Boat Seat Repair HELP??

bscheper

Seaman
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
59
I have a 1992 Bryant 20 ft IO. I have recovered all the sundeck, bench and front cushion vinyl. The only thing I have left are the bolster backs in the front bow area. My issue is that the space between the outside hull and inside cavity wall is not large enough to reach up and undo the bolts attaching the cushions. The space is only about 1 inch wide. (I have already tried my 10 year old sons hand as well.) I have also called Bryant boats as well and they did not have a reommendation. This is one of their earlier models and recovering the seats did not go into the original design thoughts. The wood is soft enough that I could probably rip them off but I don't know how I could get them back on. I really don't want to do buttons covering attaching bolts. Please help with any ideas??????? See picture.
 

Attachments

  • boat seats.jpg
    boat seats.jpg
    137 KB · Views: 0

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Boat Seat Repair HELP??

Your local ACE Hardware store has all sorts of clips that can be used for this purpose. A female clip installs in the hull. The mating part of the clip fastens to the back of the bolster. You push them together to install and they can be removed as easily. There are also many clip manufacturers on-line that you can look at the various types.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Boat Seat Repair HELP??

there is also a "velcro on steroids" product that is often used for attaching them.... VERY strong .. or you can use hooks... they go in a big (maybe 1") hole and then you slide the cushion down to attach
 

Hashi

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
502
Re: Boat Seat Repair HELP??

I had the same problems with my bolsters, some of the screws had come loose and I didn't have enough space for a regular screwdriver or ratchet so tightened them using a right angle screw driver.
 

phillyg

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
209
Re: Boat Seat Repair HELP??

You could use snaps with the male part screwed to the hull and the female part attached to a small strap sewed to the backside of the bolsters. It's hard to describe but take a look at the backside of some seating in other boats and you'll see what I mean.
 

_vn_

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
131
Re: Boat Seat Repair HELP??

i am having same problem with bow seats on 2004 254 tahoe, looks like seats were mounted from inside when top and bottom of boat was still detached, very "smart" on their end :/
wood in the back is still solid so i think i can unscrew where i can and rest i will have to bent a seas slightly and saw bolts off ....
how did you end up mounting seats back on? thanks !
 
Top