Stages of making a chair for a PVC boat with your own hands, installation nuances

What is

If in a plastic or all-metal boat the seats are already installed at the factory and have a stationary design, then for PVC boats it is typical to use folding, collapsible seats. Features of the use of products depend on the size of the vessel, the type of bottom, and the method of attachment to the sides. There are several types of chairs:

1. Tough. Most often these are ready-made products made of plastic or plywood. They come in one piece and with folding backs, with a swivel mechanism and on a longitudinal slide. This type of seat is considered one of the most popular due to its simplicity and functionality. Hard chairs are not afraid of moisture, are quite durable and repairable. The disadvantages include a low level of comfort - the back becomes numb after a long swim.
2. Soft. The design is a frame covered with fabric and waterproof upholstery. Soft chairs can be considered ergonomic and optimal for frequent fishing trips or recreation. Their main disadvantages are their greater weight and the volume they occupy during transportation.
3. Inflatable. The products can often be found on simple rowing boats, where they fit perfectly due to their low weight and ease of installation in any hull. When inflated, these structures provide good comfort, but are not rigid enough during active activities. Such chairs are easy to damage with a knife or sharp hook when fishing.
4. Rotary. Any chair mounted on a swivel support increases the fisherman's mobility in the boat and makes seating more comfortable. The rotating mechanism of the product is a standard hinge from the furniture fittings or sporting goods department. The rotation angle is 360 degrees.
5. Foldable. Seats with such a backrest are convenient because they take up less space when not in use. The back side can be used as a table. To do this, use a regular swivel hinge or install a ready-made mechanism for folding the backrest from an old car seat.

Modifications and features of the Poeng chair from Ikea, pros and cons of the product
The key to choosing the type of seat for a boat will be its intended purpose. On long-distance expeditions, every gram counts, so a hard option is sufficient, while on a local body of water a comfortable soft chair with a swivel mechanism and an adjustable back will be more comfortable. When choosing a product for self-production, it is important to take into account your existing skills. If you have no work experience, the easiest way would be to make a soft or hard chair.

Boat manufacturers often offer accessories that include different types of seats. They can serve as an excellent blank for a homemade chair.

Hard

Soft

Inflatable

Rotary

Folding

Product requirements

A DIY PVC boat chair must meet certain requirements. The main thing is the maximum load on it. The durability and reliability of the product depend on this indicator. The minimum load that the simplest designs can withstand is from 60 kg, but it is better to take models designed for 110–120 kg, so as not to break them if you move carelessly. The width and height of the backrest are selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of use and the personal preferences of the owner.

The type of fastening can be as follows:

• in the space between the sides at the standard points for fixing the cans;
• with a clamp on an already installed transverse seat;
• combined with support on a hard floor in a boat.

PVC tubes, duralumin, thin-walled steel tubes or multilayer plywood can be used for the frame. Any material that is not afraid of moisture, weighs little, but has a good margin of safety is recommended.

Maximum product load

Mounting type

DIY manufacturing steps

A homemade boat seat is not complicated in design; you don’t need a special tool to make it. The first thing you need to do is determine exactly the type of chair, its functionality, and only then you can start making a drawing and selecting materials. During the work process, you must strictly follow the selected instructions.

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Drawing development

A drawing or sketch of the seat will help determine its proportions and place in the boat relative to the motor and oars. They can reflect the optimal backrest angle, width and length of the bottom pillow. Ready-made drawings can be easily found online and modified to suit your project. You can use an existing comfortable chair and transfer its dimensions onto paper; such a sketch will be enough. A drawing indicating the exact dimensions will be needed to calculate the amount of material for the frame and upholstery.

Required materials and tools

In addition to the ready-made drawing for making a soft seat, the master will need:

• plywood, boards, tubes for the frame of the back and seat;
• soft foam rubber or polystyrene foam for filler;
• upholstery fabric (PVC, vinyl, leatherette, genuine leather);
• special strong thread;
• waterproof “moment” type adhesive;
• furniture nails, staples for staplers;
• varnish or water-repellent impregnation;
• metal fasteners, folding mechanism, corners;
• swivel mechanism (can be found in the furniture fittings department).

List of required tools:

• electric jigsaw;
• drill or screwdriver;
• sanding machine or set of sandpaper;
• scissors, knife;
• a set of needles;
• construction stapler.

The best fabric for upholstery would be PVC with a density of 800–1100 grams per square meter. It is not afraid of moisture and is stronger than all the others, while being processed well.

Build process

For convenience, you can cut out patterns for the cover and individual parts on whatman paper or thick cardboard. Then it will be convenient to try them on on a boat or adjust the sizes during operation. Assembly instructions:

1. Cut out the frame of the future seat and back from plywood. Connect them together and test ease of use. Self-tapping screws, screws, nails and other fasteners are recommended for fastening.
2. Thoroughly sand the wooden parts and coat them with several layers of varnish and let the product dry. In this form, the chair could already be placed on a PVC boat if a soft version was planned.
3. Cut the soft inserts to the size of the parts, nail or glue the filler for secure fastening. The polystyrene sheets are stapled to each layer separately.
4. Start transferring patterns onto fabric. The cover should fit tightly around the soft frame, so it is important to adjust the joints and corners. To make it more convenient to work with the fabric, leave an allowance of 2-3 centimeters on each edge. Sew the seams manually or on a sewing machine; for strength, you can treat the joints with sealant.
5. The cover can be one-piece and completely fit the seat frame, or it can be made in the form of separate soft elements on a hard chair. Secure the upholstery using furniture nails or staples.

