Cockpit Cushions

[Shaun]

Hi,
Think I'll get some decent cockpit cushions or make my own.
Anyone got any thoughts on what has worked & what hasn't?, Quite prepared to get some foam cut & make some covers for them, or are there some ready made ones available that fit the seats well?.
If I go down the DIY path, what foams would be best?, & if DIY'ing I could split the foam, so it can easily be folded over for access to the cockpit lockers.
cheers

[Phillip]

High density foam is the go Shaun.

The upholsterer in Lake St near the Op shop can make them up to your sizes.

[Troppo]

Hi Shaun, I have never made cockpit cushions, however, I bought some closed-cell foam the other day and I thought it would be good in a cockpit. The foam was actually intended for using in pools, like a swim mat, so it does not absorb water like sponge foam does. I got it to cut up and make a support thingy for my wife as she has serious back trouble. To cut it, I used the Sunbeam electric carving knife I got to cut up the sponge foam I used for the v-berth and cabin cushions. Much harder to cut the closed cell foam with the electric carving knife than the normal sponge foam but I managed it. It was only about 50 mm thick, it comes in various thicknesses.

This is the sort of closed cell foam I mean: http://www.aquachem.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_13&product_id=610

Might be able to get something like that cut to size at Clarke Rubber. Then you would need covers.

troppo

[Killick69]

We have 2 sets of cockpit cushions. Thin ones and thick ones. They are a different colour from the cabin cushions, so easy to distinguish (even by guests). Used an electric bread knife to cut the foam. The mark 3 cockpit seats are rounded at the forward end, so we cut cushions to match. Once cut like this they are also ideal for use as a back rest up against the bulkhead of the cabin, as they have the correct shape. The rounded end cushion are about 600-700mm long. We also have rectangular 600-700mm long cushions and square ones. Find the combination works well and they are easy to store in the cabin.

The thicker ones we made from the cushions of a couch we were throwing out. Cut as needed and sorted out and re-statched the covers.

Cheers, John

[Miker]

Shaun, I've got the Whitworths ones, they're a bit short and don't quite fit the full length of the cockpit seat, but they are easy to cut with a stanley and they're cheap enough compared to Clarke Rubber stuff. If you put in two layers of each and cut them to shape, you'd be good. I guess it depends on what you like.

We just use them as they are off the shelf, no covers or anything.

[ChrisB]

Miker have you got these? https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_item ... lutePage=1
Are they the large or small size ones?
C

[Miker]

Miker have you got these? https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_item ... lutePage=1
Are they the large or small size ones?
C

Chris, yes, I have the long ones. The cockpit is about 1.8 metres I think and these are about 500mm short. They're not pretty, but do the job well enough. I've often thought of making some really fat ones, but never actually got there.....

[ChrisB]

By chance I was out on someone else's boat on the weekend and they had them......they were pretty comfy and I was amazed at how they didn't blow away.

[storm petrel]

Closed cell foam cushions in the cockpit are also handy to throw quickly to anyone who is unlucky enough to fall overboard. By the time you release and deploy the life buoy the yacht will have left a swimmer well behind.

[SeaLady]

Folding travel sleeping cushions.

I have some that fold up for travelling and can fit under your 'sit upon' and no feeling stiff.
No matter how long you sit.
Always ready to spring into action.
Available from "El Cheapo Shops" and occasionally those kiosks in shopping centres.
Mine cost about $12 each.
Worth every cent.


I have Whitworths high density cushions and even higher density thicker fenders to raise me up for an even better view.
These double as bouyancy aids and extra fenders.
I have trimmed them to size. They fit perfectly and all advertising has been removed.
Can easily access the locker and the autohelm possie.



When lounging I also have normal 'pillow' back rests.


After a while my 'sit upon' can go to sleep. Whether sailing or even sitting sipping wine.
With these magic cushions..... all go in every department.
They have been rained on, dunked in salt water and much worse.
Look a bit more battered than when brand new but fabulous.

Suggested them to an 80+ year old and they now have it on the drivers seat of the car.
Everything works even with Sydney to Melbourne driving trip.

Magic.

Imagine an 8 (Two doughnuts sewn together) with your buttock cheeks sitting in each of the holes.
Support around but no pressure on any nerves.
Nothing touching anything hard.

I now have 2 on board because guests think it is unfair that I am comfy and they have body parts going to sleep or pins and needles.