Side bolster

[FREDDYPD]

I bought a used boat about 6 weeks ago. On the way home 1 of the 2 rear side bolsters flew off! I couldn't find it. I went to my local vinyl guy and he said about $150 to make another one and it would not even match exactly! He said he could make 2 identical ones for $250. That seems kind of steep to me. Any suggestions? Can I make 1 up myself or buy 1 or 2 online? Could I luck out with a boat salvage yard anywhere, if that even exists?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Side bolster

Freedy, post a picture of what you have and a picture of where the other one goes. this will help us give you better advice. sure you can make one, depending on how compex it is. the only way to match is to do both.

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Side bolster

Here are the rail and snaps:

Here is the backside:

Here is the front:

[colour=null]

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Side bolster

easy way to do it is. cut 2 pieces of exterior plywood. 40x8 get some foam and vinyl from the fabric store, or ebay. using stainless staples wrap the foam and pywood. remove the top rail, and just add more snaps. they make snaps that attach to the bolster with screws. i hope this make sense.

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Side bolster

Such a simple answer! Why didn't I think of that???
Thanks tashasdaddy......
I just hope I can make it look nice. Do I need any special type of marine grade vinyl or foam?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Side bolster

they sell remnants on ebay very reasonable, usually 54" widths, with that you only need 1 yard. or 36"X54". you can also look a 2 or 3" foam. or just run down to the fabric store and they should have something the will work.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Side bolster

here's a perfect vinyl for you. Ebay #130033258128. could find a good deal on Foam. fabric store.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Side bolster

There are tons of threads about making seating and re-vinyling side panesl etc....you can use alot of the info in those to figure out how you want to do it...try searching...who knows...search MIGHT work for you and you MIGHT get some pertainant links.

www.shareaproject.com has tons of projects from iboats members...it would take some browsing but you may find some great ideas there as well.

-JMW

 

[tmh]

Re: Side bolster

http://cgi.ebay.com/ONE-Polyethylen...7QQihZ016QQcategoryZ41200QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hope the eBay link works for you. If not, the seller is foamforyou . You'll likely want closed cell foam as it does not absorb water. This 2" thick piece looked about right, but I really don't know what you want. The eBay items from them are the remnants from their store. I've bought several pieces from them for boat seat cushions. Call them if you have questions, they'll help you out.

Vinyl from any of the places I'd assume, just depends on texture/color you want. Many seats you see have dacron wrapping to give them a less"boxy" look at the sides. Just depends what look you want. If you're just wrapping around plywood and stapling, that's easy.The tough part is if you have to sew cording on, etc. - easy for someone who can sew, hard for the rest of us.

I guess if you're replacing both, you can make them look how you want or are able to. Good luck.

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Side bolster

Love these forums! Great answers guys. I'll start looking at ny local merchants soon.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Side bolster

tmh, i looked at that, but it's the hard type, not cushion type.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Side bolster

PSSSSsssstt. just redo the other bolster that way they will both look the same. You may even be able to add some color,a few side notes..........In cutting your new frame make sure all the edges are picture perfect vinly will show any imperfections.......... since this is not a seat you donot have to buy super duper seating foam, just apply some kind of longterm funguscide to any foam that is the right thickness...........get a heat gun this will help you take out any wrinkle's during the folding process.............and literally fold it (the vinyl) like your wrapping a christmas gift (is your wife gifted here or your significant other) Use stainless steel staple's your gonna be surprised how well it will work out

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Side bolster

Thanks again! Good tip with the heatgun. I was also wondering about the final look. I like how the original vinyl had those embossed lines. I'd rather not see smooth vinyl, and I am not crazy about buttons.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Side bolster

Well one can understand that, just a thought go to your local joann's and see if there is someone there who will pleat there vinyl for a fee. You might be surprised there a spirited bunch ans like a welcome change or better said challenge..........personally i ran into a angel there who redid the pattern off my 13 yr old seats for a pittance compared the the professional community and she's doing a rock star job.........were both happy..

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Side bolster

As simple as this seems make sure you use UV stabilized thread. It isn't all that easy to come by but if you have long term aspirations for the boat, then seek it out. Don't let inept customer service reps tell you otherwise. Also if you have to use an internal backing board, seal it with fiberglass resin. It doesn't have to be perfect as it will be covered with foam and the outer covering. This is especially helpful for cushions exposed to elements. Best of luck on your project.d

 

[Mr Hands]

Re: Side bolster

I don't think anyone mentioned using marine grade vinyl.
It is more UV and mildew resistent then the stuff at fabric stores. I saw some with foam backing on ebay from greatlakesskipper...