Boat Seats

[CombatMedic]

Kinda new at the boating fun, and need some pointers on maintenance.

OK I know that I should have put some kind of cover over my boat seats while it was sitting in the yard. BUt I did not.

My question is, is there any way to save the material which is brittle and breaks, or is it a lost cause and I need to learn my lesson and get new seats. I have a new captains pedastal seat that I need to put in but the other two seats are brittle and I think that I will most likely have to replace them.

Is ther anything else that I should check when getting my boat ready for the water.

[one4water]

I would say that if they are already cracked and splitting that they are beyond saving. Once they tear it just gets worse, they dry out more split open get water in then and rot from the foam out.

There several places you can get replacements for decent prices. Lots of styles to pick from. You might even find used ones out there but for the few dollars more, I recommend new. Then buy a cover for them and 303 them after every cleaning.

[CombatMedic]

I would say that if they are already cracked and splitting that they are beyond saving. Once they tear it just gets worse, they dry out more split open get water in then and rot from the foam out.

There several places you can get replacements for decent prices. Lots of styles to pick from. You might even find used ones out there but for the few dollars more, I recommend new. Then buy a cover for them and 303 them after every cleaning.

Like I said I am kinda new. What do you mean by 303?

[fireboat]

Aerospace 303 is a spray protectant, seems to work well.

http://www.303products.com/

[mrossj1]

303 works great (expensive but not as expensive as new seats) It says to use it once every 3 to 4 weeks and it makes the seats look great. Do yourself a favor and get a cover for the seats and use 303.

[boatkingsdetailing]

once the seats begin to brittle and break it is time to replace them. I detail boats for a living and i see this happen all the time. The best advice I can give you is not to leave your seats out in direct sunlight and keep them dry. When cleaning them use a conditioner like vinyl protectant to keep them soft and maintain them once a week. Take a look at my website and it will give you a rough idea on how to maintain your boat. http://www.boatkingsdetailing.com

I would say that if they are already cracked and splitting that they are beyond saving. Once they tear it just gets worse, they dry out more split open get water in then and rot from the foam out.

There several places you can get replacements for decent prices. Lots of styles to pick from. You might even find used ones out there but for the few dollars more, I recommend new. Then buy a cover for them and 303 them after every cleaning.

Like I said I am kinda new. What do you mean by 303?

[mrrobalo]

There are quite a few things to get the boat ready for the season. First off during the colder months you should look over all your safety gear and make sure they are all in date (olin kit /flairs) ,life-jackets clean and certification is ledgeable ,horn/ whistle, throw-able device,fire extinguisher is loaded and your first aid kit is full.

Onto the electronics ... check that they work and ALL connections are corrosion free and lubed with the proper spray. lights all work (corrosion free) dock lines are ready (if you soak them in laundry softener they will be easy to coil and easy to toss) anchor is ok,and all drain plugs accounted for. If cabin boat or CC with potty it's cleaned and charged and proper TP on board.

Motor if outboard water pump should be changed if it is within the scheduled maintenance. I like to check over the motor like you would do your car for a long trip if I/O.Lube all points and finally test on hose. Let it run for a while holding your hand on the pee stream. It should get warm and when it gets hot the thermostat should open and cool it down . If not check thermostat.

If you have a trailer first check tires not only for air but dry rot if any signs change it now not on the side of the road. Onto the bearings, if you travel over a few thousand moles or saltwater use replace it's cheaper and easer in the driveway. (harbor freight have a bearing packer for about $4. and speeds things up.) Take the ones you took out clean them up and put repacked into tupperware so if you break down you have a spare to get you home. SPARE TIRE a must and what I do is super-glue a 2 separate pieces of tire plug onto the edge of the sidewall THINK who is going to steal a plugged tire there off to the one next to you. a bottle jack and 2 pieces of wood in case you change it on the side of the road.

I always recommend waxing it before the season and when she comes out of hibernation. It will help keep it clean all summer long as I would rather be fishing than waxing in the summer. The same goes for the interior put it on heave and wipe it after 1/2 hour if any residue left. As for your seat well Are they the plastic roto-molded? if so if they are brittle GET RID OF THEM you don't want it breaking loose throwing a passenger or worse yet the drive. So inspect the bases ,then sit and rock .Make sure there is no movement at the base or worse yet the floor. (if so contact me and I can tell you how to fix it)

This should get you started as it just what came to mind mind.

Happy boating and go create a memory.

[CombatMedic]

Mr Robalo

Thanks for all of the advise

I got up in the boat the other day and looked around. Yes there is one seat that is already cracked and split. I pushed on the other and there were no Cracks, splits or anything like that. I still need to look over some more of it to make sure. Will that 303 stuff help to reverse the drying out if there are not cracks. If so I think I may be able to save it.

I also have an Outboard. It was properly rinsed with fresh water at home after I pulled it out of the water last time I used it. I just need to give the motor a once over to make sure everything is good.

Thanks again for the advise. Like I said I am new at this and I am trying to get things right.