New cockpit cushions

[Chris]

Has anyone bought cockpit cushions recently that they were super happy with? Where did you get them? What material was used? How much did they cost (ouch)?

[Finbar Beagle]

Chris,

I went to Ameriseam.  I thick they are contractor for Hutchins.  They were $611 or my CP 19.  Big investment, but I am very pleased with perfect fur and comfort.clesed cell, and a cool vented sunbrella coverings.  I have only had for 4 months. And so far holding up well.  They are very lightweight, so get tossed on cabin bunk last on top, and first to be pulled out and deployed.

Before that, I use wine glass shaped closed cell water floats (lazy buns) from Wet marine. Not best, and got hot in sun but were dual purpose.  I think these were around $40 each.

There us d to be Australian company that supplied a generic blue closed cell cushion that was great, but I have not seen these for years.

[Salty19]

Another great choice are Sport-A-Seats.  Luv 'em!

Great butt and back support/cushioning.   Wouldn't leave the dock without them...

https://www.sportaseat.com/

[brackish]

Agree with Salty 19.  My cockpit cushions have been in the attic for the last three years.  I got some Sport-a-Seat clones and like them so much better.  More versatile, easier to get into the cockpit hatches (my cockpit seats are one piece), good back support, perfect on the foredeck when anchored, and easier stored than the bulky cockpit cushions.   Only downside would be if you normally have a bunch of folks in your cockpit, cushions may be better then.  Additionally, I tried to leave my cockpit cushions out for a month or so at a time and the moisture gets under them and causes a stain on the cockpit fiberglass.

I bought clones, but will get the real thing next time.  Mine are about five years old, the material at the hinge point is disintegrating, I put fabric repair tape on them, but won't last long. 

[Jim in TC]

Our SunCat came with a Sport-a-Seat clone that is just too big for that little craft. It is in use in and around the house. Our cockpit cushions are nice, in three pieces so not awkward but they can draw moisture into the foam so will have to stow away in the cabin when there is a threat of rain, which may make me less enthusiastic about them...

[alsantini]

I have a set of SunSure cushions made for my Eclipse.  About $500, but really worth it.  They fit perfectly and look sharp.  I picked a blue that matches the sail and bimini cover with white piping.  If I had to do it over again I would choose a much lighter color.  The direct sun gets them a bit warm.  They are super comfortable, closed cell with a waterproof covering.  Sail On

[slode]

Before purchasing something pre-made check out local upholsters.  I had a set made for my Eclipse from a local shop that repairs furniture and re-covers seats for snowmobiles, atvs & such. 

$320 for the pair.  2" marine grade foam and light beige vinyl that matches the gel coat very close.  They don't cover the hole bench on each side.  Just from the bulkhead to the lazarette doors for easy access.   I made a pattern with cardboard and two tabs on the front of each cushion snap into snaps screwed into the bench front to hold them in place.  They are mirrored image and both work in either position so you can flip them over and get the most wear.  With two aboard they are great.  When we have an extra person or two we just break out the throw cushions. 

[waterwheels]

Al, do you attach them to the Eclipse in any fashion or do they stay put pretty good?

Thanks Don

[NateD]

I had Bottomsiders that came with my Com-Pac 23. I assumed they were factory original given the custom fit to the boat, and I think the price list for the Com-Pac 23 listed cockpit cushions around $800. Some forum posting in other forums suggest that Bottomsiders may have closed shop. The cushions were about 1 or 1.5" thick closed cell foam. They were comfortable and could serve as emergency flotation if someone fell overboard (though not USCG approved). The downside was storing them, plus some suntan lotion caused the "pin-striping" on them to smear. I hated to leave them out overnight and get them wet (condensation on the underside too), but bringing them inside each night meant giving up a bunk space. On my current boats I've transitioned to primarily using those square throwable cushions. Cheap, small, easy to store and mandated to have onboard in MN anyway.

My Dolphin 24 came with a sport-a-seat, but I haven't found the need for it yet. You still end up with storage issues if you're overnighting in the cabin with more than 1 person.

[wes]

For both my 19 and 27 I've ordered custom cushions from Island Nautical (formerly JSI, formerly Johnson Sails) in Clearwater. Saw them at the Annapolis boat show and was impressed with the quality and their customer service. JSI is a neighbor of the Hutchins factory and has been a supplier of spars, sails and canvas to them for years. They are willing to trot down the block and confirm measurements at the Hutchins shop when necessary!

The cushions are closed cell foam, 2" thickness, wrapped in Phifertex acrylic fabric with Sunbrella piping. Almost any color combination available. They are very comfortable and pliable in both very hot and very cold weather, they shed water quickly and are resistant to mildew, and they do not stick to your skin or react to suntan lotion like those shiny vinyl products such as Bottomsiders.

Typically they do a 5-cushion set (two port, two starboard, one aft helm seat) which allows you to lift the lazarette hatches without removing the cushions. The come with snaps which hold them very securely, but are easily removable. I store mine in the cabin between sails. They look as good now as the day I bought them (5 years ago for my 19).

Not cheap - approx. $800 for the 19 and $1100 for the 27. Admiral loves them though, not only for the comfort when guests are aboard but also for the added security when the boat is heeled - much less sliding around of crew and belongings.

Wes

[Reighnman]

On my 19 I had the factory closed cell cushions and can say they were 10x better then the open cell white vinyl ones on my current boat. I'd pay the difference if buying new.