Removing Cushion on 222 for Winter - rivets?

[jrmlsc]

2007 Fisherman 222 wo rear jump seats has the gunwale cushions that wrap around from the gunwale to the stern. Along the gunwale they are hooked and then screwed to the gunwale and easy to remove BUT along the stern they seem to be riveted... Does anyone know how to remove the cushion along the stern?

 

[DennisG01]

I can't help with specific advice, but have you physically ID's rivets? If so, then the only way to remove is the way you would remove any rivet - drill it out. If you're just guessing, then if it's not through-bolted, it could be fastened with plastic Christmas trees. Both of those are common ways that a lot of manufacturers use.

 

[jrmlsc]

I decided to contact GW and got a very quick and thorough reply - as always. From GW: The aft warp of the cockpit bolsters are fastened the same as the side with set screws and clips (see attached photo). You may consider adding tabs with snaps to help hold the cushions in place without the set screws. I have an older photo of a cool seat cushion that shows a tab for you to look at. I have chosen to replace the screws with velcro so I can easily remove all vinyl for winter storage.

 

[seasick]

I decided to contact GW and got a very quick and thorough reply - as always. From GW: The aft warp of the cockpit bolsters are fastened the same as the side with set screws and clips (see attached photo). You may consider adding tabs with snaps to help hold the cushions in place without the set screws. I have an older photo of a cool seat cushion that shows a tab for you to look at. I have chosen to replace the screws with velcro so I can easily remove all vinyl for winter storage.

I kind of like the snap idea, I just wonder if they might be prone to unsnapping under load/
My experience with my bolsters is that finding the screws (accessed via the underside grommets) and removing the cushions is not too bad of a job but trying to get the screws back into the same holes next season can be almost impossible.