Holding cabin backrests in place

[dgadee]

Backrests in the cabin on the boat are rubbish: just pads which continually fall down onto the seat. I plan to replace these over the winter with a narrow length of ply and pad with foam and then cover with cloth. The pads will need to be removable to get into the locker at the rear. The best idea I have come across for doing the attachment is this:



but making the attachment points from wood might make the backrest come too far forward. Any idea of where I could get something commercially? Or what they might be called? I know TV wall holders sometimes work on this principal but don't want rusting steel.

 

[Quandary]

Why have you decided against Velcro?

 

[dgadee]

Why have you decided against Velcro?

Would it hold a 6 foot length of ply and foam?

 

[johnalison]

There are plastic fixings that look like a chunky sort of Velcro that are more substantial and do a good job on our HR seat backs, though the ones in the OP look as if they would do.

 

[Tranona]

Yes. You can have either a continuous length which I find a bit of a pain or small "buttons" of velcro which is what I have, on a ply backed cushion of similar length that also acts as a bunk base when making a double berth.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I've used velcro but the self adhesive type on plywood does not stick! - I had to screw it on.
Or use the circular velcro which can be screwed on.

 

[ctva]

Try pulling even a small bit of velcro straight off, not peeling, and you will see how strong the grip is.

As to sticking it to ply, assuming it is varnished or painted, get automotive double sided tape which is used to hold cars together, sort of, but it is very strong. I have a roll which I use on all the cable tie fixings as the ones that they come with are useless, like the velcro sticky pads.

BLACK DOUBLE SIDED FOAM AUTOMOTIVE PERMANENT CAR BODY TRIM SELF ADHESIVE TAPE | eBay

 

[prv]

As to sticking it to ply, assuming it is varnished or painted, get automotive double sided tape

I've been on a fair few charter boats where the two sides of the velcro are solidly stuck together, but the velcro has come off the ply cushion-backs (further demonstration that the velcro grip itself is plenty strong enough). So if I were securing my cushions this way, I think I'd be inclined to use upholstery staples or other mechanical fastenings.

In actual fact it's not something I need to worry about, as Maxi used a nifty system where the top of the seat-back is permanently mounted, and the space between it and the base/mattress is filled by what are essentially scatter-cushions that fold in half and jam into the gap. It's comfortable, looks good, never ever shifts or moves when not wanted, and you have loose cushions/pillows available if needed without having them tumbling loose around the cabin otherwise.

Pete

 

[dgadee]

Not Velcro but what about:



and hooks (or holes) on the backrest. That was one early idea of mine. Would Velcro be better?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Would it hold a 6 foot length of ply and foam?

Yes, and much more. From Velcro web site.

Which VELCRO® Brand Fastener Is the Strongest? | VELCRO® Brand Blog

VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty tape, strips and coins have 50% more holding power than our standard strength hook and loop fasteners, and are able to hold up to 1lbs per square inch up to 10lbs. They're suitable for a wide range of smooth surfaces including wallboard, glass, metal and most plastics.14 Aug 2020

 

[WoodyP]

Why not try velcro. It's cheap, quick and easy. If you don't like it you can always revert to a more engineered solution, but it works for me.

 

[dgadee]

Ok. Velcro it is.

 

[geem]

Would it hold a 6 foot length of ply and foam?

Yes. Use industrial velcro, 50mm wide. It's what we have

 

[Hunterlees]

My backpads have vertical strips of material at the top which folds over behind the pad and fixes to the cabin with a normal pop fastener. Simples.

 

[Quandary]

I would avoid the very strong velcro or large areas of it if you need to get regular access, the fact that you plan to make the cushion backs rigid will make them difficult to peel off. If you can engineer a point where you can slip a finger between the surfaces and swipe to separate it can be easier.

 

[Moodysailor]

Velcro has it's uses, we used the high strength version successfully to hold up headliner panels.

But for back rests and other high load areas , the 3M hook & loop fasteners are very good. Although if you need to frequently access behind the backrests then go with something else as they are tenacious.

For something that may require removal, have a search for Bighead fasteners popits....

 

[[70521]]

I replaced the old velcro with 'industrial' strength stuff. It was so good that it ripped the varnish off the panelling. I've used military grade staples to hold the stuff on!

Testing so far is from F0 to F7 and sea state smooth to rough and nothing has moved I'm well pleased.

 

[Concerto]

On Concerto I used velcro, but I do not rely on the self adhesive for the hook velcro on the wood but used stainless steel staples to increase the bonding with extra at the ends. The loop side velcro was stitched to the cushion backs by the upholster. This was done 7 years ago and still going strong.

 

[Moodysailor]

Glue & staples were what I also used to hold the high strength velcro onto wood. Works very well.

 

[ctva]

One last thing, put the 'hooks' on the cushions so they don't catch the material as taking on and off. Also don't put too much on otherwise you'll need Arnie to rip it off!