removing port side bolster

[capz]

The only thing stopping me from re-doing the cockpit upholstery over the winter is the port bolster and lounger backrest. Anyone know how to get access back there? I got as far as removing the headliner and some trim pieces at the aft cabin entrance but then ran out of visible screws. I know Sea Ray doesn't design their boats for ease of maintenance, but they must have anticipated the boat needing new upholstery at some point. So it can be done without tearing or cutting anything, right? Please say yes.

 

[Lazy Daze]

For the back rest, are there any speakers or other easily removed things that would end up giving you a hole to stick your arm into? Can you access where the nuts might be by looking up from the bilge?

The seat may just be held down with HD velcro.

 

[capz]

No problem with the seat. I take that home every fall. Definitely no access from the bilge. The speaker hole might help a little with the bolster, but I know I can't span the length of it from there. Access, if any, has to be from the aft cabin. I just don't want to take out more than I have to. I'm also wondering if it could be just epoxied, since they're not load carrying parts. I would be surprised and disappointed in Sea Ray to learn that though.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Very, very highly doubt anything is epoxied - especially on your year boat.

Also doubtful that "Christmas Trees" were used. That seems to be a newer thing.

I'd suggest taking off what nuts you can and then just peel/pull the bolster away from the boat a bit and, using a bright flashlight, take a peek at what else it holding it on. I think it would certainly be worthwhile to go this route before you start ripping your mid-berth apart.

Usually, there are only a few bolts holding it on.

Note that my suggestions are generalities. I've never taken that bolster off on your model boat.

 

[capz]

That's good advice. I'll get behind the speaker hole with a mirror and flashlight next.