Adding cushions to front deck

[mgernes]

I have seen custom cushions added to the front decks of some 53my's to go over the "L" shaped built in seat, and am considering doing so myelf. Not sure as whether to also have a snap on cover that would go on top of the cushions as well, or just store the cushions in the boat when not in use. Also thinking about adding a larger cushion to the flat area behind the "L" shaped seat, but that would seem to be even a bigger PITA to store or cover. And I am concerned that either cushions may take away from the classic look of the boat.

Does anyone have either positive or negative feedback in adding cushions. I was on a Chris Craft last summer that had them on the front and it sure was comfortable.

Marcus
Beach House

 

[Trojan]

I have the cushions and the cover. Would not have it any other way. I have people setting upthere all the time it seams. I never get to.


BILL

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I believe all Hatts with a bow seat came standard with cushions and a cover. This would not detract from the classic lines, but make it look original. I, too, have thought about adding a sundeck cushion to the cabin top behind the seat. This would be nice to have, but difficult to store. And I don't like the look of it up there with a cover. It really depends on your personal taste and use.

 

[REBrueckner]

Best to store cushions in a dry location or they will get wet/dirty/mildewy/discolored/etc. ..up front is a great guest location,..... until spray comes aboard!!.

Be sure to hold cushions in place with snaps or the first gusty day will remove them.

When naugahide covers get scruffed a bit, or dirty/mildewy, try Starbrite (liquid) boat polish...does a great job cleaning them and also leaves a smooth finish to ward off further dirt accumulation.

Keep suntan lotion slathered sunworshippers off the cushions and roof/decks or you'll have stains on the cushions and ice like skating on smooth surfaces. Have sun worshippers use a towel under them.

 

[StratPlan61]

I have cushions and a weather cover for my bow seat which is a popular place to chat, watch and socialize. I use it myself dockside for those small chores with lines, fenders, etc. I also have cushions (w/pillows) for the sundeck on top of the forward cabin 'house'. 3 large cushions cover this broad area (6'x12'). I am securing them with a weather cover whereas the PO had none. Storing them down below is a PITA. I will keep a breathable mesh pad under them for mildew resistance, but Sunbrella sheds much of the moisture so I think things will be OK.
If you want to check 'em out, pop over for a nap in the sun and make your own assessment.

Bear'
1984 61' MY Strategic Plan

 

[Pascal]

i have a big sunpad in front of the windshield and bottom/back cushions for the seat. the sunpad is in 3 pieces, i never took it out... the cover was some cheap vinyl and got torn blown away a ferw months ago, i need to redo one. the cushions are held in place with snaps. but that's not enough in a blow without a cover.

it's a great place to relax, usually very popular with guests (as long as there is no spray...). coudln't imagine the boat without either the sunpad or the seats

 

[mgernes]

Thanks for the pics and the advise. Glad to hear you come back with positive feedback, since the seat cushion sure seems to be a good idea.

My plan is to first add the seat cushion and the cover and see how I like that. Then add the sun pad. I have sunbrella on the aft deck cushions and plan to use that on the front seat cushion as well. It sounds like sunbrella would be the way to go.

These long winters in Minnesota start to get expensive as I have time on my hands to come up with new and exciting projects during the off season.

Only 122 days until lift-in. But who is counting????????

Marcus
Beach House

 

[smoothmove]

Best to store cushions in a dry location or they will get wet/dirty/mildewy/discolored/etc. ..up front is a great guest location,..... until spray comes aboard!!.

Be sure to hold cushions in place with snaps or the first gusty day will remove them.

Amen to both of those comments. With the cover on, that area becomes a real funk incubator. I repainted the front seat on our 38' DCMY last year and the moisture under the coishions caused a lot of blistering in the paint. (Brightsides) It is the best seat in the house, however. Too bad the captain never gets to sit there when underway.

Eric

 

[jcrlaw]

I replaced both the sofa cushion and the sunpad 16 months ago. My canvas shop talked me into using a quick dry cushion, with a sunbrella fabric and a cover. They stated I could then leave it covered outside and would not have a mold, mildew, fading or deterioration problem. The stuff is awesome. Now, 16 months later it looks like new and when I lift it up to clean underneath it is usually cleaner than the rest of the boat. Although the cost of the cushion was almost double, never having to store inside the boat has been a blessing. Good luck.

 

[Rickysa]

Regarding cushions et. al.

Has anyone else taken the plunge and started making your own? After getting quotes to redo curtains, cushions, combing pads and so forth, I said bulls***, I can do that...although I know it'll be a steep learning curve, it looks like fun.

Rick

 

[smoothmove]

I replaced both the sofa cushion and the sunpad 16 months ago. My canvas shop talked me into using a quick dry cushion, with a sunbrella fabric and a cover. They stated I could then leave it covered outside and would not have a mold, mildew, fading or deterioration problem. The stuff is awesome. Now, 16 months later it looks like new and when I lift it up to clean underneath it is usually cleaner than the rest of the boat. Although the cost of the cushion was almost double, never having to store inside the boat has been a blessing. Good luck.

Tell us more! Is this something any canvas shop would know about?
Eric

 

[rangerscott275]

I added these suncushions on my bow before this last season....this is where EVERY guest wants to be now. I love them...they are great!! I had new sun cushions remade with sunbrella on top & sides, the quick dry foam inside, and mesh underneath so it could drain / air / breathe. They work like magic! I am going to have the forward cushions (on the bow sofa) redone with this same approach (they currently have the regular foam and weigh about 80 lbs after a rain). Also, on all my new cushions I'm adding the white ribbing...I think it looks pretty cool. The attached pic is during bad weather so it isn't the best pic, but.....

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Looks great. But I wouldn't call that bad weather. The water is almost flat. That's boating weather.

 

[Starman]

For those of you who have the "vynel" cushions there is a "dye" sold at Car Quest Auto part stores. It comes in a wide variety of colors.

simply scrub your old cushions clean. I then wiped the cushions with denatured alcohol .

Then sprayed the cushions . The "dye" comes in a spray can just like regular spray paint.

It works great and holds up very well. My seats were in bad shape " appearance wise " with suntan lotion stains and deep mildew ( hey its a boat ) but I sprayed the seats, used the boat for a full season and sold it.

The seats looked factory fresh !!

50 bucks worth of dye beats out 600 bucks for new cushions ( it was an 18' ski boat )

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I used that dye on the seats of a '69 Cutlass S convertible once. It worked fine for about 2 years, then it started to show through. It should last longer on boat seats though. Not as much of a beating as sliding in and out of your car.