water getting behind my seats

[scrutch]

I have a 1999 Cobra 180 and I was taking my seat backs off to inspect my gas lines when I found a lot of CRUD behind the seat backs. It appears that water is leeching down behind the backs and just sitting there rotting the wood in the seatbacks. The screws were a nightmare to remove because they were so rusty.

I want to replace the seatbacks with some material that won't rot. Anyone have any ideas?

Also, when I reattach the seats, I think I'll trim the carpet so It doesn't go down behind the seats. I think this will allow me to put a bead of caulk along there to keep the water out. Ant suggestions?

I'll try to post some pics.

[scrutch]

some pics...

[Jig Man]

Do you fish in the rain a lot or just leave her outside?

[Fishing Rhino]

Can you use spacers to create a gap which will allow for air circulation.  That will prevent water/moisture from being trapped.

Of course it may allow bigger crud to get trapped.

You can always fiberglass the seatbacks to seal the wood.  When you drill into it for the screws, fill the holes with marine grade silicone to keep it watertight.

[scrutch]

usually its from tubing with the kids that gets it really wet.

ALWAYS kept in a garage.

it just never dries behind there because of the carpeting.

more pics.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Fiberglassing it like Rhino mentioned should work.  It's fairly easy to do.  Another option is the plastic wood.  That stuff is kind of heavy though.  It definitely will not rot though.

[fishfordollars]

Put some spacers between the seatback and the carpet. Make sure the drains are not stoped up. If there are no drain holes research the area under the cap in that area and if possible drill some very small holes through so the excess will drain instead of standing in that area. Use a small drill bit and it won't even show.

[scrutch]

I wonder if that plastic wood is what is used for the seat bottoms (see pic #3 above).  The seat bottoms are hinged.  I might start storing them in the up position to aid drying as well. 

Is plastic wood a marine material?  Where do you get it?  Is it expensive?

Although the fiberglassing idea I think would be the best solution, I've never messed with fiberglass before. :-?

[scrutch]

Put some spacers between the seatback and the carpet. Make sure the drains are not stoped up. If there are no drain holes research the area under the cap in that area and if possible drill some very small holes through so the excess will drain instead of standing in that area. Use a small drill bit and it won't even show.

I love the idea. simple and effective.  But I don't think I can get away with spacers because of the hinged bottoms.  It's already difficult to lift the seat bottoms up.  I think if I added spacers, they might not work at all.

I cleaned out the drain holes.  I think I'll carefully add a couple more.  Fuel cell is right underneath.

[Fishing Rhino]

I wonder if that plastic wood is what is used for the seat bottoms (see pic #3 above). The seat bottoms are hinged. I might start storing them in the up position to aid drying as well.

Is plastic wood a marine material? Where do you get it? Is it expensive?

Although the fiberglassing idea I think would be the best solution, I've never messed with fiberglass before. :-?

It's not that difficult.  I posted some fiberglassing tips on this same section.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1281055699

If you have any questions, you can ask in a reply on this thread, or send me a pm.

[scrutch]

Wish you were my neighbor Rhino.  You'd make some easy money if you wanted to.

[cart7t]

When you're enjoying water sports, the kind where kids/adults are climbing in and out of the boat constantly, it's really hard to grasp just how much water is running off the bodies and into the boat but it's a lot.

I'd glass or resin coat the new piece of wood and then make sure the seats are tilted up when you get done after a day on the lake.

[Fishing Rhino]

I suggested Gluvit for coating the wood.  Fiberglass resin is ok, but it tends to crack after some time.  Gluvit is an epoxy product, very flexible, and even used for sealing the seams on the roofs of motor homes and travel trailers.

Great stuff.

http://www.marinetex.com/gluvit.html

[scrutch]

How far does gluvit go?  Will a quart cover the wood in my seatbacks?  It's a little expensive.  I found it for $38.99/quart.

[Fishing Rhino]

According to the info, a quart will cover 25 - 35 square feet.  That's one side of a sheet of 4' by 8' plywood (32 square feet).  More than ample to handle the piece in your photo, unless you put it on like cake frosting.

And, it will also seal and reinforce any punky sections of that piece you have.  Be sure to get that piece good and dry before applying the Gluvit.

Granted, the stuff ain't cheap, but, if it prevents you from having this mess again, it's a bargain. 

[scrutch]

I like it.  Thanks Rhino.