SailNet Community banner
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

cockpit seat cushions

3K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  SailinJay 
#1 · (Edited)
I have always kept my cockpit seat cushions below and brought them up when I wanted to use them. They are the foam type with vinyl covering.
I am toying with an idea to just leave them out all the time. It's more practical.
However, I know there is the down side. I know some but maybe not all.
Would anyone care to point out the down sides?
 
#3 ·
Leaving boat cushions out all the time, the type that are long, and curved and made to fit the cockpit area of seating all around? In my personal experience I keep them below for fear they will get taken, but not returned. If not taken, the sun will wash out the color and in a heavy wind, they will blow away. The rain will water log them and destroy the cushioning inside the covers, so to perserve your investment it might be best to store them below when they are not in use. I ususally sit on one of the throw-over for "man overboard" cushions. It is thicker, smaller, and has great handles for hanging up anywhere and staying there in the wind when I am not sitting on it. If it goes overboard, at least they are inexpensive enough to replace at a wallmart store. Just some ideas.....
 
#4 ·
If you attach velcro to the cockpit benches and velcro fabric to the bottom of the cushions, they will stay in place quite well. They may get waterlogged if you keep them out in the cockpit all the time, and then mildew or rot. Also, some vinyls have a nasty problem with breaking down under UV exposure.
 
#5 ·
sailingdog said:
They may get waterlogged if you keep them out in the cockpit all the time, and then mildew or rot. Also, some vinyls have a nasty problem with breaking down under UV exposure.
Would these problems occur with the closed cell cushions as well?
Or are there other cons to leaving out the closed cell cushions at all times?
 
#6 ·
The waterlogging isn't as much of an issue with closed-cell foam, however the UV attack on the vinyl is still a problem.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top