Fabricating a box seat to replace pedastal chairs

[BiegRod]

My 18'6" CapeCraft CC has two pedastal seats that were originally installed behind the console. The bases of these both have a few of their screws that have stripped out of the deck and so the aluminum pedastals are begining to wobble. The seats are also a pain in the backside because when they are turned either way, you can't get between them or around them easily. (I've pinched my leg between them more times and uttered more curses than I can count). I'm over them and now that they are loose, the wife is finally agreeing, its time they go.

I looked at some of the bench seats with built in coolers, livewells, and tackle stations etc. but OUCH! they want an awful lot of money for a box with a cushion! I know that there are used / surplus units out there and may end up opting for that, but I would rather design my own with exactly the dimensions and features I want.

I've been thinking of building one from plywood and coating it with resin or possibly even a layer of glass (mostly because I have been wanting to try some glasswork anyhow).

The current plan I've been toying with is to build a box with a couple storage cabinets for tackle and other storage and have a hinged seat with a small insulated area directly under the seat. I'd really like to have the whole unit be removeable for easier access under the console. Possibly using a latching system on either side to secure it to the deck.

Mine is a fishing boat plain and simple. She's not a show piece, "its a working boat" as I tell my wife. I am not concerned if this looks home-made, in fact I'll take pride in that. However, if I'm going to do it, I want to do it right.

 

[stmbtwle]

built a couple of those a few years ago; the "boxes" were about 4' long and the part behind the seat doubled as a galley; one side held a sink and 10gal water tank and the other side held a 1-burner stove and a space for an ice chest. I built them of plywood with Formica on the exposed parts and several coats of polyurethane paint everywhere else. Didn't bother with doors to the "cabinets" just made cutouts with a high enough lip that stuff wouldn't come out. The old molded plastic seats were bolted on top.

IMO for the time involved, Laminate is less work and weathers better than paint.

Sorry, no pics...

 

[BiegRod]

Willie:

Was this on a saltwater craft?

Also, was this "exposed" to the rain and weather or did/do you keep it covered?

I was concerned that anything less than a resin coat or fiberglass would fall apart or at least start spliting or delaminating in a year or two.

Thanks for the response.

~Troy

 

[jtybt15]

I've made a few of them but they also doubled as a 'container' for aux gas tanks. Being mine is a fishing boat, too, I've been using auto/truck bucket seats. They're a lot more comfortable.

I just paint mine(plywood) but they are protected on 3 sides.