Andrew Pace
Fiberglass boat seats are a great DIY project, as they are pretty straightforward and not too hard to accomplish. The first step is to decide whether you want to build your own or buy a pre-made seat. If you're building your own, you'll need to create a mould and choose the right materials, whereas if you're buying pre-made, you'll just need to install it, which may involve drilling and screwing. When installing, it's important to consider the placement of the seat and whether you want to use bolts, screws, or another type of fastener. Some people also recommend using wood to create a base for the seat, which can be secured to the boat floor with fiberglass.
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What You'll Learn
Using pre-made seat/storage combinations
If you're looking for a straightforward option, consider using pre-made seat/storage combinations. These can be found in catalogues, on websites, or even on eBay. While you may need to modify them slightly to fit your boat, it will still be easier than starting from scratch.
One option is to create a water-tight deck/storage area using good-quality plywood and fibreglass. Glass both sides of the plywood before attaching it to your boat. This method ensures that you won't have to worry about any wood on your boat for a long time, if ever.
Another approach is to build a box out of plywood in the shape and configuration you desire, and then wrap it in fibreglass before tabbing it to the deck. If you want to avoid drilling into your deck, you can mount some angle iron or aluminium to it and bolt your fibreglass-wrapped box to those pieces.
If you're looking for a completely drill-free option, consider building bases out of plywood and glassing them together. Then, run bolts countersunk on the bottom and extending about half an inch above the wood before glassing them in place and to the deck.
When it comes to mounting your new seats, it's important to note that silicone should not be used to plug holes or for any other purpose besides sealing windows. Instead, fill the holes with 3M 5200. To avoid drilling holes in the deck, you can position your seats, mark the floor from the inside of the seat boxes, and then cut blocks of wood for each corner of the boxes. Allow for a little space between the blocks and the boxes, and fibreglass the blocks to the floor. Once the glass has cured, set the seats over the blocks.
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Using toggle bolts
When installing boat seats on a fiberglass floor, one of the recommended methods is to use toggle bolts. Toggle bolts, also known as butterfly anchors, are ideal when you want to avoid drilling holes in the fiberglass deck. This method is especially useful if you have limited space between the floor and the fuel tank or other components.
To use toggle bolts, start by marking the desired position of the seat on the floor. Cut a block of wood, such as a 2"x4", for each corner of the seat box, allowing for a small gap between the blocks and the boxes. You can then fiberglass these blocks to the floor. Once the fiberglass has cured, you can place the seat over the blocks.
If you need to attach the seat to the blocks, you can screw through the seat boxes into the blocks. Alternatively, you can use toggle bolts that fit through the blocks and the fiberglass floor. To do this, drill a 1/2" hole through the block and the fiberglass. Fold the metal part of the toggle bolt against the plastic part, push it through the hole, and then pull the plastic insert tight against the floor. Cut off any excess plastic, and then bolt the seat to the plastic and metal toggle.
Toggle bolts provide a strong and secure connection, but it's important to note that they may not be suitable if you have foam below the floor. In that case, you might need to create some clearance for the toggle to open up, or consider using Fender Washers or Backing Plates for a more robust solution.
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Using gorilla glue and velcro strips
When it comes to fibreglass boat seats, there are various methods for installation, depending on the type of seat and the boat. Some people opt for drilling and screwing the seats into the fibreglass floor, while others prefer to use adhesives like silicone or 3M 5200.
One method that has been suggested and proven successful is using Gorilla Glue and Velcro strips. This method is ideal if you want to be able to remove the seats during the off-season and store them inside.
To use this method, start by applying the Gorilla Glue to the wooden base of the seat. Gorilla Glue is a moisture-cure polyurethane, which means it expands upon curing, filling gaps and creating an incredibly strong bond. It is also waterproof, making it ideal for boats. Ensure you apply it to a porous surface, as smooth surfaces like ceramic tile may not hold. Clamp the two surfaces tightly together and allow the glue to cure overnight.
