Need to build a backseat from scratch and looking to gather some details on other examples.

If anyone has buildup pics or pics of their seats with and without the foam/vinyl that would be great. Trying to see what the main base needs to look like.

Plan to be a semi divided seat with a step or two built in but be neat to see what others have done out there.

You can use 5/8 or 3/4" ply wood to build it up. I would get some economically priced epoxy and mix up a bunch and seal up the plywood on all sides before you cover it with foam or vinyl.

Hey Neil, How do you want to finish the base? If you are going to carpet it I would use MDO plywood and paint it before applying the carpet. If you are thinking Gelcoat I would use AC fir because it will absorb the resin better. If you need some plywood let me know. If you give me sizes I can even cut it up for you. I work with plywood quite a bit at work and am sure I could find some extra pieces laying around

Here are some pics of the one I am working on. The seat base is one piece and the back is a separate piece. The base is designed to rest against 1/8" x 2" x 2" L-angle Aluminum screwed to the sides of the cockpit. This supports three sides so I have vertical supports screwed/glued to the base to support the middle and the forward edge. I have cutouts in the plywood supports so that water can flow between them during hose-out so it will drain. I really wanted to be able to hose it out so I left a 2" gap between the front of the seat and the floor.

I used 1/2" marine ply. Is $72/sheet which is pricey but it is really nice and straight compared to cheaper ply. I think it's worth it just for that (apart from the waterproof glue used). Also no voids in the middle layers. I plan to glass the exposed edges and joints with a couple layers of glass and maybe a single layer over the rest of it just to seal the surface.

I have built all the pieces shown with 2 sheets. Seat is 78" wide. No upholstery yet, still trying to figure out how to tackle that.

Randy

Just redid all the wood in my sunpad. What do you guys use to seal the wood - regular glass resin brushed on, or an epoxy, or?

Thanks,

J

I bet you can get a lot of good ideas and help if you copy this thread to the Fiberglass and Paint forum...just a suggestion. Good luck with your seat rebuild.

here is part of mine i just got done with no before pics but i built it all up in couple nights 3/4 plywood with 2x4s and woodscrews and a good coat of thompson water sealer
its in my 77 255 liberator still have more to recover/build

my back seat is like busted bricks but has 2x4 on edge for the back support be sure to round your edges and corners off with a sander or router before u take to upholstery shop

Plywood is the stone age !!! Starboard board light is what is used on all modern day boats ...................

Where can you buy Starboard?