what kind of plywood do you use to attach boat seats to metal bench seats in a metal boat?

Question

I bought a fishing boat 16 foot that has metal bench seats in it and want to change to fold up seats with taking out any of the bench seats

Answer 1

1/2" to 3/4" thickness should be suitable. Seal it with a nautical-quality varnish / sealer too.
Keep an eye on the wood over time though... being exposed to the water will break it down over time.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Boat Seats Bench

Answer 4

Agreeing with another answerer, regarding Marine grade Ply, I just had a thought,,, and Kinda wonder why it hasn't been explored by manufacturers.

I've been in the trades a long time, often remodeling bathrooms. For tub or shower areas I use a concrete??? Composite, backer board, that I assume is more water resistant, or at least longer lasting through the degradation process.

I haven't tried it for boat seats, but I have to believe there are ways to adapt it, as you suggest you want to adapt plywood. Just a thought...

Rev. Steven

Another thought also just came to mind,,, Why not something like "Trex"??? the composite type Decking "Lumber"???

Answer 5

Use Marine Grade Plywood.

Seal it with "Spar varnish", it will last and hold up in moist areas.

What you should do, is get a "lazy Susan" and mount the seats on that, so that you can swivel around, when you "hook the big 'un" :)

Mount the seat on the lazy susan, then, mount the lazy suzan either on the metal deck, (if its a large enough width for the seat, with stainless steel screws, so that they wont rust).

Or, if the seat isnt big enough, then put a plywood base, (the marine grade, with the spar varnish on it already, also, hit the bottom of the seat with the spar varnish, so it doesnt get moisture into it, if its exposed wood), on the seat, and make sure you "round over" the edges, or build up the sides, so that you dont have a lip, because I guarantee you will be hitting the bottom of your legs on it, and get them sore :)

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 6

Are a number of ways that you can do. One that I have used is to make Fiberglass Stanchions. Use the old Wood Core method. Lay some 2x4 or firring strips in the places where the seats will need Screws or hardware, glue them in place. Then glass over them and make it look neat. Use a good wood, outdoor or marine grade. Then after glassing over the wood set the seat in and fasten it down. Look at good old boat or mother of all maritime links for more info. But that is the basic idea and I know it works becuase I have done it.

Answer 7

3/4" marine plywood is what you need to use. So not use regular building grade plywood. It will warp and split even if you seal it.

Answer 8

use 3/4 marine plywood b/c if not regular plywood will rot very fast an also mold which is not good for your health to breath in or just be around.

Answer 9

You will need a green treated plywood.. because the boat is always around moisture.. will keep it from rotting for you.

Answer 10

I would rather use plank boards myself. Use 10 inch blanks for the seat and 2 10 inch plannk pieces for the backs. The only hard part will be getting the right hardware for the folding part