Hinged Seats! 2010 LSV

[BSUBU_Kris]

Thanks to my brother for making me custom hinges. Installation was less than an hour for both seats using only a drill. Cooler seat doesn’t contact drivers seat even when all the way back. Port side seat is now fully accessible. Didn’t realize how much I didn’t like the seat folding into the center of the boat until I did this. I am sure my brother would be interested in making some more if others have an interest. 

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/DPfbMhL2SQuU0rNPqiE4Wg.oLHRNAKY2aFGqke7nJzC2f

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/oamEmmhSRvGUotfvhqbj4Q._qt5_TfM64I-tJyM-S2gD1
 

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/z8D-F3G9SfiOgUC4C5vDuw.ox3ACuRODrRbmi_dznArjz
 

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/m7kPuLPNQF20SehCCD07Ww.rxtEdKCE4NlesF8F22eBX5
 

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/Oxyn8M3qTVWtA-qARa9ciQ.PMSL8FgIvs8SJsBJhu8hUt
 

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/WUQ-DQqmQ4q35UUeeZpaew.odm1-BMJRq1GpfvAAgKxel

 

I was able to use the existing strap from the port seat. I just cut it in half and attach one to each seat.  Accessing under the seats is so easy now. 

[jtrezon]

Nice job!...I’d be interested in some hardware for my 2010LSV 

[Pnwrider]

Bakes is coming out with a hinge kit for Axis models. Maybe they’ll add older Malibu models as well? 

[BSUBU_Kris]

They made such a big difference. My brother is busy for a couple weeks but then plans to make some more. Version two will be about an inch shorter so the top doesn’t stick above the seat. They will also be a bit wider so over time they don’t get stressed. I will update once he has version two available.  

[Eagleboy99]

Good on your bro for McGyvering these, but why not buy a regular inset hinge?  Or locker hinge?  They make them in stainless steel.

[isellacuras]

I used a factory hinge, I think it was the part for the observers compartment, for my ice chest seat cushion. Had to modify the seat foam a little bit it was an easy mod and cost about $60 or so for the hinge and strut. I copied Fman’s work. 

[BSUBU_Kris]

A regular hinge will not work the same way.  The observers seat comes with a regular hinge but it opens the wrong way and I have always hated the access because of that.  In order to use a regular hinge that will open the same way you have to modify the seat base (inside the cushion) so you can connect the hinge to the back of the seat cushion. Then you are also screwing the hinge through the seat material.  Malibu did this for a couple years but quit because the piece inside the seat that the hinge connects to would come undone over time and created a big warranty issue.  This hinge connects to the carpeted piece behind the seat and then to the bottom base of the seat cushion so no modifications to the seat cushion.  If someone can find this same type of hinge they have way better search skills than I do.  

I made up drawings of the hinge and sent them to my brother who fabricated them.  This was the prototype and the rest will be about an inch shorter in height so they won’t stick up above the top of the seat cushion.  Initially I thought they would have to be taller in order for the seat to open all the way up but once installed it is clear they can be shorter with no impact on how they operate.  My brother is interested in making more if others are interested.  I don’t have an Axis but from pictures it appears these would work on those boats also.

[HouFF]

I’m interested in a pair. How much did he decide to sell them for?

[Brichter14]

That’s sweet. This winter I put a stainless piano hinge on the starboard side cushion to match the port. But they open the opposite way. Works but I like your way better. What hinges are those?

[dalt1]

On my 12 VLX, I hinged it from the side. Works great.Cushion is a lot shorter.

[Lptexastornado1]

@BSUBU_Kris did you ever get finalized in version 2?  I have a 2006 that I would like to get some as does my best friend who just got the same boat and hates the current design with the hinges how they came from factory 

[Slug]

I would like to buy some of these custome hindges. I have a friend who would like to as well. Both 2006 23LSV boats

[Lptexastornado1]

That’s atleast 4 sets now we just need @BSUBU_Kris to reply back  with hopefully good news that his brother can make them. 

[BSUBU_Kris]

I have been buried with work and just coming up for air.  My brother is back in production and has revised the hinges a bit.  Little thicker stainless steel and a shorter height.  Much improved, really solid when open and you can't really see the hinge when closed.  It is now about 1/2" to 1" below the top of the seat.  I will try to get some pictures up.

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/WA69agkOQmGBcoQ4mYKadQ.Bs0rZ10bbCh2xNTDYY6M-F

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/Se57e5SaTU-JobVjjeQwfw.7173Hh7RLas6JfwPWcznQT

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/jAdLsrA6TJOxWoJeFrTH5A.x46wRVQZxN-07c83rrtbqv

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/L77wBm4URk6OkC29SRb-fg.7P4OywbqpyrBshxtwiOFIs

Really happy with the way these turned out.  Once installed they look factory except they work better.  He does have to weld a longer bent leg to the hinge so you will see the weld before you install them and he is not polishing the weld out but once installed you can't see any of it.  He is selling them for $125/seat or $225 for two seats.  Each seat is two hinges and one gas strut assembly.

Kris

[lapapermaker]

I'm interested in two sets for my '10 23LSV.  I too hate the forward hinge on the stock seat on the OS.  Thanks for sharing the work, great fix!

[BSUBU_Kris]

I put a video and some pics of the hinges on the Malibu & Axis Boat Owners Page on Facebook this morning.  Let me know if you want any and I can coordinate an order for you.

Kris