Rear Bench seat

Joker2 · #1 06-09-2010, 06:40 PM

Anyone have any pics of rear benchseat Modifications on a 75' ( outboard ) style V ? looking for ideas Thanks

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...m/Transom2.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...m/Transom1.jpg

RWilson2526 · #2 06-10-2010, 06:00 AM

cant say for sure if there are any 75's with bench seats but there was a mad rush of bench seat fabrications/installations last year some time....do a search for bench seat and you can see several different types....A 75 doensnt have a splash well right? assuming you'll need a free standing bench of sorts across the back....they make a double wide folding chair that might work out too and you can remove it.

Joker2 · #3 06-10-2010, 06:08 AM

Thanks for the reply, Yes my V did have a splash well before I started my work. I was hoping to get more deck space but now I am thinking about putting some kind of splash well back maybe incorporating it with a removable bench seat.

Fitz · #4 07-12-2010, 09:30 PM

Hi, Joker:

I also have a 1975 V20. I installed this back bench seat in mine several years ago:

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album06/H

It was a great addition, in the opinion of those who've used it. It also has enough storage space inside that I was able to add an 18 gallon tank. That gives me a lot of peace of mind when running offshore. This is the model I bought:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...0396&langId=-1

It fits perfectly. I cut down the aluminum arms to make the back flush with the seat, then mounted the whole thing to the deck with two stainless steel flip clamps. When I need to get access to the batteries or fuel filter, I just remove the tank, flip the clamps, and move it.

nipper · #5 07-12-2010, 10:34 PM

Wow, Fitz, I have not seen your gallery lately, but your post reminded me of how terrific your boat is. Really looks great.

reodds · #6 07-13-2010, 09:58 AM

Fitz, your gallery gives me ythe incentive I needed to continue my work!

Not to hijack the thread, but in addition to the bench seat, your woodwork is beautiful, what kind of wood did you use - it looks like mahagony from the pics?

Blue_Runner · #7 07-13-2010, 11:41 AM

Fitz, I've always drooled over your boat! Fantastic job! Do you still have it?

Fitz · #8 07-13-2010, 08:38 PM

Thanks, guys.

Yes, I still have it and it still looks and runs great. I'm going to try to post some updated pictures this summer.

All of the wood is teak, with the exception of the transom board. The prior owner installed that, and I don't know what it is. However, it did take teak stain the same as the rest of the wood, so it matches perfectly.

I removed and stripped all the wood when I bought it. After sanding I applied a coat of natural teak stain (oil-based), then three coats of Cetol Light. I'm now in my seventh year of ownership, and the only thing I've ever had to refinish was one of the swim platforms that got nicked. I should note that I rack-store it inside when not in use, which greatly extends the life of the wood finish.

As everyone here knows, these are extremely versatile and comfortable boats. Not too big and not too small. Incredibly solid and way overbuilt by today's standards. I don't think I could have gotten more bang for the buck or greater enjoyment no matter what other boat I might have purchased. I'm extremely happy with it.