1998 Osprey 205 Coaming Bloster Track Hardware Ideas

[gwinnibarge]

I'm making new coaming bolsters for my 1998 osprey 205.  I don't have the old bolster, so I'm not sure what method is used for attaching the bolster to the track on the boat.  I'm wondering if someone could post a picture of the back of their bolster or provide some ideas regarding the hardware used to attach the bolster backing (PCV board, in my case) to the track.  Thanks!

[plugger]

I don't have a picture but I can tell you it has a stiff plastic type spline attached to the top leading edge.
It tucks  into a slot that runs along the gunnel and snaps at both ends

[CLM65]

As plugger said.  At least it is on my 2002 - I'm not sure if yours is any different.  I'll take some pictures of mine tonight or tomorrow.

[gwinnibarge]

A picture would be very much appreciated. The board and foam are all cut, and I sewed the fabric yesterday,  buy I can't put it all together without putting the fasteners on yet.

I did measure the track today. 3/8" width at the recieved and 1/8" along the length of the track. Another thingreat that'd be good to know is the spacing of the clips. Thanks!

[wingtime]

The male portion is called vinyl welting or keder. The male portion is called flex a rail or awning rail.

[CLM65]

Here you go...the overall length is ~56", and the snaps are about 3/4" from each end and 3-3/4" from the top.







I would imagine that your boat already has the male half of the snaps installed, or at least holes where they used to be, if your boat previously had bolsters???  If so, I would use those for measurements so that you get a perfect match.  And FYI, my bolsters only have foam inside, no board.  It is very lightweight.  I'm not sure how heavy yours will be, but extra weight may put some stress on the little spline that gets inserted in the track.

Good luck, and post some pics of your finished product!

[CLM65]

The male portion is called vinyl welting or keder. The male portion is called flex a rail or awning rail.

That top picture (rail) looks like what is used to attach the back cushions for the rear seats and front console seat on the 205.  The rail for the coaming bolsters is actually built into the aluminum gunnel cap, but same concept.  Good to know those items are available somewhere!  Thanks Bruce!

Let me know if anyone needs a pic of the aluminum gunnel cap.

[wingtime]

FYI I'm in the process of making replacement bolsters for the 225/245/250 Ospreys and Explorers. Other models may use similar length bolsters

[gwinnibarge]

Thank you for those pictures. That opened my eyes. I did not consider a continous spline. I will post some pictures as soon as I figure out how to reduce their file size.

CLM65, my bolsters do not snap on.  Rather they attach via a built n track. I'll try to post the sewn fabric picture...

I am using 4" PVC board  a backing material. 2" medium density foam and marine vinyl. 

[CLM65]

CLM65, my bolsters do not snap on.  Rather they attach via a built n track.

Mine also attach via a built in track.  The continuous spline on the top of the bolster slides into the track.  The snaps (two, one in each lower corner) merely hold it in place and keep it from flopping around.

[gwinnibarge]

OK. I think i see it now. Do your bolsters hang down with the top horizontal edge at the height of the track?  In other words they are not flush mounted with the gunwale. I do see the snap recievers on my boat.  So THAT'S what those snaps are for!  I learned something new, so my day is done! Thanks CLM65.

[CLM65]

If I helped someone learn something, then my day is done too!  I'm telling my boss I'm going home!

Since you will be mounting the snaps on your PVC board (I assume), it is more important to use the locations of your existing snap receivers than my measurements, since you will not have any flexibility to pull or stretch the bolster.

[wingtime]

The bolsters on my buddies 215 Explorer has pvc backing boards.  They have 1" holes in the backing board that slip over some Z brackets on the inwall.