What foam for seat cushions?

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tmh

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My 1985 19' Bowrider has pretty good upholstery for it's age, but most of the seats could use new cushions. Just the bottom seat cushion, not backs, etc. I've sat in some newer boats that seemed too "stiff" to me. However, I haven't ridden in them so maybe that's good for the bumps and bangs?

What foam thickness do you folks recommend for replacement foam? I've seen from 1" to 4". I know I need outdoor/marine foam (fiber) but what types to choose from? What density gives comfort but also shock absorption?

At quick glance, it seems a pretty easy job. Take out enough staples from under the seat, slip out the old foam slip in the new then re-staple. Missing anything? oh yeah, cut new pieces to the correct size first.

Thanks.
 
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tmh

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

Thanks, but I'm just looking for the foam itself, not complete seats. i plan to re-use the current vinyl.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

you will need the same thickness foam as the current, if you are going to reuse the covers, go to the Fabric supply store, and test different weight foam, and find what you like, the buy there, or order on line.
 
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tmh

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

OK, what sort of store has marine foam? I'm not sure where to go to test it out/buy it.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

check the phone book, for upolstery, marine. i've bought foam several time on ebay.
 
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oncebitten

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

Try foamorder.com. Ask them about what you need. They're very helpful. I don't believe there's any real difference between marine foam and other types- for cushions. There are, however, different densities and you should try to find the one that fits you best. Personally I like a dense, heavy foam that cushions better. It's heavier than a light foam, but more comfortable on the tail bone.

ccushions uses 1-½" Ensolite Closed Cell Foam. Try asking whatever company you go with if they have that make. It's probably as "marine" as you're going to get.
 
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Zamboni

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

Its a good idea to encase the foam in plastic bags taped well before installing foam into the seats. Foam won't hold/trap water-seats will dry a lot quicker from wet bathing suits etc....without the foam holding water for weeks at a time in there you'll have no mold.

I get a lot of spray into the boat fooling around-my seats just wouldn't dry last year. Put plasting around foam this spring and problem solved-checked bags last week and suprisingly none broken despite kids jumping all over them this summer swimming/fishing off the boat.
 
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tmh

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Re: What foam for seat cushions?

hmm....sounds like a good idea. However, I thought "marine" or "outdoor" foam was very pourous and would just let the water pass through it? Actually, maybe that was just a marketing thing because I can't really picture this working. Where would the water go?

Oncebitten, so the seat cushions are only 1 1/2" thick? I haven't taken mine out yet to check. I assumed like 3" would be about right, but then I guess my existing vinyl wouldn't fit over them right.
 
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