Bertram33 User Forum

Has anyone replaced these on their boat? Mine are well past their prime, and i was wondering what it would approximately cost to get them re-done. I'm only talking about the ones in the cockpit, not on the bridge. Thank you in advance for your help! Ed

Yes I have replaced mine. My canvas guy showed me how to take them off, you just lift and pull. I had to replace the plywood backing on my pads because they were rotten and replace them with starboard. Next time it will be an easy job. I did some horse trading so I'm not sure how much it cost but it wasn't real high. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

I did mine last year and replaced the plywood mush with PVC building material and had my upolstry guy put a thin strip of mesh (not mush) along the bottom edge to drain water. I am really happy with the outcome and the PVC stuff seems like the way to go since you can glue it together and it is super strong afterwards.VS starboard.

My pads are installed into a track. The pads have a mesh backing and drain holes in the bottom. The track is aluminum has been in place for many many years. They are easy to remove, seconds, for cleaning and winter storage. Ones with a backer boatd are much cheaper to make. Charlie

Thanks to you guys for the quick replies. Mine were just on plywood (which was no doubt rotten). Sounds like upgrading to either PVC or starboard would make a lot of sense. Assides from trading for horses, any thoughts on prices? Obviously everyone's exact case will be different, but I'm trying to get a general idea. Thank you! Ed

Mine where done with marine plywood backing and a foam that is waterproof so it won't hold water(very important). It will be about a grand to get done, even more if you use that fancy starboard stuff. Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

Mine were apparently discarded years ago and have been replaced with a teak substitute.. I will refinish them when I get to redointg the boat's exterior, but for now I have lots of other stuff to do! Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

This is the only boat that I have ever had with them. Never really thought I needed them in the past, but I really like them now. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

Thank you guys for the great information! Ed

I replace all of mine with starboard backing, and made them removable. They are not pleated. But I know someone with a canvas/cushion business. I was a guina pig for $700.00 for the cockpit and the bridge. Seat cushions included. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC

I'm not sure but I think I paid in the 700 to 800 dollar range to have both my cockpit and bridge combing pads replaced. That included the starboard backing for both the bridge and cockpit and mine are not pleated. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC BuzzOff Morehead City, NC

As I've said in the past, I think marine canvas/upholstery is more reasonable the further south you go as it is a year round business for them. 3 years ago I had one guy up here quote me at $1800 if he could use the existing backing! Well that of course is not an option as the large piece for the transom now has a permanent hinge in the middle due to rot. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

You're correct Doug. I had new combing pads installed in Jacksonville, FL after purchasing boat there, before bringing north. I don't remember exact pricing, but it was much cheaper and got it done right away down there. Pleated with navy piping, mesh back and aluminum tracks ... came out great. I redid the bridge ones at the same time too. Brian '90 Bertram 33' FBC Never Say Never Guilford, CT (Homeport) Kinnelon, NJ (Home)