1996 22' Donzi Classic Front Buckets

[yeller]

My 04 also has poly seats. Not sure when they changed over.

[Carl C]

Your boat is also free of wood construction too, right?

It appears to be except the deck and cockpit are balsa cored. Hull is solid. Transom is a composite and stringers appear to be also.

[yeller]

As an fyi: Carl's is an 05 and mine is an 04. My build is the same as Carl's, with the exception of the stringers. I have plywood stringers.

[Pat McPherson]

So last night my best boating bud and I stared at and sat in my original seats.
I cleaned the seat up the best I could and asked for his opinion. I've not ever had the interior of a boat or car redone but he has. Conclusion was that the best choice would be to have new 24" high buckets made but that is not really a choice as the cost is prohibitive.
Comes down to replacing with the new standard 20" high buckets or just using what I've got.
The original seats show a little wear and but no rips so...
Leaning towards buying the new buckets seats this year and buying the new rear seat pieces next year.

[chip w]

Pat, I found someone local that is recovering my front seats and making new rear cushions for half of what PPI is and 1/3 of Donzi Direct. They are using a high grade marine vinyl and are sewing the pleats the same as the original. He is also replacing the 20 year old wood bases. I've seen his work and I trust that it will come out well. There may be someone locally that can recover your seats. It's an option to buying new that are a different height.

[22classic]

I just had these done by ABC upholstery in San Jose. She did all of the interior for me so I don't know what these two cost me directly, but all of the interior was less than 2000.

I think that the seats look great.
20161111_090313.jpg

Best,
Matt P.

[22classic]

I forgot to mention that I was also given a 2 year warranty.

Best,
Matt P.

[Pat McPherson]

I scrubbed and treated with vinyl protectant all of my interior over the weekend. I've decided it's good to go for another year at least. I also received new swivels/mounts for the front buckets; those were shot...

[Fishermanjm]

I couldn't be more pleased with my seats. It took a while to get them but well worth it

[deejay]

Pat, I found someone local that is recovering my front seats and making new rear cushions for half of what PPI is and 1/3 of Donzi Direct. They are using a high grade marine vinyl and are sewing the pleats the same as the original. He is also replacing the 20 year old wood bases. I've seen his work and I trust that it will come out well. There may be someone locally that can recover your seats. It's an option to buying new that are a different height.

Hi Chip,
Would you mind indicating the area you live in. I somehow feel you are in Central Florida which is where I am. If we are somewhat close to each other I sure would be interested in talking with your seat person.
A question about your dog: Is that a picture of a Blue Weimaraner? We just lost ours of 14 years.
Thanks, Deejay

[chip w]

Deejay,

I'm over in Tampa. The shop is in New Port Richey and is Tampa Bay Canvas and Upholstery. Call Kevin at 813-507-3039. I haven't done mine yet as a little issue with a bad head has taken my in a different direction for the time being.

The black dog is a pure black dachshund. We get asked what kind of dog he is and I usually tell people he's a miniature lab just for fun. He's a bit strong willed and stubborn. That's the polite way to say he can be an A-hole but he's a great dog to have around overall. I'd love it if he'd go on the boat with me but it's not his thing. Really sorry to hear about your dog. For us they're family members and loosing one always hurts. My sympathies.

[gcarter]

The wood is so easy to change, I wouldn't hesitate to do it.
Plywood is so much cheaper and easier to use than a lot of dense plastics,
like HDPE (Starboard). I don't think I'd recommend PVC board. It's easier
to use but doesn't have the same structural strength as HDPE, and won't
hold screws as well.
If you use plywood, be sure and seal the perimeter w/a penetrating epoxy,
like System Three Clearcoat.
Another thing, when re-stapling the upholstery material to the reinforcement
material, use Monel and not stainless staples as the stainless staples will
eventually rust and Monel won't. Monel staples are available on Amazon.

[deejay]

Deejay,

I'm over in Tampa. The shop is in New Port Richey and is Tampa Bay Canvas and Upholstery. Call Kevin at 813-507-3039. I haven't done mine yet as a little issue with a bad head has taken my in a different direction for the time being.

The black dog is a pure black dachshund. We get asked what kind of dog he is and I usually tell people he's a miniature lab just for fun. He's a bit strong willed and stubborn. That's the polite way to say he can be an A-hole but he's a great dog to have around overall. I'd love it if he'd go on the boat with me but it's not his thing. Really sorry to hear about your dog. For us they're family members and loosing one always hurts. My sympathies.

Thanks Chip for the response and info. I will let you know how this upholstery adventure works out and I hope you will do the same. I also hope the bad head is not your own head! What a surprise to hear your dog is dachshund and all black no less! I was sure he was a blue W. You sure are correct about them being family.
Deejay