Wanted: Bench Seat

NewForestSteve · 25 February 2010, 10:38

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone here might have a bench seat with storage below up for grabs - I've seen the Outhill ones and like the idea of a reversible back to the seat - the wrap-around back looks good too, but the price is not so appealing! Alternatively, if anyone has suggestions where I might buy one that would be really helpful too.

Thanks
Steve
PS - first post - great site

Downhilldai · 25 February 2010, 11:17

What size and colour are you looking for?

NewForestSteve · 25 February 2010, 11:26

I can fit in a seat about 100cm wide at the base, maybe 10cm wider at tube height. My RIB is grey GRP with black upholstery, but I think I could probably re-colour a white GRP seat (my son has a bit of experience with gel coats) if the price was right?
Thanks
Steve

Downhilldai · 25 February 2010, 11:31

If your son has experience working with GRP, then perhaps he could knock up a single-use mould of melamine faced chipboard to make a GRP seat moulding from? You could use plastic hatch(es) for access, either on the front face, or beneath the seat cushion.
Do you intend to glass it down to the deck, or have a flange and fix it with screws/sikaflex?

NewForestSteve · 25 February 2010, 11:39

We've certainly thought about the self build option and it's not off the agenda yet! I see making a decent strong back, especially a reversible one, as more of a problem. I'm expecting to screw/Sikaflex rather than fibreglassing it in.
Steve

Nasher · 25 February 2010, 11:57

If you have a search on here you'll find Hightowers build thread.

He was a bit stuck for space, and made a really good job out of using a jockey seat base turned 90deg.

He only posted some pics for sombody else a few days ago, so shouldn't be too hard to find.

Nasher

Downhilldai · 25 February 2010, 12:03

For the backrest, you could use some 1.25" 316 Stainless tubing for a frame, with a foam cylinder-shaped 'roll' pad. The frame could be retained with some 7/8" or 1" tubing with a couple of 90 degree bends (similar to a grabrail), fixed to the side faces of the seat box. Another option would be a couple of lengths of 2" wide stainless flat bar with 2 pulley wheels around 2" diameter, sandwiched between them, one at each end, as stops. Again, these could be fixed to each side face of the moulding, by bolting through the flat bar and centre of the pulley wheels.
Hope that makes sense

NewForestSteve · 25 February 2010, 12:33

Thanks Nasher and Downhilldai for your replies

I've done a search and found Hightower's sideways jockey seat - I think I have a bit more room as I only have single jockeys and I need storage thanks to fuel tank in the console, but it's certainly an option to add to the list. I also found a picture at http://www.arrigonidesign.com/leanpost.htm which shows a good swingback design which is what I think Downhilldai is suggesting and doesn't look too impossible to make up! Hmmm...

BassBoy · 25 February 2010, 18:41

I may have just what you're looking for!
Ribcraft 'deluxe swing back' bench. Barely used. Ice White gel. Black upholstery with grey piping. Double entry hatches (in black). Lying Yeovil. Cost £995.00. Offers?

NewForestSteve · 25 February 2010, 21:53

Hi Bassboy,
is this the one at the bottom of this page http://www.ribcraft.co.uk/consoles-and-seating/? If so, I could definitely be interested but would need to know dimensions to be sure I could fit it in? Also, are the hatches under the seat? Can it be screwed to the deck? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks in advance, Steve

BassBoy · 26 February 2010, 07:42

Hi
No, mine is the one that predates this, (2007), It has a straight back bolster rather than curved. Also the base is oblong, and is pre drilled for 8 bolts to the deck. Hatches are cut into the base rather than the seat lifting for access. As far as dimensions....can't really remember but I think it's 100x50 or 90x40. I'll try and find out today.
BB

NewForestSteve · 26 February 2010, 09:13

Hi BB, I don't suppose you have a picture? I'm slightly concerned that with limited space in front/behind (only 5.8m RIB) then the access points may be difficult to get at? Dimensions would be helpful and I can do some measuring at the weekend. Thanks for your help. Steve

BassBoy · 26 February 2010, 09:26

Ok dimensions are 1000x450. I have a similar boat with internal beam of 1370 and it fits just fine. Hope this helps. (sorry, now using mm!)

NewForestSteve · 26 February 2010, 10:39

Thanks BB, will do some measuring over the w/e. Steve

Downhilldai · 26 February 2010, 11:02

A hinged lid is the best option for access with a bench seat.

NewForestSteve · 26 February 2010, 12:06

That's a fair point

Trickdog · 26 February 2010, 13:14

Steve

Have you looked at Leeway's site?

http://www.leewaycomposites.co.uk/

Generally regarded as well made and well priced.

NewForestSteve · 01 March 2010, 21:24

Hi BB, Just to let you know that I did some measuring over the weekend and although the size would be OK, I've decided I want a seat with top access rather than side hatches (have these on the jockey seats and they're not great for storage and access). Thanks for your help though - much appreciated. Will now check out other options inc Leeway - thanks for suggestion Trickdog. Steve

BassBoy · 02 March 2010, 08:48

No worries
I wonder if mine could be 'adapted' ?. Shouldn't be too difficult. I wonder if Razzer has got any ideas?
BB

biffer · 02 March 2010, 08:51

pm chubby, he had a load of mouldings all new, there was a bench seat among them