Replace Boat Seat

by Paul
(Myrtle Beach, SC)

I have a 1972 14 foot Starcraft aluminum boat that has wood seats on top of aluminum frame containing foam flotation blocks.

The existing wood seats are rotting and I would like to replace them with lumber that will be able to withstand rot from the elements.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

By the way, the existing seats are 12 inch wide boards and just under 5 feet in length.

Living in the Myrtle Beach area, I have only found red oak boards that are 12 inches wide.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Comments for Replace Boat Seat

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Sep 04, 2018
 Replace Boat seats
by: Roger Doran

I would say that Iroko is a rot resistant timber which can be finished to take varnish or paint.

Also Douglas Fir, which is the stiffest of the softwoods would be a cheaper option.
Jul 10, 2018
 Thanks Mike for your feedback.
by: Paul

I thought of Marine plywood, but was concerned about the edges splintering.

That's why I was leaning to board replacement.

So sealing the red oak boards with epoxy coat and then marine varnish should work?

Thanks again.
Jul 10, 2018
 Seat
by: Mike

If the boards are well sealed with epoxy, then finished off with varnish for UV protection, they should last.

You will just need to top up the varnish occasionally.

Have you thought about using marine plywood?

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