Seats full of water.

[phoenixpete]

My front console seat and rear bench are full of water, (the actuall cushion)I have removed the console seat and it weighs a ton. got it in the hallway next to a radiator and standing on end over a bucket but it is barely dripping. What do people do to stop them sucking up water? Doesn't help with the piping and all the stitching i suppose. Not a good design on an open boat really.

Any ideas?

[Maximus]

If it's exposed...a lot!...you may consider a removable Consul/Seat cover.

[Poly]

Some manufacturers enclose the foam in a big polythene bag before the upholstery goes on to stop it being a big sponge. However if that gets punctured (or its seal gives up) then water will get in but find it very difficult to get out.

Is is just "spray" or is it stored outside?

[OSPREY RIBS]

Does the cushion have a hard plastic or wooden base ? if so are there holes in it to allow the foam to drain...

[ribber]

Not a lot you can do. Just leave the seats hinged up and allow to drain. If left flat like mine the water pools at the base and rotted the plywood base even though it was supposedly waterproof bonded ply. Made it go all soggy
The air holes in the base didn't really allow the water to drain away. They are really just to allow air to escape when you sit on the cushion to stop the vinyl bursting.

I also drilled in some plastic circular soffit vents in the back bench seat to allow circulation of air. That really helped as the box used to get really mouldy and quite unpleasant.

[treerat]

Seat covers are really the only way to stop this, or re cover with trilam or neoprene.

Ian at Tough Covers made me some to keep the seats and consol clean and dry.

[phoenixpete]

Originally Posted by OSPREY RIBS

Does the cushion have a hard plastic or wooden base ? if so are there holes in it to allow the foam to drain...

It has a ply base, I drilled 2 x 10mm holes hoping that would help it drain but it didn't make much difference. I think I will probably get it recovered and ask them to use closed cell foam.

[phoenixpete]

Originally Posted by Poly

Some manufacturers enclose the foam in a big polythene bag before the upholstery goes on to stop it being a big sponge. However if that gets punctured (or its seal gives up) then water will get in but find it very difficult to get out.

Is is just "spray" or is it stored outside?

Stored outside, I am getting a console cover and rear bench cover made for when I am not using it to avoid them getting soaked when it rains.

[matt h]

Depends what type of foam you have, if its a type of closed cell foam them It wont come out willingly, if its of the sponge type then you have a chance of clearing it, Keep it tilted up for a couple of weeks

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by phoenixpete

It has a ply base, I drilled 2 x 10mm holes hoping that would help it drain but it didn't make much difference. I think I will probably get it recovered and ask them to use closed cell foam.

I've had the same problem and the wet foam wrecks the plywood base.
My latest attempt I've painted the bases with multiple coats of PVA and put a couple of 50mm holes in them.
The best way to get the water out of the foam I found was the sit a plank on the foam and drive the car over it.

[Dirk Diggler]

You've (along with most rib owners) have got the wrong foam in your seating. You need reticulated foam, as it doesnt hold water. It's a little more expensive than the usual cheap stuff, but for a rib ita a no brainer 😑

[phoenixpete]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

You've (along with most rib owners) have got the wrong foam in your seating. You need reticulated foam, as it doesnt hold water. It's a little more expensive than the usual cheap stuff, but for a rib ita a no brainer 😑

You would think the rib builders would know better really.

[Dirk Diggler]

Most do, but they won't spend the money. I know of a couple of rib builders who use it though.