Posted by Mark Baronian on March 19, 1999 at 18:44:12:
In Reply to: Build bucket seats for boat?? posted by Larry on January 03, 1999 at 19:19:02:
: I'm trying to find someone who can tell me how they make the rounded back bucket seats for ski boats. What do they use (plywood or??) for the back (layers or steamed) Any help??
I have a 78 Biesmeyer v-drive flatbottom that I built seats for like you are discribing. I took a piece of 1/2" plywood & cut the seat bottom profile I wanted. Around the back on the top edge, I cut glued & screwed pieces of 1"X4" that followed the back profile ( by using 3 pieces of 1"X8" you can cut a curved 1"X4" that will follow the the back edge nicely). On the side edge at the front I set a piece of 2"X4" (about 3" long) stood on end, glued & screwed through the bottom with 3" wood screws for reinforcement of the front edge of the seat back. This aera takes a lot of stress (after it's set you can take a grinder & round off the inside edges so they won't cut through your apolstery). After this is completed use 1/4" plywood to form your seat back (make sure to have the outside grain going up & down), Soak the seat back well & foom it around the seat bottom. Attach using glue & screws around the edge w/ longer screws into the end blocks. After this is completed cut a cushon bottom out of 1/2" plywood (same profile as your seat back only a 1/2" smaller than the inside edge of the 1X 4 on the seat bottom. After that is completed take the whole assembly to the apholstery shop (that's what I did) or cover yourself. That's how I built mine 6 Years ago & their still as strong as when they were new. Good luck!