Here’s how to keep those cockpit cushions in place
Issue 38 : Sept/Oct 2004
The boat heels over, and the cockpit cushions end up in the foot well. You might even be sitting on one when it slides off the seat. I have seen snaps used to hold cushions in place, but snaps are not very effective. The male part of the snap is on the cockpit seat, and it gets stepped on and eventually fails. The female part, located in the cushion, does a poor job of spreading the load and will either tear the fabric or cause the cushion itself to deform. Sunlight breaks Velcro down rapidly, so it isn’t satisfactory either. What to do?
Recently we made some cockpit cushions and came up with a solution. Sailrite sells a vinyl male extrusion by the foot called Awning Rope (part #1371). If you aren’t handy with a sewing machine, have your local canvas shop install this extrusion on the outboard edges of your cushions. Sailrite also sells a female extrusion for mounting to the back of the cockpit seats. Its called Heavy Duty Awning Track (part #100380).
Cockpits and cushions vary in configuration, of course. We made two cushions for each side and left a space between the female extrusions to slide the cushions into place.
Now the cushions stay firmly in place and hinge up to allow access to under-seat lockers.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
