between the lid and base, so air can circulate, when stored. also when storing don't leave you life jackets in closed boxes, the will mildew.

 

[bherron]

Re: Building seat frames......

Thanks guys, I always hear what I need to on this forum!