Cockpit sideboard repair on 1992 Searay Sundancer

[Ricksearay]

How do I replace the side boards on a 1992 Searay Sundancer. Plywood is rotting and needs to be replaced

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Are you talking about the plywood backers that the vinyl attaches to? Pictures are always welcome, and in most cases extremely helpful.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you have 3 choices

you take boat to upholstery shop, you pay them, they call when boat is done

you remove the side bolsters, you take them to an upholstery shop, you pay the guy to make new ones, he calls when they are done, you re-install

or you remove the side bolsters, you make new backing boards, you buy foam, you buy vinyl, you sew the vinyl skin, you then pull and stretch the skin while you staple it. you then install the new bolsters.

 

[Chris1956]

Reuse the existing vinyl if it is in good enough shape, over 1/2" plywood. Use pressure treated plywood, an SS staples.

Those side panels are usually 2 pieces of vinyl with a piece of cording on the seam. You can pull a single piece of vinyl over the plywood and foam and staple it. It will look ugly to you, but not many will notice it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

at almost 30 years old, doubt you can re-use the original vinyl.

 

[Chris1956]

Maybe he cannot reuse the vinyl, but it is a legitimate thing to assess, and maybe someone else who is lurking could reuse their vinyl.

SeaRay side panels were often made of whatever pieces wood were laying around, stapled end to end or overlap,and cut to shape and covered in vinyl. They used different thicknesses, wood types and often steel staples The wood often rotted out quickly, the staples rusted away and the sidepanel could simply fall apart. The vinyl could easily outlast the wood.