Bottom Sider cockpit cushion repair

[Mike OReilly]

We inherited a custom cockpit cushion set made by Bottom Sider. The company is defunct, otherwise I’d ask them; but after well over a decade of use ours are now developing cracks and deep splits in the exterior coating and foam.

Does anyone know how these can be repaired?

The exterior seems to be some sort of plastic/vinyl coating that is bonded to the closed cell cushion foam. They are incredibly comfortable, and very tough, so I want to find a way to save them.

[GordMay]

You might ask C-Cushion, who make a similar product. I seem to recall that they had a repair procedure/product - however, I didn't see anything on their website.
C Cushions, Inc.
206 Hwy. 35 South
Rockport, Texas 78382
Phone: 361.729.1244
Toll Free: 800.531.1014
Fax: 361.729.1260
Email: ccushions@sbcglobal.net
Web ➥ C Cushions - Custom cockpit cushions for boats

[Mike OReilly]

Thanks Gord, I can’t see anything on their site either, but it does look like the same kind of product, so I’ll ask.

I’m wondering if I can simply fill the holes in with something like 4200 — some sort of flexible goop that has some tenacity. Is this a stupid idea?

[Cheechako]

I think I'd try silicone before 4200. Seems like it might be more flexible like the foam.? Sticks tenaciously too.
Nice Sunbrella covers would be great but expensive I suppose. But that foam is nice because it doesn't soak in water.

I put white silicone on these dishware in 1984, before sailing to Mexico, as non slip for the boat. Here it is today... 35 years later!

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I think I'd try silicone before 4200. Seems like it might be more flexible like the foam.? Sticks tenaciously too.
Nice Sunbrella covers would be great but expensive I suppose. But that foam is nice because it doesn't soak in water.

I put white silicone on these dishware in 1984, before sailing to Mexico, as non slip for the boat. Here it is today... 35 years later!

Thanks. I guess 4200 is a bit of overkill. It’s just what I have on hand… but a decent silicon might be a better idea.

[Viking Sailor]

They show a $20 repair kit here: C Cushions - Custom cockpit cushions for boats

[Captndave1]

I would love to have my Bottomsiders refinished also, but no clue how to accomplish it.

[chouliha]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

We inherited a custom cockpit cushion set made by Bottom Sider. The company is defunct, otherwise I’d ask them; but after well over a decade of use ours are now developing cracks and deep splits in the exterior coating and foam.



Does anyone know how these can be repaired?



The exterior seems to be some sort of plastic/vinyl coating that is bonded to the closed cell cushion foam. They are incredibly comfortable, and very tough, so I want to find a way to save them.

Hi Mike

We have had C Cushions for decades and they can be returned for recoating. We have done that a couple of times but they do shrink slightly.

I do not know of anything that could be used to repair the large cracks in the surfacing.

I would call the guys at C Cushions in Texas and ask them if they could recoat Bottom Siders.

After years and being miles away from the US we finally resorted to make covers for them out of Pifertex and that extended the life of the cushions.

Good Luck

Chuck
Jacaranda
French Polynesia

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Viking Sailor

They show a $20 repair kit here: C Cushions - Custom cockpit cushions for boats

Thanks Viking. That’s perfect.

I may try the silicon idea on a small spot to see if it works, but if not I’ll order this kit. These cushions really are great.

chouliha, yours came in just as I was typing … Getting them re-coated would be great. Thanks.

[trimarannaga]

I am familiar wth these cushions, yes they are very comfortable. Unfortunately it's the foam that is cracking, all closed cell foam will do that eventually when left in the sun. To keep the comfort and make them look nice, simply have someone make you some cushion covers, if you use a quick drying fabric on the tops and a mesh on the bottoms i think you will be happy. But warning, if using non marine grade fabrics, keep them out of the sun and weather when not in use.
I am a professional seamstress who specializes in marine canvas, have made many cushions, I like fabric. But perhaps if you really don't want to cover them, try painting then with elastomeric roof coating, that will fill the cracks and seal them, also it's a paint designed for abuse, used on roofs. Try that, then if you don't like the results, have them covered with fabric.
I personally used elastomeric roof coating on an old live aboard boat to seal the decks. I got the idea from a girlfriend who did the same to her old wood boat that was never going to sail again.

[Mike OReilly]

Thanks trimarannaga, that sounds like a plan. See how much I learn here… I’ve never even heard of “elastomeric roof coatings”.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Thanks trimarannaga, that sounds like a plan. See how much I learn here… I’ve never even heard of “elastomeric roof coatings”.

[emoji2]

The options are mounting, Mike...
I would try Shoe Goo before silicone... If fi0xes running shoes so it may work. If not you have something for your old shoes...[emoji106]

[Djarraluda]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Thanks trimarannaga, that sounds like a plan. See how much I learn here… I’ve never even heard of “elastomeric roof coatings”.

Also known as Acrylic Waterproofing available in most hardware stores. Choose one suitable for UV exposure though as some are not
Roger

[sailor1924]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Thanks Viking. That’s perfect.

I may try the silicon idea on a small spot to see if it works, but if not I’ll order this kit. These cushions really are great.

chouliha, yours came in just as I was typing … Getting them re-coated would be great. Thanks.

Mike;

I have the same cushions and problem. I've just spoken to Bill the owner at C Cushions, a nice and helpful man.

I ordered a repair kit to test on the cracking I have.

He told me that he can recoat Bottom Sider cushions at half the cost of new at that they would shrink a bit in the process.

I'll report the degree of success of the repair kit.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by sailor1924

Mike;

I have the same cushions and problem. I've just spoken to Bill the owner at C Cushions, a nice and helpful man.

I ordered a repair kit to test on the cracking I have.

He told me that he can recoat Bottom Sider cushions at half the cost of new at that they would shrink a bit in the process.

I'll report the degree of success of the repair kit.

Thanks. That would be great. I’m proceeding with a combination of silicon and Liquid FlexSeal which is a vinyl spray on repair goop. It seems to seal the small holes and surface OK, but doesn’t fill in the voids. So I’m using the silicon for that. It’s in the curing process. I’ll report back in a few days.