How to remove swimdeck cushions on 2008 SX-230...?

[GTBRMC]

I am looking for guidance on method to remove the swimdeck seatback cushions on an '07 - '09 230/232 series Yamaha jetboat.

Reason I am seeking this info is detailed here: https://jetboaters.net/threads/vinyl-and-gelcoat-repair-advice-needed.5936/#post-102192

 

[txav8r]

Did @Bruce ever reply in the other thread, to give guidance to the removal of the cushions? He has done it.

 

[Speedling]

If its like my ss they have bolts through to the engine bay. Then I think they have some tabs or something but I don't remember specifically. I only used the through bokts toput in some new ssoundproofing and didn't remove the whole thing because I wasmore focused on the cabin side of things.

 

[txav8r]

I haven't removed them, but they do have bolts, and then they have clips that the cushion slides over. But the only fasteners that have to be removed...I think...are the bolts, then the cushion slides on/off the clips. It isn't as bad as it might lead you to believe, but I wish @Bruce would verify that.

 

[Trevor Shipman]

I did it on my 06 AR210 I'm sure it's no different. There are about 500 bolts holding those babies on! Your going to have to get in each seat bay (port/starboard) and remove. There is a false wall on the starboard side too, remove that and you find more bolts. The bolts go all the way to the very end of the seat so of the seat doesn't pull away easily, you haven't removed all the bolts. There are no clips or anything holding it in like a car dashboard that requires a little pulling. All bolts.

 

[Bruce]

I have done it. It is way harder than it should be. They are held on by a dozen or so bolts. Three or more of those are outside of the engine compartment side walls. @txav8r says you can slide under the seats to get back there and remove the bolts. I removed the sidewalls. The port sidewall will not come out without cutting.

I decided not to reinstall the sidewalls. I added an insulated wall blocking the engine compartment from the under and behind the seat areas. Then I used the areas beside the engines to install two battery boxes and 16 gallon shower system.

 

[GTBRMC]

OK, this verifies what I saw when I looked in there... hence my sarcastic comment on the other thread about these seatback cushions being "structural."
I believe I can reach one of the buried fasteners through the hole I cut for the swimdeck speaker, using a ratchet and protective gloves.
I have seen at least three other fasteners behind the port side engine space bulkhead, might be another behind the port-aft bulkhead (just forward of the speaker hole and fastener mentioned above.)

Again... dammit!

PS: Thanks to all for the info

 

[GTBRMC]

I am thinking I will have a mobile vinyl repair outfit quote fixing it. There are a couple in the Milwaukee area that will come to your home, workplace, etc. and do vinyl repairs on the spot.
Not excited about the prospect of taking out those bulkheads for this. Not at all.

 

[txav8r]

I think you could go through the speakers on the transom for those fasteners, and get to the rest directly I the enyone and side compartments.

 

[Bruce]

I vote for mobile repair! Those nuts are a pain even with the sidewalls out.

 

[GTBRMC]

Just so you all don't think I've lost my nerve after this weekend's hole saw incident...




It is just dry fit for now. I used my 15+ year old Dremel with a new $8 attachment to cut the BIG hole for the sub. Dremel did a great job - used two bits they recommend for fiberglass cutting to complete the hole. Round & clean, quite pleased.

I left the hole a bit shy and am sneaking up on it with a hand file. Got it in for a quick eyeball, but it needs to be opened up a bit more.

Family is now in the "when is this stupid boat project going to be done?" phase. Quite a bit left to do, but I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[tdonoughue]

I used a jig saw for mine. I am less patient.

You are almost there!

 

[txav8r]

I love the hole saw! That is great, you need to post this in a "cutting big holes" post! I would have used that in lieu of a jigsaw myself. I did use a jigsaw on the 230 when I installed that woofer. The only thing better would be a trim router and a flush trim bit in a jig.

 

[GTBRMC]

Had a vinyl pro fix the cushion today:

Before...



During:



Partially repaired:


Finished:



If you look closely, you can see it, but am quite happy with the repair. He spent nearly two hours fixing it.
Absolutely beats me tearing the boat apart to get the cushion off, etc.

Company that did the repair: http://www.fibrenew.com/find-a-location/?postal=Waukesha

 

[ToddW850]

Awesome! Looks great.

 

[mark_m]

Like the repair outcome, but love to see the hole for the forthcoming transom speakers!! Nice work!!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Congrats! Now get boating!!

 

[96Pirate]

OK, this verifies what I saw when I looked in there... hence my sarcastic comment on the other thread about these seatback cushions being "structural."
I believe I can reach one of the buried fasteners through the hole I cut for the swimdeck speaker, using a ratchet and protective gloves.
I have seen at least three other fasteners behind the port side engine space bulkhead, might be another behind the port-aft bulkhead (just forward of the speaker hole and fastener mentioned above.)

Again... dammit!

PS: Thanks to all for the info

@GTBRMC When you cut your holes for your transom speakers do you remember if you can reach the remote bolts? I am replacing my remote and will be putting in transom speakers in the same area. Was hoping I can connect the new remote through that hole rather than having to climb through the seat compartment.

Thanks

 

[Andy S]

@GTBRMC When you cut your holes for your transom speakers do you remember if you can reach the remote bolts? I am replacing my remote and will be putting in transom speakers in the same area. Was hoping I can connect the new remote through that hole rather than having to climb through the seat compartment.

Thanks

Yes you can reach the backside of the remote, unless you have Popeye arms.

 

[96Pirate]

Cool. Thanks @andy07sx230ho Are there any wires back there to know about before drilling? I know the remote cable is probably somewhere back there but I plan to replace that anyway.