Securing Loose Boat Seats: Diy Guide To Fixing Your Seats

Boat seats can become loose due to various reasons, including corrosion, sand, and water damage. To fix a loose boat seat, you will need to identify the cause of the issue and the type of seat you have. If the seat is stuck, you can try tapping around the base with a plastic mallet while spraying penetrating oil or using a blowtorch to heat the base. If the seat is wobbly, you may need to replace the bushing or use a sharp 3/4 inch bit to run through it. For torn upholstery, a vinyl repair kit, vinyl repair sheets, graining sheets, and an iron can be used for a quick fix.

Take out and inspect the seat

Taking out the boat seat is the first step in fixing a loose boat seat. This step can be tricky, as boat seats can get stuck for several reasons, including corrosion, sand, and water damage. Here is a detailed guide on how to take out and inspect a stuck boat seat:

Identify the Cause of the Stuck Seat:

Before attempting to remove the seat, it is important to identify why it is stuck in the first place. Corrosion, sand, or water damage could be the culprits. Understanding the cause will help determine the best method for removal.

Try Basic Removal Techniques:

Start by trying some basic techniques to dislodge the seat. Ensure that you are pulling straight up on the seat without applying any lateral force. Try using a lubricant like WD-40 or penetrating oil on the base, and tap around the base with a plastic mallet or a rubber mallet. If there is a release tab or button, make sure to hold it while tapping.

Apply Heat:

If the seat is still stuck, carefully apply heat to the base. You can try pouring boiling water over the base or using a blowtorch to heat it. The heat will cause the base to expand, making it easier to remove. Be very cautious to avoid burning yourself when using this method.

Use a Lever or Jack:

If the seat remains stuck, try using a lever or jack to apply upward force. Place a small piece of wood, such as a 2x4, under the seat, and use a bottle jack or a tire jack to apply force directly to the center of the seat. Alternatively, use two 2x4s as levers, placing one on each side of the seat post, and pry upward. Ensure that the levers are braced against something at the same height as the base of the seat to avoid applying lateral force.

Remove the Baseplate:

If all else fails, you may need to remove the baseplate to access the underneath of the seat. Unscrew the baseplate from the decking and inspect the mechanism to identify any issues that may be causing the seat to get stuck. This will also give you access to try some of the other techniques mentioned, such as tapping with a mallet or applying lubricants, from a different angle.

Clean and Maintain the Seat:

Once you have successfully removed the seat, take the time to clean and maintain it. Wash the seat and base with soap and water, and use a product like steel wool or sandpaper to remove any corrosion or buildup. You can also apply a coat of wax, grease, or silicone to the spindle to help prevent the seat from getting stuck in the future.

Remember to always exercise caution when performing any boat maintenance and to wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove and inspect a stuck boat seat.

Measure the vinyl and foam

Measuring the vinyl and foam is the first step in reupholstering your boat seats. This step is crucial as it ensures you have the correct amount of material and helps you achieve a snug fit. Here's a detailed guide on measuring the vinyl and foam for your boat seat reupholstery project:

Measure the Existing Covers:

Start by measuring the dimensions of your current boat seat covers. Use a measuring tape to carefully measure the length, width, and depth of each cover, paying attention to any contours or special shapes. Take precise measurements to ensure an accurate fit.

Determine the Amount of Foam and Vinyl Needed:

Based on the measurements you've taken, calculate the amount of foam and vinyl material required. You may need to purchase new foam and vinyl, so having accurate measurements will help you buy the right amount, minimising waste and ensuring a seamless restoration.

Ordering the Correct Size of Foam:

If your existing foam is damaged or needs replacement, use the measurements you've taken to order the correct size of foam. You can use an online foam calculator to price and order the foam you need. It's important to ensure the foam is cut to match the dimensions of the original foam for a comfortable and uniform seat.

Cutting the Foam:

Once you have the new foam, use a sharp utility knife or foam cutter to trim it to the required size. Take your time to ensure straight and clean cuts. The foam should be the same thickness across the entire surface for maximum comfort while sailing.

Measuring and Cutting the Vinyl:

Lay out the vinyl fabric on a clean, flat surface. Use the measurements you've taken to guide your cuts. Cut the vinyl with precision, ensuring it will fit snugly over the foam and the seat. You can use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to achieve clean, straight edges.

Double-Check Measurements:

Before proceeding to the next steps of reupholstering, double-check all your measurements. It's important to take your time and measure twice to ensure accuracy. Accurate measurements are crucial for a successful upholstery repair project and a well-fitting seat cover.

Get the necessary supplies

To fix a loose boat seat, you will need to identify the type of seat and gather the necessary supplies. If the seat is attached to the boat with bolts, you will need a screwdriver to tighten them. You may also need a rag to hold the nut in place while tightening the bolts. In some cases, you might need to apply a product like WD-40 to loosen the nuts.

If the seat is stuck due to corrosion or sand, you will need penetrating oil or a similar lubricant, and possibly a plastic mallet to tap the base of the seat. Boiling water can also be used to expand the base and loosen the seat, but be very careful to avoid burns.

For torn upholstery, you will need a vinyl repair kit that includes vinyl repair sheets and graining sheets, as well as an iron. Ensure that the iron's temperature is suitable for the vinyl, as too high a temperature can melt the material.

Cut vinyl and foam using your measurements

To cut the vinyl and foam to size for your boat seats, you will first need to take precise measurements of your existing covers. Measure the length, width, and depth of each seat cover, accounting for any contours or special shapes.

Once you have these measurements, lay the old vinyl cover on top of your new marine vinyl fabric and use it as a template to cut the new cover. Leave several inches on all sides for stretching and stapling. You can use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to achieve clean, straight edges.

When cutting the foam, use a sharp utility knife or foam cutter to carefully trim the foam sheets to match the dimensions you recorded.

It is important to cut the vinyl and foam with precision to ensure a snug fit for your new boat seat covers.

Start assembling the seat

To fix a loose boat seat, you'll need to first identify the type of seat you have. There are two common types: the wedge-style seat and the Springfield widget-style seat.

Wedge-Style Seat

If you have a wedge-style seat, you can try the following:

• Tap around the base of the pedestal with a plastic mallet while spraying penetrating oil where the pedestal meets the base. This should help to loosen the seat.
• If the seat is still stuck, you can carefully pour boiling water onto the base to expand the base and allow for easy removal. Be very careful not to burn yourself when using this method.
• If the above methods don't work, you may need to unbolt the base and cut the plastic nipple that extends down into the base.
• Alternatively, you can try using a 2x4 scrap to press the seat out of the base. Place the small plastic knob that sticks out of the bottom of the base in the center of the 2x4 and use screws or bolts to tighten it until the base comes off the wedge on the bottom of the post.
• Clean the base and bottom of the seat post with soap and water or steel wool.

Springfield Widget-Style Seat

If you have a Springfield widget-style seat, try the following:

• Tap around the base with a hammer or rubber mallet while holding the tab.
• Use a pipe wrench to hold in the lock tab if there is one. A few hammer taps before using the wrench may also help.
• Drill out the base screws if they are rusted and an impact tool does not work.

General Tips for Both Seat Types:

• Apply grease or silicone to the base to prevent sticking.
• Remove the seats frequently to prevent seizing.
• Clean off any sand or dirt around the base and inside the shaft housing, then apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the inside rim and base to help keep the seat from sticking.
• Rub the seat post down with candle wax to help keep it lubricated.
• Apply a sealant to protect your boat from future wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions