Cockpit cushions. Yey or nay?

[Rockinar]

My Cape Dory 28 came with 3 cockpit cushions. 2 long ones that go along the comings, and one box one for the front. Im not sure if I should keep them or toss them. On one hand my butt hurts after a couple hours of sailing if I dont use them, on the other hand they are kinda a pain being 6' long cushions. They slide off when the boat heels, and they just seem to be in the way and its more junk on the boat. Some stadium cushions or some West Marine chairs seem like a better option. Maybe if I had a large boat with multiple guests on it I could see the cockpit cushions getting use. I just dont see the need with a small boat, small cockpit and one 1 or two people on it.

Thoughts?

[gonesail]

i had some that came with my boat and found out the cushions were not closed cell and absorbed water. i tossed them in the dumpster. yes your butt may get sore but dealing with the big cushions on a small boat is a pain in the rear too

[Joh.Ghurt]

For me: Nay, I find the teak comfy as I bring my own integrated ones.
For the lady: Hell yay!
Depending in the cruising area, you might want to invest in closed-cell ones.

[Copacabana]

I had 3 long cockpit cushions for all the cockpit benches that came with the boat. I rarely used them as they were cumbersome. They just took up space in the quarter berth. I ended up cutting them into squares and had them recovered with a waterproof "fake" leather. Now I use them all the time.

[WoodenKetch]

You can add some snaps to them to hold them in place so they won't blow away when you switch seats. Sailrite has the hardware for not much money.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Rockinar

My Cape Dory 28 came with 3 cockpit cushions. 2 long ones that go along the comings, and one box one for the front. Im not sure if I should keep them or toss them. On one hand my butt hurts after a couple hours of sailing if I dont use them, on the other hand they are kinda a pain being 6' long cushions. They slide off when the boat heels, and they just seem to be in the way and its more junk on the boat. Some stadium cushions or some West Marine chairs seem like a better option. Maybe if I had a large boat with multiple guests on it I could see the cockpit cushions getting use. I just dont see the need with a small boat, small cockpit and one 1 or two people on it.

Thoughts?

Yey. My butt's not getting younger. Na smaller cushions, IMO, are even more clutter-like.


Install small pad eyes along the backside (base of coaming) and tie them on. No sliding or blowing off. either sew on lengths of 1/2" webbing several places, or if the fabric is poor or non-existant, glue on long loops with polyurethane (3M 4200 or similar).


If they still skid, add some non-skid. Long stripes of sealant can do the trick. But the ties should be enough. I have done this in three boats over 30 years. Worked fine.

[Spot]

Originally Posted by thinwater

Yey. My butt's not getting younger. Na smaller cushions, IMO, are even more clutter-like.


Install small pad eyes along the backside (base of coaming) and tie them on. No sliding or blowing off. either sew on lengths of 1/2" webbing several places, or if the fabric is poor or non-existant, glue on long loops with polyurethane (3M 4200 or similar).


If they still skid, add some non-skid. Long stripes of sealant can do the trick. But the ties should be enough. I have done this in three boats over 30 years. Worked fine.

I am planning on the tie-on option. I have some small stadium cushions I am using in the meantime.
If you were a fan of 'the ice hockey' I would say wear breezers and put bathtub flowers on the bench tops.


I love this pic of a CD28 from sailboatdata.com

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by WoodenKetch

You can add some snaps to them to hold them in place so they won't blow away when you switch seats. Sailrite has the hardware for not much money.

Velcro sticky patches would remove the need to drill holes in the cockpit. Unfortunately we have the holes and little studs from previous owners cushions, long since gone.

Today we use long cushions that have a plastic mesh on the outside. At first I thought they would be rubbish, but work really well, don't slip and have closed cell foam inside which is about 1.5" thick. No idea of the make and no labels sadly.

Pete

[JPA Cate]

If it is warm where you live, having the cushion go all the way will make a very nice spot for relaxing out of doors, with a book, or guitar, or ? at anchor. We've always struggled along with them (cockpit cushions), in spite of the fact they can be a hassle at times. Some friends of ours attach theirs via a bolt rope track they installed for the purpose, that may be the most stable way of keeping them from sliding when you step on them.

Ann

[Azul]

The mesh material used to line cupboards is cheap, available, and great to keep stuff from sliding around, especially cushions. I like a throwable boat cushion, great for a back rest also.

[silkie]

I once glued closed cell foam cushions to the seats with contact cement. Worked well.
I sold the boat prior to them wearing out, but was thinking I could just glue new foam on without much prep.

[KtownMatt]

I have the same question.
Bought my first sailboat in December (also 28'), and am planning for daysails 90% of the time.
I've got four big cushions taking too much space in the V-berth. I'll probably just leave them at home and sit on a PFD for the odd time I ache.
If i was doing more than daysails, i'd probably keep them onboard and just accept the intrusion.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Velcro sticky patches would remove the need to drill holes in the cockpit. Unfortunately we have the holes and little studs from previous owners cushions, long since gone....

Velcro will probably keep them in place. Ties with POSITIVELY hold them in place. I have no use for "probably" when the wind comes up.