Next, you will attach the Velcro strips. It is recommended to use a new Velcro piece and not rely on the adhesive backing that comes on some strips, as this may not be strong enough to hold the seat in place. Apply a coat of Contact Cement made by DAP Weldwood to both the foam and the Velcro strip back. You can find this product at most hardware stores. Allow the cement to sit for 15-20 minutes until it glosses over, then attach the strips to the seat and the fibreglass. Place a heavy object like a cinder block on top and leave it to cure overnight.
This method provides a strong and removable solution for installing fibreglass boat seats without drilling holes in the deck.
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Using epoxy resin
Epoxy resin is a great choice for fibreglass boat repairs and construction. It is versatile, strong, and reliable, offering superior bonding strength and resistance to harsh marine conditions. It is also safe to work with, being non-flammable and having low toxicity levels. When using epoxy resin, it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure the best adhesion. This can include sanding the surface with a 60 or 80 grit disc on a rotary sander or angle grinder to create a rough texture. Additionally, using an epoxy-friendly fibreglass mat between the glass and wood can further promote adhesion and create a strong, long-lasting bond.
When working with epoxy resin, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing ratios and application methods. Epoxy resin is typically mixed with a hardener to initiate the curing process, and this mixture must be applied within a specific time frame before it starts to set. It can be used to fill cracks, chips, and scratches, and can be easily sanded and painted over, making it ideal for both structural and cosmetic repairs.
One important consideration when using epoxy resin for a boat seat is to choose a marine-grade epoxy. While standard epoxy resins may be adequate for some applications, marine-grade epoxies are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions that boats are subjected to, including water exposure and UV radiation. Marine-grade epoxies are also more flexible, which is important for boats that are subject to constant movement and flexing.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while epoxy resin offers superior bonding strength, there are alternative adhesives that can also be effective. For example, 3M 5200, commonly referred to as "Satan's glue," can provide a strong bond between surfaces when they are properly prepared by cleaning and roughing them up. However, epoxy resin is generally considered the best option for fibreglass boat seats due to its versatility, durability, and superior bonding strength.
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Using plywood and glassing them together
To make a boat seat using plywood and fibreglass, you will need to carefully follow these steps to ensure a watertight seal and a secure seat.
First, you will need to cut the plywood to the required size and shape. You can use pre-cut plywood to save time and effort. The size will depend on the type of boat and your personal preferences, but it's important to ensure the pieces are small enough to be manageable and to avoid freight charges. Sapele, mahogany, or marine plywood are good options for boat seats.
Next, you will need to prepare the plywood for glassing. This includes sanding and varnishing the wood to create a smooth surface. You may also want to paint the plywood, especially if you want the grain to be visible through the fibreglass. It is important to consider the weight of the fibreglass you will be using. If you use a heavier cloth, it will be more difficult to see the wood underneath, and the wood may expand and contract against the glass, causing issues over time.
Once the plywood is prepared, you can begin the glassing process. Mix the fibreglass resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, and apply it to the plywood using a roller or brush. Carefully lay the fibreglass cloth over the resin-coated plywood, smoothing out any bubbles or creases. Apply another coat of resin over the cloth to ensure it is fully saturated.
Finally, allow the fibreglass to cure completely before installing the seat in your boat. You can attach the seat using bolts or screws, depending on your preference and the existing setup of your boat. It is important to note that you should not use silicone to fill any screw holes, as this is not recommended for boats. Instead, use a marine-grade sealant or filler to ensure a watertight seal.
By following these steps, you can create a secure and durable boat seat using plywood and fibreglass.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use plywood to build bases for the seats and then glass them together. Then, run bolts countersunk on the bottom and glass them in place before glassing them to the deck.
The best way to ensure that your boat seat is secure is to through-bolt it. Toggle bolts can also be used, but they may not be as secure.
Gorilla glue and 2" wide Velcro strips can be used to fasten the seat cushions to the fiberglass. This method allows for the removal and storage of the seat cushions.
