Sounds like we're trading places. I already started with a carved closed cell foam seat but I found it killed my butt, my lower back was fine but the seat didn't distribute the pressure enough.

Therefore my theory - I'll make a molded seat out of fiberglass then line that with a thin layer of foam.

Now, the question becomes - how do I make the base mold? I'm not willing to sit on a steaming bag of gooey foam for hrs (I didn't think it needed air to harden). I'm not going to sit on my head and mold fiberglass to my butt!! Maybe I'll try using clay to make a rough mold shape and then fiberglass over that - sounds messy. I might try the foam anyway - maybe cover myself in plastic instead of using a bag.

Thanks for the info, Mark

> Hi howdy Mark,

> FORGET IT! What a pain in the a--!I tried it with a garbage bag. At least
> it was contained. And the foam needs air to cure, mine sat for about six
> hours, and was still like pudding. Right now, I'm in the...ahem,
> "same boat". Ripped old seat out, looking for replacement. I
> think I'll just improve my original method.

> I bought one of those cheap sleeping pads, 1/4 in foam, 2 feet by 6 or
> whatever. Cut a piece the size of your seat, then cut two holes where the
> bones in your butt rest. My first one, I used a one pound coffee can for a
> stencil. This is your first layer. Make a second layer a bit larger, so
> you can trim after. Take a couple of thin strips and build a
> "ledge", around the perimiter of the first layer. this can even
> be tapered towards the middle with a razor knife. Now add second layer
> over everything, and glue down. Not the prettiest, but it's cheap and
> easy.

> Thinking now...maybe I'll start with a smaller hole on the bottom, maybe a
> half sized piece. SOME kind of indentation under your cheeks is ESSENTIAL!
> Right now, I'm paddling without a seat, and I last about 45 mins. to an
> hour, before I have to beach and get out. My left leg falls completely
> asleep. Tried to get out the other day, and almost did a split in six
> inches of water.

> Anyway, that's what I'm gonna do. Like I said, cheap and easy. I think it
> was P.J. that did his with the expandable stuff. How did that turn out
> Paul?

> See ya',

> Rick