Marine Fabricator May/June 2022 - 41

Step 1: The base
We currently offer two base materials:
marine fi r plywood and marine board.
Marine board tends to be a better
choice all around, as it does not
splinter, absorb water, delaminate or
need to be sealed. However, we also
regularly use marine fi r plywood and
always seal it with a premium wood
sealer for longer service life and to
avoid water absorption (Photo 1).
Regardless of the base material,
every project requires several
drain holes to allow water to exit
and increase the airfl ow to allow
the seat to dry (Photo 2).
Step 2: Base ventilation
To increase the airfl ow even more,
we add a layer of ventilation mat.
This creates an open structure for
heat reduction and greatly improves
ventilation. The mat helps prolong the
life of the construction by reducing
the adverse effects associated with
moisture and water damage including
mold, mildew and deterioration
of the seat assembly (Photo 3).
Step 3: Foam
Next, we offer two options for foam
construction. Option 1: A thin
layer of antimicrobial reticulated
foam for increased drainage and
breathability followed by a top
layer of antimicrobial polyurethane
foam. Option 2: A single layer of
antimicrobial polyurethane foam
(Photo 4). We cover both with a clear
seat fi lm for ease of installation and to
help create a dirt barrier.
We use extra-fi rm foam (2670) for
cushions and extra-fi rm or fi rm foam
(2645) for the backrest.
Step 4: Design
Not every project is a redesign, but
even so there are always improvements
that can be made to complement the
Photo 1
Photo 2
Sealing marine fi r plywood with a
premium wood sealer ensures a longer
service life. The author recommends
using a low-VOC formula wood sealer.
This photo shows ½-inch marine fi r
plywood with drainage holes sealed
with Seal-Once®
Marine Sealer.
Photo 3
Photo 4
A ventilation mat is installed (leaving a
gap for the inner stretcher to attach) using
stainless steel staples (not glue) to attach
it to the wood. This mat allows a large area
of mass to be open for increased air fl ow.
The shop offers two foam options:
Antimicrobial Ultra Foam (on the left)
and antimicrobial Ultra Foam with
reticulated foam (on the right). Both
are wrapped in seat fi lm to create a dirt
barrier and make installation easier.
ENCOURAGE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Always provide customers with care and maintenance guides to help them
reduce mold and mildew growth and maintain the life of their investment.
Emphasize the importance of keeping their upholstery clean and wiping the
seats down after every use. A mild detergent will remove any organic matter, dirt
or debris, which can be used as a food source for microorganisms. Follow the
manufacturer's cleaning recommendations if any mold or mildew is observed.
When they're not in use, boats should be covered with a quality boat cover
that includes proper venting and does not make direct contact with any seats
(or has a layer between).
Obviously, you can't make customers cover their boat at the end of the day
or clean and maintain it, but you can provide the seat construction, tools and
knowledge to protect and prolong the life of their investment.
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Marine Fabricator May/June 2022

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