I mowed the grass and found a boat

[CPM]

I mowed the grass and found a boat ...Not really but close. I was "given" a couple of boat hulls. About 16' OB. One has no seats, the other has seats (something to sit on, mounted to plastic dairy gold milk crate). So I was curious,
is there any simple construction plans for seat frames which I could cover with foam and some sort of marine vinyl? I thought I viewed a thread about composite barrel seat design, but nothing shows up on a search.

Thank you for any input.

CPM

[gonzo]

You can get ready made seats cheaper than what materials would cost you.

[CPM]

K, Thanks , I thought that may be the case

[doesitfloat]

How bout lawn chairs?

[gonzo]

I had a crappy old boat with lawn chairs. I fished and crabbed for a couple of seasons with it. The only problem is when passangers forget to hold on to something

[CPM]

Yeah I have 5 children and I think im going to attach the seat. My wife would have plenty to say if I didn't. In fact she has plenty to say about me bringing home any more projects. I keep telling her that it's teaching the kids skills....I think that excuse is going to expire soon. The loader backhoe was to teach them "how to pull stumps" Im wearing thin on finding justification.

[gonzo]

It used to be that teaching skills and thrift to the children was a good thing. Now they accuse you of filling the yard with crap Oh well, if I come up with some new excuse I'll share.

[Dr. J]

You could make port and starboard mounted double backed seats that hinge at the top of the backrests and at the seat to backrest point. One seat facing forward and the other aft. This would allow you to lower them to form bench seats when you are at anchor. This is an easy to build,cheap method of construction. You will need:3/4" marine grade plywood, hinges,marine grade bedding compound, bolts or rods threaded at each end (to provide the hinging at the seat to backrest point), listings to provide the framework for the seats and to act as tracking when the seats slide up and down and screws.Using additional listings as cleats you could deck mount them to act as stops to hold the seats in place. You could even build them with liftable seats to provide additional storage. This would also allow you install through bolts with locked nuts to hold the seats more firmly and safely in place. Materials for the cushions and upholstery can be obtained rather cheaply from factory direct outlets, especially if they are purchased as ends or cut offs. In addition to screws,don't forget to bed your deck listings well with proper marine bedding compound such as 3m 5200/4000, or sikaflex 292/291. The 4000 and 291 are fast cure types. Here in Vancouver they cost about $12 per tube (in Canadian funds, of course...). You might want to take measurements of the available deck area to determine what the height, width and length that your seats should be. You could even get some seat belts from an auto wrecker to keep everyone safely seated when underway. A word of caution; the heavier that you make the seats the more weight you will add to the boat, which could affect your planing abilities. However, if you are more interested in enjoying a day on the water with your family than traveling at high speeds, I would build solid seats that are well anchored and comfortable for the kids to sit on. Especially if you are planning to spend more than a couple of hours on the water. Plan out your project well, and it will prove to be fun for you and the kids.

[mackid068]

Best idea would be to drive down to WestMarine (or comprable store) and buy ready-made chairs. Less time spent working (less fun in the actual work) and more time playing with the 'new' boat.

[gonzo]

mackid068: how about keeping your political crap of this marine forum?

[Dr. J]

Originally Posted by mackid068

Best idea would be to drive down to WestMarine (or comprable store) and buy ready-made chairs. Less time spent working (less fun in the actual work) and more time playing with the 'new' boat.

Cpm, it is unfortunate that the previous statement would be submitted in such a cavalier manner. Perhaps mackid068 has overlooked the fact that this forum is dedicated to boatbuilding and the appreciation of it. I find it very enjoyable and satisfying when I have undertaken, planned, and completed a project to the satisfaction of myself or others. The type of project that you are thinking about will be, in my opinion, useful, informative,and more importantly rewarding to both you and your family. No matter what, a kid will always enjoy something more when they have had a hand in it. I participate in this forum because I feel that people will appreciate a reasonably informed opinion and I offered my suggestion because you requested it. Of course what do the likes of Gonzo and myself know, we only do this type of thing for a living...

Dr. J, are you serious about the seat belts?

[Dr. J]

I have two nieces and nephews that love boating and candy. What do you think? Actually I use nylon straps with velcro tabbing on one side and a belt loop on the other for securing the kids in place. Essentially they are glorified tie down straps, however they serve the purpose well, and are easily removed in case of emergency. It sure beats trying to pilot through chop while keeping an eye on the kids. Try it, it is very useful.

[CPM]

I love to build...and...I have to justify owning the tools, power planer, saws all, compressor, nail guns you name it and I probably bought it at home depot. Can you define "listings" I am unfamilur with that term. I had planned on stapeling the kids in place, but velcro straps would be reusable

[Dr. J]

Listings are simply strips of wood that will be used to provide the framework for your seats and as a mounting base for the hinging. The listings will take and hold fastenings better than the plywood edges. You can make your frame fancy with nice dovetailed or mortice and tenon joints and then attach the plywood, or you can simply bed and screw a listing to one piece before adding the next. I would probably use approximately 1" x 1" or 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" pieces if you are using fir.
They can also be used to form the anchoring (cleating) upon which you will attach the finished seats. Simply bed and screw them to the deck on the inside and outside(where necessary)of the seat base. Ensure that they fit snugly to prevent the seat from moving about. You might want to round off the sharp edges of the deck cleating located on the outside of the seat to prevent a trip hazard. I would permanently bed and screw the forward section of the seat to the cleats and bolt or screw (without bedding compound) the aft section in place. Then you will be able to lower the aft section to form a bench seat when at anchor (very handy during feeding or fishing time...). This looks like the perfect opportunity to legitimize having all those tools...