Motorbox cushion

[Russell]

I would like to get a motorbox cushion like I see on many Albin 28s. Is there a place that makes them for the factory or should I get a local canvas shop to make one for me?

[Capt Ron]

I priced one a couple of years ago at the local Albin dealer. At that time I was told it would cost in the neighborhood of $400. Since I fish a lot I decided I didn't need another tough item to clean for that price. Hope this helps.

[Pitou]

The link to Bristol Cushions below will bring you to Albin's Cushion manufacturer. Whether you use them or someone local be sure to ask for the "closed cell" foam that does not absorb water. My original engine box cushion along with cockpit coaming pads were regular interior open cell foam wrapped with clear plastic and inserted in zippered vinyl covers. When breached with moisture through the stitching or zipper they would absorb,absorb, absorb water. The closed cell remedied that problem.

http://www.bristolcushion.com/csh_main.html

[JackK]

Pitou has it right. Make sure it is "closed-cell" foam. My combing pads came from the factory as open cell foam. I have had to clean and wrap them to prevent further water intrusion. Mine is a flush deck so I don't have an engine box to cover.

If you fish a lot (like me), you might consider having it made out of vinyl so that it is easier to clean than say a Sunbrella type fabric.

Jack

[Russell]

Thanks for all the good information. I think I will check with one of our local canvas shops and ask for closed cell foam. I too mainly use the boat for fishing and will have to rethink this if its $400.

[jcollins]

The previous owner of mine had a vynil one made with the closed cell. When I go fishing I just un-snap it a keep below. It's great for cruising. Worth the money.

[Mariner]

Our boat has somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 vinyl-covered outdoor cushions. In the summer, the ones on the bridge are tossed in the guest cabin when the boat's not in use, and brought out before leaving the dock. The ones under cover, are left in place all summer. In the winter, the ones on the bridge are removed from the boat all winter, and the ones in the cockpit are stowed in the guest cabin when not in use. We haven't had mildew or water absortion problems with any of them. I'm sure they're closed cell foam.

[RicM]

My 2003 TE came with a nice, sort of quilted cushion from Bristol Cushions. It is very convenient although it does collect moisture from dew and rain between the cushion and motorbox top. When we fish with a group I take the cushion off and throw it below and that allows anyone to walk across the box with just a small step up. I was originally worried that the motorbox would be a hinderance to traffic in the cockpit for fishing but with the cushion below it's not a problem at all.