How to Make a Foam Bolster for a Pontoon Boat

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If you are reupholstering boat seats and you notice the original foam is old, broken down and has lost its support, you need to replace it. This video will show you how to measure, cut and shape foam specifically for the rounded section of boat seats. Let's get started on this quick and easy foam shaping DIY. Our video will show you how it's done.

Materials List:

CushionRite^® Premium Foam (Medium) (#124234)
CushionRite^® Standard Antimicrobial Foam (Soft) (#124216)
Foam Lock Spray Adhesive 12 oz (#120464)

Tools List:

Sailrite^® Blade Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case (#121244)
Tape Measure 120 Inch (#102986)

Foam Bolster DIY Pontoon Boat 2 — look at our finished pontoon seat. In this blog, we're learning how to shape foam for the bolstered backrest cushion.

Often seen on pontoons and powerboats, there is a rounded section of foam at the front edge of the seat or along the top edge of the backrest cushion. This rounded section of the seat is called a bolster or knee-rise. Its function is to provide added lumbar support for the occupant by slightly lifting their legs. Even though this upholstered bolster section of the seat is rounded, we're going to show you how to cut and shape square pieces of foam to create a finished foam piece that is nicely and evenly rounded.

This is a two-part process involving cutting and shaping the corners of the square foam piece. Then we glue a layer of 1" foam on top of the first foam piece to achieve a rounded look. We recommend different types of foam depending on whether your rounded foam is for the seat bottom or backrest. If it's for the seat knee-riser, we recommend a CushionRite^® Premium Foam with a medium or firm firmness for the main block of foam and the 1" top layer. The backrest cushion will experience less weight and pressure, so you can use a high density foam with medium firmness for the block and soft firmness for the 1" layer. At Sailrite^®, we carry a wide selection of foam types for all your marine, home, auto, and outdoor upholstery and cushion needs.

What other marine projects would you like to see from us? Post your project requests in the comments section below and they might become future Sailrite videos!