10 Top DIY Boat Bench Seat Ideas Easy Builds For Every Boater
Looking to upgrade or build your own DIY boat bench seat? This collection offers a wide range of creative, practical, and customizable ideas to suit every style and skill level. From simple plywood builds to more advanced fiberglass or aluminum-reinforced designs, these projects highlight the many ways boaters are improving comfort, durability, and function on the water.
DIY Boat Bench Seat
Whether you’re aiming for a quick fix or a full custom job, there’s plenty of inspiration here to help you get started.
DIY Boat Seats & Steering Console
DIY boat seats and steering consoles are fun and affordable projects for boat owners. You can create custom seats using materials like wood, foam, and fabric for comfort. For the steering console, repurpose an old one or build a new frame with wood and metal. Add your personal touch with paint or accessories. This project lets you save money and gives your boat a unique, personalized look.
DIY Reupholster Back-to-Back Boat Lounge Seat
DIY reupholstering a back-to-back boat lounge seat is a simple way to refresh your boat’s seating. Start by removing the old fabric and foam. Measure the seat to cut new foam and fabric to size. Use a staple gun to attach the new fabric tightly to the seat frame. Add padding for extra comfort. This project is budget-friendly and gives your boat a fresh, updated look, perfect for relaxing on the water.
DIY New Marine Vinyl Boat Seats
Transforming your boat seats with new marine vinyl is a simple and rewarding project. Start by removing the old fabric and cleaning the seat frames. Then, measure the seat cushions and cut new marine vinyl to fit them. Add a layer of foam for extra comfort before covering everything with the vinyl. Secure it tightly using a staple gun. This upgrade will not only improve the look of your boat but also enhance the seating for a more enjoyable ride on the water.
Materials
- Marine Vinyl (ebay has this pretty cheap)
- Marine Thread (Bonded Polyester in the V69 size is recommended)
- 16 or 18 gauge ball point needles
- Pre-Made cording
- Foam (Joaans fabric with 50% off coupon is not too bad on price.)
- Plywood for the bases (more on plywood below)
- Stainless Staples and staple gun
- Paint for the plywood (I used some old leftover white)
- Circular Saw (to cut the plywood)
- Sander (plywood again)
- Electric Carving Knife (for cutting the foam)
- Scissors (Cutting the vinyl)
- Measuring Tape
- Double Sided tape
- Zipper foot for sewing machine
DIY Office Chair Boat Seat
This DIY office chair boat seat is an easy project to make your boat more comfortable. Start by taking an old office chair and removing the wheels and base. Then, attach a sturdy boat seat to the chair frame. Add some foam padding for extra comfort and cover it with waterproof fabric or marine vinyl. This quick upgrade gives you a cozy and adjustable seat that’s perfect for long days on the water.
Cheap DIY Bomber Boat Seats
Making cheap DIY bomber boat seats is a simple and budget-friendly way to improve your boat. Start with plywood for the seat base and frame. Cut foam to fit the seat and cover it with durable fabric, like marine vinyl. Use screws to attach the seat to the frame. This project lets you create strong, comfortable seats without spending a lot. With a little time and effort, you can have stylish bomber seats for your boat.
DIY Pontoon Boat Seats
DIY pontoon boat seats are an easy way to upgrade your boat. Begin by measuring the area where you want the seats. Use plywood for the seat frames and cut foam to make them comfy. Cover the foam with durable, water-resistant fabric like marine vinyl. Secure the seat cushions to the frames with screws or glue. This simple project will help you create cozy and stylish seats for your pontoon boat without spending a lot of money.
Materials
- Lumber, 2×2 inch,
- Plywood, marine,
- Plywood, marine
- Basic hand tools for carpentry, including a circular saw
- Wood screws
- 2 vinyl cushions, marine, with Velcro lashing ties to secure the cushions to the seating unit
- Silicone caulk
- Marine acrylic paint
- Brass hinges for hinged seat
Custom DIY Boat Seats From Scratch
Creating custom DIY boat seats from scratch is a fun and rewarding project. Start by measuring the area for the seats and cutting wood for the frames. Add foam for comfort and wrap it with durable fabric like marine vinyl. Secure everything together with screws or staples. You can personalize the seats with your favorite colors or designs. This project allows you to build exactly what you want for your boat, while saving money.
DIY Fly Fishing Boat Seat
Making a DIY fly fishing boat seat is a simple way to add comfort to your boat. Start with a sturdy seat frame made of wood or metal. Add foam padding to the seat for comfort during long fishing trips. Cover the foam with waterproof fabric, like marine vinyl, to protect it from water. Finally, attach the seat securely to your boat. This easy project gives you a custom seat perfect for enjoying fly fishing in comfort.
Materials
- Cheap boat seat with swivel base (around £40 from eBay)
- Marine plywood (18mm) for the seat base
- Ratchet straps to attach the seat to the boat
- Wooden strip (used for extra stability on the seat)
- Paint (for the marine plywood base)
- Purpose-built boat clamp
DIY Boat Cushions
DIY boat cushions are an easy and affordable way to make your boat more comfortable. Start by measuring the areas where you need cushions. Cut foam to fit these spaces and cover it with outdoor fabric or marine vinyl, which is water-resistant. Use a strong fabric glue or sewing to secure the fabric around the foam. These cushions will make your boat seating more comfortable and can be customized to your style and needs.
Materials
- Spray Adhesive
- Clear Coat Protective Finish
- Sand Paper
DIY Simple Bench Seat
You can make this simple bench seat at home using basic tools and materials. Cut a flat piece of wood for the seat and another for the back. Use strong brackets or wood blocks to connect them. Make sure it’s stable and safe to sit on. You can paint it or cover it with fabric for comfort. This is an easy and fun DIY project for beginners.
Materials
- Coosa Board (Bluewater 26)
- 3/4″ Marine-Grade Plywood
- 1″ PVC Foam Board
- 3/8″ Aluminum Plate (3″ x 24″)
- 1708 Fiberglass Cloth
- 1700 Fiberglass Tape
- Epoxy Resin
- Polyester Resin
- Stainless Steel Truss Head Screws (1″)
- Bolts (for mounting seat to boat)
- Vinyl Upholstery Material
- Starboard (mentioned but not recommended)
