need to rebuild some seats

[paulrfrancisco]

I have to replace the plywood base of a rear bench cushion in my 17 year old boat. I'm planning on reusing the vinyl, but replacing the foam and plywood.

My question is what is the best way to waterproof the wood? I had heard that coationg it with epoxy resin is very good, however it makes stapling the fabric to it a PITA as the staples bend and dont go all the way in.... How about a waterproof sealer like something you would put on an out door deck.

Also what about the staples... Stainless steel or Monel ... I had heard stainless steel is too brittle and they break.

thoughts, comments?

 

[Robj]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

I just used exterior ply with an exterior deck stain. Resin and epoxy get to be expensive. I am sure the wood will be fine, will last longer than how long I plan on keeping it. I just used ss staples from the Depot. The trick is to store the boat in a covered area so it does not get saturated.

Have a great day,

Rob

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

exterior plywood, 3 coats of oil base paint. i've repaired more wood on homes in the last 45 years, just because of lack of paint.

 

[gcboat]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

Do what Rob said about the exterior ply ( no PT ) and coat with polyster resin from Home Cheapo or your favorite store of choice. Poly is a lot cheaper than epoxy and it will do the same job. OR, you could apply CPES which is nothing more than a two part poly - same stuff, different can. As far as shooting staples go you need to upgrade from that T-50 you probably have to a heavier unit. Monel or SS is a toss up. As far as either one being brittle remember again - small gun - small staples - break easy.

 

[gejandsons]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

Buy a sheet of treated plywood. It is treated with a chemical that resists rot. I have runners on a trailer that are wrapped in carpet & are 20 years old & no rot. You can buy stainless steel staples or stainless steel screen tacks.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

I used untreated plywood, coated it with poly and drilled some drain holes in case it ever did get too wet. A much stronger seat now than the original equipment!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

OR, you could apply CPES which is nothing more than a two part poly - same stuff, different can.

CPES stands for Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer so it is not polyester resin. It is an epoxy.

I use epoxy resin thinned with MEK and apply with a brush. Does a fantastic job and is cheaper than buying the ready made CPES.

As far as staples go, I use a pneumatic stapler with stainless staples.

 

[paulrfrancisco]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

Thanks for all of your suggestions... I'll let you know how I make out.

 

[licketdsplit756]

Re: need to rebuild some seats

If You Can Afford It. Marine Plywood Is The Best Way To Go. It Will Outlast The Boat.