Sea Sprite Bow Cushion Removal

[badMonkey]

I am working on my Sea Sprite 18' and I am trying to remove the starboard rear bow cushion.

I found when they installed a plate on the other side of the wall (sort of like a car's firewall ) they inadvertently ( could have been on purpose ) screwed into the back of the cushion with 3 large screws. I have removed them and am not much better off.

I can flex the bottom of the panel but something at the top of the panel is extremely well attached. I have pulled and pushed along just about every vector I can imagine to not be destructive. My next attempt is to get a rubber mallet and start bumping it around to see if it might release.

Does anyone have experience removing these types of panels? I have searched the forums but have mostly found people who are experiencing a similar issue.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: Sea Sprite Bow Cushion Removal

Mine were held in by plastic push-in fasteners. Similar to the christmas tree type fasteners used to attach plastic trim pieces on a car, except it was christmas tree on both ends. Mine were in there so tight, I had to pry them off with a wonder bar. I was amazed at how strong those plastic things were. They are like the ones in this link http://www.itw-fastex.com/catalog/index.php/dw/op/a/7/c/17/p/15?m=no

 

[Mark42]

Re: Sea Sprite Bow Cushion Removal

I you have a thin flat material, like aluminum flashing, paint stirrer, etc, slide it behind the seat. You should be able to determine the location of the screw and locate the head on the other side using X and Y dimensions.

The thing about boats is the manufacturers build them anyway they want. So there is very little standard attachment methods used in boats.

 

[badMonkey]

Re: Sea Sprite Bow Cushion Removal

Thank you Mark and BigBoatinOkie.

I was able to figure out there were no screws from the other side. I ended up pulling off the carpet from the other side (in the glove compartment. I don't mind putting in new carpeting if I can get this fixed.

I have to wonder if they are attached with something like Mark42 is showing. If not then I suspect they will be when I am done . At this point I am gonna just pull the panel off and rebuild it entirely. In for a penny in for a pound.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Sea Sprite Bow Cushion Removal

Welcome to iboats.

The problem is that most manufacturers install those cushions before they install the cap on the hull. The access may have been eliminated when the boat was first built.

 

[badMonkey]

Re: Sea Sprite Bow Cushion Removal

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the welcome

I pulled the panel off by force. I just couldn't figure it out and my patience ran thin. For posterity I would like to let others know what I ran into.

I believe these panels are original to the boat. Two stainless steel screws were screwed in through the front of the cushion just above the jade colored inset. The positioning of the screws caused a couple of very small holes in the vinyl that were hidden by the inset panel.

I plan to replace the plywood in the inset panel with walnut. Does anyone know if walnut has problems in a marine environment?

I am off to purchase some foam and some spray adhesive.