Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: RPS Help
Posted by Scott Blake on 08/23/13 - 3:17 PM
#1
I am trying to restore my RPS on my 1977 Montauk to original condition, or close to it. Mine was modified by the previous owner..
I have purchased a seat cushion from Specialty, but I think something is missing from my seat. What holds the two steel poles in place, under the seat cushion? Do they just flop around under there, or is there supposed to be something to hold them steady? Or something to hold them together?
Thanks for the help-
Scott
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/23/13 - 3:26 PM
#2
Scott,
You have the older style Z Legs that do not have the notches in them to hold the pivot rods in place.
The older style used wood blocks.
Here is the newer style Z legs with the notches.
http://www.whalercentral.com/photogal...oto_id=349
What condition are your Z legs in?
If they aren't that great, you might consider finding the newer style.
Otherwise you will need the blocks.
Look under your old seat for the blocks of wood.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 08/23/13 - 4:16 PM
Posted by Scott Blake on 08/23/13 - 4:27 PM
#3
That's right Joe, no notches on the Z legs. They seem to be fine otherwise.
That's a good idea, just screw some wooden blocks to the bottom of the cushion. I didn't think of that.
Thanks-
Scott
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/23/13 - 4:37 PM
#4
From your personal page, it would appear that your old seat bottom has those wood blocks.
Can you use those blocks or use them as a pattern for new ones?
Posted by Scott Blake on 08/23/13 - 7:00 PM
#5
Joe, I think the bottom piece is too thick, about 3 inches, plus it might be hard to remove intact. Might be easier just to use wood blocks.
I put a picture pf the seat bottom on my personal page. (I think!) Can we paste pictures in our posts?
Scott
Edited by Scott Blake on 08/23/13 - 7:02 PM
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/23/13 - 7:04 PM
#6
Scott,
I thought your seat might have the wood blocks but it doesn't.
There should be a block between the two pivot rods. Not sure about the distance, and then a block on the outside of each rod.
This way the rods are kept in alignment.
Maybe someone else can show you a photo of theirs.
My prior 1978 Montauk 17 was just like yours but I don't have any photos of the underside of the seat.
Posted by Scott Blake on 08/23/13 - 7:26 PM
#7
It's funny, I didn't know I had a custom seat into I got about halfway into this, after I ordered the cushion and couldn't figure out how to install it. Duh!
I thought I had the same seat everybody else had.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/23/13 - 7:29 PM
#8
The seat is exactly the same.
The only difference is the earlier ones with the early Z legs had wood blocks to keep the pivot rods into position.
You would need to screw on new blocks to the bottom of your seat or buy a set of newer style Z legs.
Wood blocks wood be cheaper unless of course your Z legs have any problems.
Posted by Scott Blake on 08/24/13 - 1:01 PM
#9
No, my seat was different because I had no "cushion".
I think that is part of the problem. The terminology is messed up. What they are calling a "seat cushion" is actually a seat. It is structurally a part of the seat. It is the seat.
See, I thought I was buying a cushion, but what I actually bought was a seat.
I got it finished, it's in the boat, looks good. I just made up 6 wood blocks and screwed them to the bottom of the "cushion". Thanks again for the help.
Scott
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/24/13 - 1:32 PM
#10
Perfect.
What I thought you had from your photos was the remains of the seat without the cushion attached.
If you were to take off the cushion, you would have a piece of plywood left similar to the ones in your photo.
Anyway, glad you got it working and from what you mention, this is exactly how those older "Seats" were constructed.
The Seats are the same with or without the blocks added.
I don't know of anyone today that makes the seats which include those older block method.
They would need to do exactly what you did. Put the blocks back on.