eavega
Lieutenant
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,377
I recently acquired a 1988 Stingray Bowrider that was in pristine shape, except for the bow seats. Seems that there are two small drain holes in the bow for any water that would collect there, but they became plugged up and the moisture remained trapped between the seat and the fiberglass. Result is that the bow seat bottom and the bottom edge of the seat back (which extends from the tip of the bow to the front of the windshield area) was mush and needs to be replaced. The vinyl is perfect shape, as is the seat foam. I disassembled the seats last night. I was able to save the rotted wood for templates. I have three ways I can go with rebuild of the seats, and wanted to see if I could get opinions:
1. marine plywood with epoxy. I have a half gallon of epoxy left from some repair work I did on my other boat last season. Should be more than enough to do the pieces I have to rebuild, otherwise I would need to get more epoxy. Problem here is that the bow seat backs run along the curve of the bow, and I don't know if epoxy would become brittle and crack as I flexed the wood to conform to the shape. Cost here is about $70 for the marine ply. Add another $30 for a gallon of epoxy if what I have isn't enough.
2. PT with exterior-grade penetrating stain. This was recommended to me by a local boat guy who says that for seats in a boat that lives its life in a garage on a trailer its more than good enough. Least expensive option, right around $50
3. King Starboard for seat bottoms. I can get a 8' x 4' 1/4" sheet locally for about $100. Potentially the most expensive option, but will probably outlast the boat, and requires nothing but cutting the seat bottoms out and possibly heating the seat backs while attaching so that it follows the curve of the bow.
Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated
Rgds
1. marine plywood with epoxy. I have a half gallon of epoxy left from some repair work I did on my other boat last season. Should be more than enough to do the pieces I have to rebuild, otherwise I would need to get more epoxy. Problem here is that the bow seat backs run along the curve of the bow, and I don't know if epoxy would become brittle and crack as I flexed the wood to conform to the shape. Cost here is about $70 for the marine ply. Add another $30 for a gallon of epoxy if what I have isn't enough.
2. PT with exterior-grade penetrating stain. This was recommended to me by a local boat guy who says that for seats in a boat that lives its life in a garage on a trailer its more than good enough. Least expensive option, right around $50
3. King Starboard for seat bottoms. I can get a 8' x 4' 1/4" sheet locally for about $100. Potentially the most expensive option, but will probably outlast the boat, and requires nothing but cutting the seat bottoms out and possibly heating the seat backs while attaching so that it follows the curve of the bow.
Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated
Rgds
