Anyone Hinged Their Cushions in a BowRider

[BritAbroad]

Hi All

I was looking at a newer four winns bowrider the other day and the bow cushions were hinged. I thought it was a good idea, anyone ever done that on theirs.

Thanks
Rob

 

[480ces]

All the cockpit cushions on my Formula are double hinged. The flip forward and drop down out of the way. Formula uses high density plastic for these at bottoms and full length stainless hinges.

I can post photos if you like!

 

[Lazy Daze]

With enough gumption, anything is possible! What you want to avoid is what I've seen some manufacturer's do... meaning you have to hold the cushion "up" with one hand. I'd rather just remove the cushion all together. Sometimes they're even hinged on the front side (single hinge set-up)! Now the entire cushion is in the way!

If you want to check out something neat, look at what Sea Ray is doing with their newer Selects and Sundecks (last few years). The hinge (it's an articulated-type hinge) is on the short side (aft end, I believe) of the cushion and allows the cushion to arc upwards to a slightly-past-vertical position which allows it to stay there - out of the way. It's actually pretty slick. It would take some ingenuity to adapt it, but you could get the hinges from a local dealer.

 

[pchansen]

I've causally looked into it, but on my boat the bottom cushions are set underneath the vertical cushions so you'd need a hinge that moved the seat cushion forward and then up so as to clear the vertical (back rest) cushion.

 

[320Bob]

I have hinged cushions on my new Chap and I give them mixed reviews. The cockpit cushions are double hinged so you can pull them out to clear the back cushions which work OK but not as nice as what Dennis mentioned about the Sea Rays. The bow cushions are hinged on the fronts which is poor design for a short person like me since it makes it difficult to reach over to the bottom of the bin. Personally, I prefer the removable ones I had on my old 320 since they were easier to keep clean and reach anything in the bins.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Personally, I prefer the removable ones I had on my old 320 since they were easier to keep clean and reach anything in the bins.

Sometimes the best way is the simple way!

 

[toms180]

And here I thought that they (bow cushions) were removable and could be used as a floatation device in an emergency. I haven't tested this theory.:smt101

 

[Dave 205]

And here I thought that they (bow cushions) were removable and could be used as a floatation device in an emergency. I haven't tested this theory.:smt101

I suppose it is possible that the seat cushion might float and be helpful if nothing else is available, but I've never seen documentation that any seat cushion in a Sea Ray sport boat is designed to qualify as a US Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable device. In my neck-of-the-woods it's a legal requirement to have at least one Type IV on board at all times. I keep two on board. Simple Sterns models at Wally World are 10 bucks or so.

 

[toms180]

Yes, I guess since the boat itself is supposed to be unsinkable (if intact) then floatable cushions would be unnecessary.

 

[sport 185]

I would not mined if my rear seat cushions where hinged, I think it would be easier to access the built it cooler/storage.