I put off my second build a bit to complete some modifications to my Freedom Solo, which I have been enjoying immensely this year. The commercial seat I used on my slider, was well made, looked good and finished fine. However, the curve it sported was 13" across ... that just doesn't fit my bottom comfortably. Plus, the boat is so well balanced, that I deemed the slider unnecessary. I decided after my first trip, that this was the only thing I hadn't built, and that I could do something simpler and more comfortable.
I will say upfront, I "borrowed" the weave pattern from a site I found and adapted it for my purpose.
This a picture of the rear horizontal strut mold for steam bending (and epoxying up) the cherry strips I used. It features a total deflection of about 1" over 22".
This the front mold, featuring a deflection of about 1.75" over the same 22" width (the width is wider, that just the bent part). Also you will notice that the 2x4s are older and weathered, they are just some left over treated lumber ..... waste not, want not.
That gives us the front and rear struts, the spacers run between the struts and are just cut from stock cherry to match the struts. Before assembly, I laid out all the holes I would require, in the pattern I needed for the weaving. Drilled and counter bored each, so that rope would have a more gradual transition as it exited each one. This is a pic of the pieces before assembly, you can make out all the pencil layout lines for the holes.
Pieces assembled and shaped.
And finished with 3 coats of varnish.
Now the moment of truth, I had selected 3 mm marine cord in red, to match the hues of the boat. This was somewhat nontraditional, my better half pointed out black would be best or biege .... those were not on the option list, so I took a chance .... and risked the "I told you so scenario" ... well best to get it started.
And the weaving progressed, personally, I liked the colour with the cherry.
This is installed, while I wait for the extra roll of rope, I had to order when the weaving went 5 feet short >.< , but it is close enough to complete to install and test. If you look closely, in the upper right seat section, you will see the missing weave section.
I have had the boat out for extended trials this year, including a trip to Quetico for a week, the seat is comfortable ( and fits my bottom), and I find the open weave to provides good ventilation, on a hot day. It may not have been clear, but the final shot shows clearly that the front strut dips much lower than the rear, the angle approximates a straight line from where my feet hit the deck to the rear of the seat .... so the front strut doesn't dig into the back of my legs when I paddle.
I will likely build my own seats from now on, patterned on this type.
Brian