Repairing cracked filler cushion backs

[Sacamano]

My bow filler cushion backs are cracked from kids jumping on them. I want to replace the backer with something and hopefully reinforce it. I plan to pull the staples and use the current one as a pattern. Thoughts on material?

Another thought is to glue it with polyurethane glue. Something tells me it would not be as strong.

 

[Bruce]

Can you find a cutting board or the same material large enough?

Or you could use 3/4 marine plywood with something protective and decorative on the back side.

 

[Ronnie]

Mine were broken when I bought the boat used. I cut some treated plywood to fit each broken seat and used screws to hold the new piece to the parts of the broken one. If you just want to replace with the same material only thicker I think it is commonly known as starboard and can be found at west marine, overtons, etc.

 

[Sacamano]

Great ideas, thanks

 

[robert843]

@Sacamano did you ever do this and if so how did it turn out? I'm about to have to do this project as well as one of mine cracked last weekend. I was going to buy a new one but at over $300 that is ridiculous.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

If you get your interior wet a lot and store in moist conditions, I would put a layer or 2 of epoxy over your new plywood bases.

 

[Bill D]

The small, front cushions in the bow of mine were broken from the previous owners stepping on them from the dock. (He noted that they were broken before we purchased it.) They have been repaired by screwing 3/4" starboard to the back of them. They actually fit a little better now, and they are very sturdy. Although, I still make it a point to not step on the cushions if I can help it, my wife and her friends have had more than one dance party without any further issue.

 

[robert843]

The small, front cushions in the bow of mine were broken from the previous owners stepping on them from the dock. (He noted that they were broken before we purchased it.) They have been repaired by screwing 3/4" starboard to the back of them. They actually fit a little better now, and they are very sturdy. Although, I still make it a point to not step on the cushions if I can help it, my wife and her friends have had more than one dance party without any further issue.

You just screwed this right into the existing cracked board correct or did you remove the staples and replace it all together?

 

[Bill D]

Screwed right into the cracked board. It was a pretty clean break down the middle. I just went around the edges, maybe 4 or 6 screws... I can't remember exactly.

I used 1 1/4" stainless screws to try not to go all the way through the original board and liquid nails around the middle for a little extra grip..

 

[Sacamano]

Hi,
I used 1/2" Baltic birch plywood, routed the edges and air hole cutouts and painted both sides. I screwed it to the back of the cushions using a lot of screws to distribute the load. I was careful because they strip easily in the star board. I wanted the kids to paint a face on it with the circles for eyes but it did not happen.

It is heavy but solid as hell. I would let the ladies dance on it.

 

[robert843]

Alright for the moment I opted to try something a little different. After its first weight test it held up but won't distribute weight like your guys options. I bought 5 heavy duty metal fasteners and screwed them in along the break. The fasteners are pretty sturdy with no bend in them so hopefully the hold. Now on to fixing my grap rail that came off and the swim ladder fastener that broke this weekend as well ugh!

 

[Sacamano]

Great idea. Quick, easy, light; let us know how it works.