At the end of the work, you need to check the product for the presence of protruding sharp corners and fasteners - it is not difficult to pierce an inflatable PVC boat.

Cut blanks from plywood, sand and varnish

Prepare soft parts, attach to workpieces

Cover the frame with fabric

Armchairs and seats in Moscow

Among the huge range of products on our website, Armchairs and seats are especially popular. These are wear-resistant devices that can be ordered in Moscow at manufacturer prices. Ergonomic models of Armchairs and seats are sold at retail. The conditions for wholesale purchases are discussed individually.

Powerful technology at an affordable price

On our website, accessories for boats are presented in a wide range of prices; these are not only expensive solutions, but also budget analogues. The following characteristics are typical for the Armchair and seat models:

• minimum fuel consumption;
• ergonomic design;
• easy operation;
• high security;
• Manufacturer's warranty up to 2 years.

Thanks to its small dimensions, the chairs and seats easily fit in the trunk of a car. They won't take up much space in your garage or shed. They will become an excellent assistant for several hours of continuous use. Effective and wear-resistant boat accessories are an excellent choice for active outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, tourism), work (patrolling territories) and economic activities. For the convenience of customers, our website contains all the current accessories for boats in Moscow. Each item is described in detail, real photographs and prices are offered. You can select the equipment yourself or use the help of our consultants. If necessary, they will help you compare several models you like or clarify questions regarding technical characteristics, purchase/sale and delivery in Moscow.

Motomarine - a store for lovers of quality goods

The site presents Armchairs and seats that are distinguished by high safety.
To order the unit you like, fill out an application on the website or contact our consultants. These are experienced employees who will help you decide on a purchase or simply tell you about the features of using Armchairs and seats. In addition to free consulting assistance, we offer:

• Favorable prices from the manufacturer.
• Regular updating and replenishment of the catalog.
• Promotions, sales and discounts on popular towing vehicles.
• Beneficial cooperation for retail and wholesale buyers.
• Manufacturer's warranty.

With our help, it is very easy to buy wear-resistant accessories for boats. Armchairs and seats in Moscow. Call 8 (800) 500-72-79 or leave your number in the feedback form if you have any questions or suggestions for cooperation.

Installation Tips

The comfortable chair is ready, now it can be installed on the boat. The most popular method remains attaching to a standard bench in a PVC boat. To do this, fasteners in the form of a clamp with 2-4 clamping points are made from a steel angle. If you attach any standard swivel mechanism to it, you will get a comfortable swivel fishing chair. The advantage of this method is its versatility, the ability to quickly rearrange it on any type of boat. The only disadvantage is the excessive bulkiness of the design.

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Another popular method is to fasten one side overboard using a special belt or into a standard bench clamp, when the other end rests on the bottom of the boat. For this, a lightweight frame is made from a pipe (PVC of at least 25 mm can be used). In this case, the seat can be installed at any point of the boat, and there is room on the side for passage. The space under the chair is used to place a gas tank, fishing box and other belongings.

There are other ways to make a PVC boat chair with your own hands - from gluing an inflatable insert yourself to a frame one with a soft base, or using a ready-made office chair. The choice depends on the preferences of the owner of the vessel and experience in working with materials. It should be remembered that if you select a model with a rotating mechanism, it must be lubricated.

Make a frame

Attach the turning mechanism

Install the chair onto the frame

Secure the chair on the boat

Three options for homemade seats for PVC boats

If you do not take into account the seat options available for sale, you can make no less comfortable designs yourself.

Option #1

The base will be a standard clamshell seat that is usually included with the boat.

• First you need to cut off its inclined part, so that the longitudinal tubes protrude slightly beyond the landing board.
• Having measured the width of the board, saw off the transversely installed tubes and dismantle the central part. In this case, it is important to choose the height to suit your dimensions so that the cut off tubes cause discomfort.
• They are joined together using specially prepared inserts to match the diameter of the tubes.
• We screw two screws into the holes for the tarpaulin on each side.
• We make two coaxial holes in the tubes and board to which the seat is attached from below and connect the structure with bolts of the appropriate size. You can use a travel mat of the appropriate size to support your back. You can take a larger carpet, then the remaining part will cover the seat, which, by the way, will additionally make it more comfortable. This seat will be comfortable for people with back problems.

Option No. 2

This seat is literally made from scrap materials. In the space between the stern and bow we place an inflated “Volgov” camera, tied in the middle with a rope. For the seat, a fishing bag attached to the stern is used. But we must add that when using this method, you will need a counterweight: a backpack with an anchor or something else placed in the bow. If you can place such an improvised seat in the middle of the boat, then you can refuse this.

Option No. 3

In an inflatable boat of any size, you can construct a fairly comfortable foam cushion. We cut the material so that it fits evenly between two inflated cylinders, cover it with waterproof material, for example leatherette, and install it slightly below the sides of the boat, that is, its cylinders. If necessary, such an improvised seat can be raised to a more comfortable height by placing something under it.