Rebuilding the fold down back to back seat

bgreene · #1 06-20-2011, 04:00 PM

Anyone rebuild the standard equipment port side back to back seating ?

I see Wellcraft used plywood for backing construction.........really skimped on the materials for this piece. So the backing is worn out / rotten.

I figure I can just :
1. remove the seat cushions from the old rotten wood.
2. trace out the original backing pieces for size
3. create new backing with either marine plywood, starboard, or other material.
4. re assemble onto the original aluminum support assembly......

OR

Eliminate the original seating, support assembly and all.........and bolt on a new back to back seat, white to match up nicely vs original.

Experienced opinions appreciated.

garagenc · #2 06-20-2011, 07:23 PM

Mine was rotten and the hinges and most of the hardware was broke or bent. I took mine to a local upholstery shop and he rebuilt the whole seat and put the original wellcraft upholstery back on. It looks great and I think he charged $100.

bgreene · #3 06-20-2011, 07:40 PM

That is a darn good idea. Who did you use ?

I use Dynamic Upholstery on rt 130 in Pennsauken. Sam is the guy - did all my previous boat curtains.

garagenc · #4 06-21-2011, 06:02 AM

I used Trim's upholstery here in Camden NC, That was 2-3 years ago and it's still good as new.

Check with your local guys you may find they can do the job.

I didn't think the hardware would be available but my guy told me he does boat seats all the time.

nipper · #5 06-21-2011, 01:27 PM

My back to back seat got all rotted and nasty so I took it out. Now I just have a huge marine cooler with a cushion on it. I also use 2 folding chairs with white vinyl on them.

I think you might find it will cost more than $100, especially if you are redoing the vinyl. If you buy a new back to back, I would suggest you find one that is taller than the standard. I don't know the dimensions, but I think the standard seat base is only about 14" whereas the height of the seat base Wellcraft used in our boats is 18-20".

RWilson2526 · #6 06-21-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nipper

. If you buy a new back to back, I would suggest you find one that is taller than the standard. I don't know the dimensions, but I think the standard seat base is only about 14" whereas the height of the seat base Wellcraft used in our boats is 18-20".

X2 on that....actually most stock back to backs you see for sale have a 10" base which is rediculously low for V-20's I think.

inaforty · #7 06-21-2011, 03:21 PM

The previous owner of our boat had the base rebuilt with what looks to be pressure treat 2x10 or 2x8. The back to back seat is mounted on top of that base.

garagenc · #8 06-21-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nipper

My back to back seat got all rotted and nasty so I took it out. Now I just have a huge marine cooler with a cushion on it. I also use 2 folding chairs with white vinyl on them.

I think you might find it will cost more than $100, especially if you are redoing the vinyl. If you buy a new back to back, I would suggest you find one that is taller than the standard. I don't know the dimensions, but I think the standard seat base is only about 14" whereas the height of the seat base Wellcraft used in our boats is 18-20".

I dug out my receipt for the work on my seat and it was $101.38. Maybe it would cost a little more now than 19 months ago. But I bet it wouldn't cost much more.

That seat in my 91 is original and it has a high back and is not a low seat. The one I bought to replace mine until it was fixed was about 8" lower if I remember.