Bolster Repair - 1997 370 EC

[Chicago Sea Ray]

I just purchased a 1997 370 EC and discovered the bolster hinge on passenger side seat has come loose... does anyone know how to get to the base of that hinge that is fixed to the base of the seat so I can reattach it?

See image...



Thanks!!
Nick

 

[fwebster]

The cushion inserts in the seat and back should just pull out. They likely have been in there a while, so use no tools, just work your fingers down into the seam and gently work the insert out. Once it is out of the way, I think (not sure) the vinyl covering for the side is stapled to the seat shell.

 

[Chicago Sea Ray]

Thank you Frank! I'll try wiggling the seat and back out of their spots. Upon first inspection, it wasn't clear to me that they came out like that, but I'd bet they're just stuck there after nearly 20 years of age.

My fear is that the screws holding the hinge down to the seat frame were just stripped out... but I'm hoping that there is the possibility of thru bolting them back in place, avoiding the need for epoxy. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Thanks again!
Nick

 

[KevinC]

On my 2003 260 Sundancer the base cushion by the bolster was held down with velcro. The bolster hinge was just bolted to the sides and bottom.

-Kevin

 

[joeyleggz]

Wanting to know how to do this too,the seam on my bolster has come apart needs to be re-stapled it looks like that's how they did it from the factory and wasn't really sure how to get the bolster off either, will be watching good luck!


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[Chicago Sea Ray]

Went down to the boat today and unfortunately the back and seat of the chair are screwed into the frame. In order to get at the bolster hinge, I have to remove the 8 nuts(4 per side) that fasten the entire seat frame to the fiberglass cabinet is sits on. These nuts are accessible through the cabinet door. Once the nuts are removed, the seat frame appears to pull off the cabinet. The seat frame must be flipped over so the screws holding the seat bottom down can be removed. Once those are removed the seat bottom comes right off and that grants you access to the bolster hinge. If you want to get the seat back off... you must take the seat bottom off first, as there are three more screws that fasten the bottom of the seat back to the frame as well.

Not quick, a bit cumbersome, but seems very doable. I'll post some photos once I get around to executing this in a couple weeks.

Cheers!

 

[lawndoctor]

Just wondering if you ever got around to doing this, and if so how it turned out. The bolster hinges on my seats are loose, so I'm going to need to get to them. Thanks.