cockpit cushions

[dirtydirt]

hello   need to replace    what companies/products have you had the best results with?

[chuck53]

The last time I had any boat cushions made, I went to a local auto upholstery shop.  Did a nice job and prices were reasonable.

[Ron Hill]

Chuck : Beside an auto upholstery, furniture upholstry or canvas shops, look in marinas as ladies also like to do that kind of work and usually post their cards.  Easy to use you old ones as a pattern - with any modifications you might want to make.   a thought

[dirtydirt]

Any thoughts on C Cushions and Bottom Siders.  I have one quote for just the 2 large ones at a 1000.00.

[Ron Hill]

Dirty : You definitely need to get at least 2 more quotes.  

I'd sit on throwables before I paid $500 a cushion for the long ones!!  My thought

[Stu Jackson]

Ron's right.  If I didn't have two long OEM cushions that are still in good shape, I'd ONLY buy two short ones and keep them forward.  One reason is that raising the lid for the port locker is a PITA with the cushion on, and dangerous 'cuz the lid doesn't stay up.  As a result, I don't put the port cushion out until we're either at anchor or back in a slip.  I do use the starboard cushion almost all the time except when we're racing and it could wind up on the cockpit sole, a real distraction.  I find no reason to have EITHER of them full length and both FWIW could only be just as long as the distance from the cabin backrest to just short of the the port locker lid.

My experience with Bottom Siders is that they're pretty hard.  Whatever you choose, get a light color.

Some folks have reported good success with those West Marine seats, and I understand the original version of those (I forget the name) are far superior in design and comfort.

[dirtydirt]

Thanks for the responses.  good idea Stu.  So true about the port locker.

[Clay Greene]

We put a spring arm on the locker so it stays open. Might want to give that a try.

We have Bottomsiders but they made them in two pieces for each side so you just have to move one to get at the locker. They are kind of hard but the closed cell foam does not absorb water so you have to pick what's most important. I'd have to search to be sure but I thought we paid about $500 for the set at the boat show.