Bow seat backrest hinge mod

[Eric Ballard]

I was cleaning and garage boating and thought of this. I'm sure I'm not the first.

I think I wa t to hinge the starbord side bow seat backrest. It seems like a oerfect place for a garbage can or other stuff. Has this been done or talked about before?

You would have to clean up the edges of the opening and fill the brace holes but it really seems doable.

 

[RiverRat]

I like that idea.

 

[Eric Ballard]

Headed to West Marine to look at hinges tomorrow or Sunday.....stand by.

 

[Andy S]

Headed to West Marine to look at hinges tomorrow or Sunday.....stand by.

What about a stainless steel piano hinge across the top edge. The only thing you would need is some type of latch on the bottom so the cushion doesn't bounce open and shut while underway.

 

[Wayloncle]

Seems like it'd be easy to do, I'd use some of the trim stuff like around the opening of the 230's head compartment (I'm sure they aren't the only series that have it).

I'd use a magnet latch to hold it closed so you wouldn't have to unlatch anything to open it

 

[TheGreekTitan]

What about hinging it on the starboard side vs the top? That way if someone is sitting there, they could just lean forward instead of having to get up if it's just a can or something small being tossed.

May not work with the side cushion, just a thought.

 

[Julian]

Looks like a really cool mod idea! I agree, putting the hinge on the far side might be a lot better than on the top....it would stay open easier...

 

[Eric Ballard]

Seems like it'd be easy to do, I'd use some of the trim stuff like around the opening of the 230's head compartment (I'm sure they aren't the only series that have it).

I'd use a magnet latch to hold it closed so you wouldn't have to unlatch anything to open it

a magnet is a great idea!

 

[Eric Ballard]

Looks like a really cool mod idea! I agree, putting the hinge on the far side might be a lot better than on the top....it would stay open easier...

interesting thought, I'll have to look at that.

 

[Bennie]

My wife is normally against all my additional mods... but she likes this one.

Great idea @Eric Ballard !

 

[Eric Ballard]

top pick for hinge so far. Magnets can be used to cover some of the holes too I think.

hinge...
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-1-1-2-in-x-12-in-Stainless-Steel-Cabinet-Hinge/3356244

Magnet...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/2VAF3-Disc-Magnet-Neodymium-5-8-lb-Pull/484667662?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1122&adid=22222222227071158125&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=181850942044&wl4=pla-286180603433&wl5=9009675&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=101593696&wl11=online&wl12=484667662&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[Eric Ballard]

So far so good..... I'll do a full right up when I'm done, there was definitely some learning and trial and error. I still have to trim the fiberglass opening with Trim-Lok and order the neodymium magnets Of course I have some holes to fill too....

 

[Evil Sports]

Please keep us posted on your progress

 

[SCSTWG]

I like it! The lack of a dedicated trash can is an issue on many of our boats.

 

[haknslash]

Love it and I will be doing this to mine! Great job @Eric Ballard

 

[spaz1868]

Very creative...I will be doing this same mod to my boat. Nice @Eric Ballard

 

[Eric Ballard]

Very creative...I will be doing this same mod to my boat. Nice @Eric Ballard

Be aware. You have to cut out the bolts with a dremel too or similar.

 

[haknslash]

One thing I've always wanted to do was line all the storage compartment openings with vinyl edging to save from those rough edges or raw fiberglass cuts. With your backrest mod I can see myself using that area a lot for trash can and such so this would be a nice way to finish it off for a clean look and protection. https://www.wholesalemarine.com/beckson-vinyl-edge-trim-trim-mate-17929.html?gclid=CIfhn5zkqdQCFYg6gQod6u4AZw

 

[Eric Ballard]

One thing I've always wanted to do was line all the storage compartment openings with vinyl edging to save from those rough edges or raw fiberglass cuts. With your backrest mod I can see myself using that area a lot for trash can and such so this would be a nice way to finish it off for a nice look and protection. https://www.wholesalemarine.com/beckson-vinyl-edge-trim-trim-mate-17929.html?gclid=CIfhn5zkqdQCFYg6gQod6u4AZw

I ordered TrimLok. It will be here tomorrow. I like your white version too though.

 

[haknslash]

Ah I didn't see you got something coming.