Observer Seat Issue

Something is broken under the upholstery of the bench of my observer seat. The seat is about 18 inches front to back. The board supporting the 3 inch overhang to the stern and 3 inch overhang to the port side seems broken. Since it is covered with fabric on the bottom side, I can't see exactly what is broken. Feeling through the cloth, it seems like a clean break, as if two boards came apart, with straight edges. Any idea what the board is made of? is it two boards, what held it together before it broke, etc,? I am hoping I can remove the relatively new skins, fix it and put it back together.   Thanks.

I just happen to stroll by here and noticed your issue. Not sure what model boat you have, but mine is an '87. I posted some plans for the both the observer seat and the middle seat in this thread. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=23746&KW=&title=observer-seat-rebuild

Its a few entries down in the thread. Maybe it will help you.

Kirk

Thank you all. I am thinking that fixing with wood will be an option. But I would like to keep my boat wood free due to leftover scars from a Nautique with rooted wood. If you know what is underneath and whether it can be fixed or replaced, please let me know.

You can use plastic to replace the board inside the seat cushion.

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28942

To close the loop, consistent with Tim's comments, Christine's reports: "The board is PCV board. You will have to strip off the cover and the foam, you can actually fix it yourself by using PVC cement and clamping it back together overnight, also on the foam side cut a flat brace and glue that down over the crack. We have done this many times and holds up very good."    Now all I have to do is have at it. Thank you all again.

Man, there's only a few inches of overhang on that seat style- very little base is left unsupported. Maybe have your passengers go a little easier? Can't say I've seen those break before.

If you decide to strengthen, I wouldn't add significant thickness... But I've always thought that a hybrid base sandwich of Coosa glassed on both sides (this half provides strength) and xpvc (this half builds out the rest of the thickness and accepts staples well) would be a pretty ideal composite solution for the older seats that have minimal support. 1/4" of each would be the same thickness as original. Mixing some 3/8 in would add minimal thickness and might be a consideration too. Downside is of course, complexity of building 2-piece bases and the cost of the composite sheets.

1/2" ply would work pretty darn well and be much cheaper, if you're willing to forego the composite route and accept some risk of rot.