After the second time my seat broke, it was time to replace it. The kayak is a Nigel Dennis Explorer. I used a preformed Valley foam seat and cut the back rest from Mini-cell. The piece in front of the seat is an extender that I put in when the original seat was in place to stop my legs from going numb. When I put in the new seat I just left it in place.

1. An empty cock pit – I had to clean and sand it. Then mark where the new seat would go. Notice the old “seat extension” I left in place.

2. The bits & Bobs – So I got out the seat and then eyeballed a quick rough cut for the back brace.

3. Then the fussy filing begins with the “dragon skin”. This took the most time trying to get it right. The key to getting it comfortable was indenting the middle to support my spine.

4. I would shave it, then set it in the boat. Sit in it, shave it, set it in . . . . Until I had it where I wanted.

5. When everything was ready I glued each bit in place. Notice I added small square sections of foam on each side of the back rest to support it when I’m rolling or rotating. It may not look like it, but this is darn comfortable!

To see more information about kayak modification & repairs I’ve attempted view the “Repairs & Modifications” archive on the blog by clicking here.