bench seat of 1987 sundancer 250 missing

[posthinkn]

Just bought a 1987 25 foot Sea Ray Love it, The boat had a new engine put in 2004 (complete 5.7 ) and the out drive was re built 2 years ago, so the boat runs like a newer boat. That said there were a few things that need to be addressed, first ' there was no bench seat in the back, not even the hindge, and thats my question? I would like to build my own bench seat, do I have to go to Sea Ray, or can I get such a long hindge from another source. I live in NJ or should I just go to a sea ray dealer, I was not sure Sea ray would still have that hindge from 1987 I'm on a limited budget, so I was thinking any long aluminum hindge with some gage should be ok. There was also a dept finder gage out and trim up button not working on the shifter ( trailer up switch still works) but I can get to them in time. I know many of you have done some restoration work so any guidence would help.....

 

[seaboo]

Any hardware store will sell a "piano" hinge (I belive that is the type hinge you are refering too). Just a note too, my boat (87 sorrento 19') didn't have hinges on any of the seat tops, They simply are not open for long enough to need one (plus they didn't have enough room behind them to "flip" open like that).

 

[lime4x4]

When i redid my bench seat the alum frame was all twisted.I went to west marine and got a ss paino hinge. Hopefully that should last for ever. But west marine or any decent marine store porbably has one in stock or can get you one.

 

[Larry]

I had this same boat about 15 years ago, great boat. Took it from New Jersey all the way to Canada (by water!).... Sorry I was getting off subject, but the hinge that you are talking about is readily available at any marine supply store, it is Stainless Steele not aluminum. The switches on the drive you are going to have to trouble shoot.
Good Luck!

 

[Sundancer]

The hinge is the easy part! You will also need the folding brackets available from McMaster Carr. Its part number 1173A21 and is an exact replacement. You'll need some tubing and an end cap as well.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#1173a21/=3lggp0



Here is a pic of the seat in the up position:

The down position:

The backrest hangs from the bottom of the seat when it's up and hangs from the transom when the seat is down. The backrest also has holes that cover the fold out seat supports when they are folded up.

 

[posthinkn]

Thank you all for the the great info and pictures about the bench seat. I now know its called a piano hindge and even know where to get the leg supports. I cant thank all you guys enough, and to take the time to even include a picture of the bench seat was just great. Best of luck to all my fellow boat owners. Safe boating to all,,,,,,,,

Regards Tom