Cockpit cushions

[arf145]

Sailing season is almost on us and we still have no cushions for the cockpit. We can get along without--did last year--but I imagine it has to be more comfortable. But what kind to get/make? What fabric? Problems?

So, what kind of cushions does everyone have? How do you keep them in place? Happy with them?

Thanks!

[Faster]

Generally we find the cockpit cushions great when moored and lounging, and pretty much a PITA while sailing, so stow them then. Difficult to keep in place when heeled without unsighltly velcro or some such (unless you have substantial fiddles on the seat edges - which would have their own issues.)

We really like our collapsable " deck chairs" from WM or whoever... good back support, esp for cockpits with lesser coamings.

[johnshasteen]

Try C-Cushions, they're vinyl coated, closed cell foam - great when sailing - we even left them in place when enduring two different Force 10 storms over the years. And, they make great floatation devises if it comes to that.
C Cushions - Custom cockpit cushions for boats

[WouldaShoulda]

I just sit on my old Type IVs!!

[arf145]

john, I'm definitely curious about the vinyl coated type cushions. Do they stick down on the bench because of their natural stickiness? How do they feel against the skin? Durability? Hot in the sun? What color do you have? (Sorry for all the Qs!)

faster, I'm with you on the cushion chairs that flatten out or provide a backrest as needed. We have 2 and we love them.

wouldashoulda, type IVs is what we use right now. But they're all over the place it seems, including under foot.

[dgr]

Originally Posted by WouldaShoulda

I just sit on my old Type IVs!!

Yup, yup. Admiral in training tried throwing the old ones out when we got the boat. I squirreled a few away. Everyone fights over them now and the loser gets the new closed cell ones.

[tweitz]

I always just used my Type IIIs in the past or those folding seats, which are popular with the crew because they provide comfortable back support. They just slide off the seats when under way, however. So I have just received shipment of a very nice set of custom Sunsure cockpit cushions, which come with the hardware to clip them onto the seats. I go tthem on clearance from beneteauowners.com, but I would certainly look there and here at the Sailnet store for some ideas.

[MJBrown]

While we have sunbrella covered cockpit cushions we also use individual seats for extra comfort. Google a seat called the Free Bag. It's a bean bag cushion that can be set up as a seat and back rest. It has a nice cover that can be removed for washing, plus a strap that you can use to keep it in place. I bought one for my wife a few years ago and she loves. While it's call a Free Bag it's anything but, with a cost in the $80-90 range. I on the other hand use the throwable cushion at the helm.

[ADMTROX]

There was a thread earlier this year on "suitable materials" for cockpit cushions, see here:

Suitable Material

[arf145]

Originally Posted by ADMTROX

There was a thread earlier this year on "suitable materials" for cockpit cushions

Ah yes, you made those nice Phifertex cushions. And I assume those snap onto permanent snaps on the cockpit benches?

I'm definitely interested in how well the different cushions work and wear, and how they stay in place. I'd rather not stick velcro or screw down anything.

OK, the beanbag thing, that's new to me! I couldn't find the Free Bag thru Google but did find one person selling beanbags with marine grade cover.