: Like many of you, I use carved seats out of grey minicell foam in my plywood
: S&G kayaks, but I have never glued them in place because I have always
: been worried about mildew or worse growing between the foam and the
: epoxied plywood. Seems like there would be wet spots at the interface all
: the time.

: I'd be interested in what others have experienced in this regard and what
: suggestions you might have. I'd also be interested in whether velcro actually
: works over time; if so, how best to attach it.

: Thanks,

: Craig

I use carved minicell for all my kayak seats.

I shape the seat bottom to hull surface so the two side thirds of the foam fit the shape of the hull and the bottom third of the foam is just off the hull bottom. I mark the seat placement with tape, apply contact cement and glue in place.

When you sit in the boat the foam seat presses down in the center and when you get out the center third lifts off the hull bottom to allow water to run under the seat and drain. I also have three drain holes in the foam seat to drain that surface.

I've never had mold problems or water trapped.

I started by using velcro, but found it quickly got clogged with sand, wore out and failed.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com