Homemade bolsters
 

I wanted new bolsters for my 10 Meter Fountain but didn't want to pay the long dollar. So, I taught myself to sew. I made these from scratch. New frame, hardware, etc. based on my own design. It probably won't put McCleod out of business, but not bad for a first timer. Some trim work needs to be finnished, but what do you think?

Re: Homemade bolsters
 

Wow man, great job for a first attempt! I think they look good.

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Not bad at all.... I think you have the right idea...

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One suggestion.... ditch those bent aluminum supports... my Baja had those when I bought it and they both broke within about 2-3 seasons.... broke at the front hole on the base... split like a cheeleader!! I had some new ones made at a welding shop out of stainless tubing that they had laying around as "scrap" and were actually quite cheap (don't remember exactly) and 100 X stronger than the original ones. With two people leaning on those supports, I think it's only a matter of time till they have an issue... tied into the gunwhale or not, and mine were, they both broke.

Other than that, I think you did a great job for a first attempt. How long did it take you to complete, start to finish??? Don't include the sewing lessons!! LOL!!

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great job, I can't even sew buttons, one question though, is it just me or do those arm rests look like they are on steriods :p sorry you asked

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Every one has to start some where, nice job.

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Looks great! Have you done the back bench of the fountain or is that in pretty good condition??

Vicki

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Could you have picked a harder shape to sew!!!! Damn dude that is putting it out there. I know I could not have done that.

Jon

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Looks great for your first project... I wouldn't even begin to attempt something like that... :D

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That looks great :D

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Nice job do you have any holes in your finger's!!!!

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Thanks folks. Start to finnish I have probably 10 hrs. in them. I taught myself to sew making a couple of pillows and then got at the seat. I will do the rear bench next.
Basically I took the old seat and raised the sides approx. 3 inches and the backrest 10 inches from the original design. I had always liked the bolsters that "lock" you in and this design keeps me locked in tighter than nuns underwear. The sides supports do look aggressive in the pics. In person they are proportionate to the rest of the seat.
I will do this again on another set now that I have learned a couple of things. One, foam design and shape is key and two, I used real heavy vinyl. If I went a little lighter, it won't take as long to work the wrinkles out.

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I was thinking the same thing. :drink:

First attempt :eek: I would say you've done quite well!

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thanks and no, all my fingers are where they should be.;)

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That's awesome, can I send you some pants I need hemmed? :D

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When the weather warms up sit them in the sun and you can work the vinyl easier.We did that and got rid of some of the wrinkles. Tammy and I did the seats in our Scout last November http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=83931 .Its hard work and I think you did a helluva job!

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Sure, do they need to be let out? :p :p :p

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JnT,

Thanks for the advice. I've been following your project and I must say it's coming along nicely.

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Most Excellent Job! :D :D :D

Would add the extra support between the bolsters and go with SS tubing/flat plate design. I do not have a welder and no easy source for materials and was quoted Huge $$ to remake my supports in SS, settled for custom paint. due to Salt water here and SS screws had started corrosion welding on the screws. One day I'm going to buy that welder (when I have more garage space). Then watch out :eek:

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Actually, I just spoke with a local guy that could make bases and swim platforms.
My question is aluminum acceptable (Painted/powdercoated) or does it have to be stainless?

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I'd say pretty good for a first attempt as well. There are lots of tricks that can be learned from experience and I'm sure you learned some already. Too bad you're so fare away, I'd give you a job. :)

Good luck on your other projects.
John
Sunrise Upholstery
www.sunriseuph.com

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Thanks John.

i wasn't so far away, I'd work for ya'. I need the practice.

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WOW!
First Transom core replacement, then upholstery.
Talk about tackling stuff that most people wouldn't even consider doing themselves.
What's next?
That 10 meter is gonna be cool!

What kind of sewing machine and needles do you need to use to sew that stuff?

Nice work!
DS

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Looks Great. Congrats!

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My 02 is that you have to mount the base using SS screws, aluminum and ss don't play well together unless you do a good coating and then have to make sure the screw does not tear the coating when tight. I really wanted SS supports but had to settle for coated. Used a nylon insert and washer to isolate the screw from the coated parts, but then I'm in salt water alot, for freshwater it would not be as important to spend the bucks. Lets see, so far my boat mine came with: nickel plated hatch hinges, sink dump, bilge pump dumps (2), niclel plated fuel fills and vents (2)aluminum bolster supports with SS screws, I don't know if the new ones come with this junk but it is not good for salt water. However, not to slam fountain, but another really really expensive boat built here uses powercoated aluminum bolster supports and SS hardware, and you would think for the $350K min purchase price they would do better. (I discussed making SS at the same shop that fabs "theirs", thinking it must be powdercoated SS but suprise!!!

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Zanie,

My last feat after the cockpit is going to be the cabin and then I'm done. I used a sewing machine marketed by Sailrite. Basically, it's a Brother (metal case) rebadged. I would guess that it is medium duty. I've seen some that are light and I've seen some in upholstry shops that are heavier duty.

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Bryan...nice job , they came out pretty good! :D :D

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Thanks, bud. Your machine worked well.

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LMAO........and NO! :D