Not sure if anyone has some tips on seat backs...

My original solstice seat back wasn't that great and was going to just get a newer 2010 pad. Then CD sent the wrong pad so I just got the adjustable seat back from CD.
To where my issues start...
A) original shock cord doesn't pull the seat back correctly, causing the seat back to flop down under your bum when entering the cockpit
B) seat back rubs on upper cockpit lip
C) back strap is attached to the seat and when you raise it up or down the angle is incorrect. The seat back strap is 3/4 webbing and it can't stay flat because of the adjustable level of the seat back.
D) seat back has a pivot and nothing stops it from flopping down, again causing entrance issues

I'm having a feeling that this seat back wasn't made to fit into a solstice ? But then again a number of features on this seat where not designed well.

A)adjustable height but then the back strap is attached to the piece that moves up and down. So normally a flat webbing likes to be at a certain again so it stays flat. Well when you move the seat back up it causes the webbing to be at a bad angle. Which then causes it to fold and bunch up... So the scary thing is the seat isn't even at 1/4 of its max extended height like in the pictures. If you did your flat webbing would be at the worst angle possible.

B)no noticeable design to keep the seat and cushion in upright position..

My mickey mouse attempt to repair the problems:
-shock cord pulling seat back towards rear bulkhead
-shock cord pulling seat back cushion back to correct issues with entering kayak. Possibly a spring could do this as well...
-modification to cockpit edge to clear seat back
-zap straps holding the webbing flat so that it can't fold over

Which seems to have fixed the entrance issue my main safety concern!



Original pictures from web

camshaft,

That style of seatback has always been problematic for me, whether of CD origin or otherwise.

If you want to invest some time and money in it, I'd suggest you consider one of the several after-market backbands from the WW side. One variant; there are quite a few of these out there: http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/v ... dproduct=9

With four-point suspension forward and a pair of clippable/unclippable bungies aft, you can put the backband exactly where you need it, and also avoid the entrapment/entry concerns inherent in a seatback which pivots low and is loose at the top.

PS: your current bungie solution would be improved if you separated them. Have to drill some holes in the after deck, though!

I was thinking maybe that straps where coming into the seat at the wrong angle. But with this picture you can see the straps are almost perfectly straight. Looking at it more it seems the swivel assembly causes the assembly to be back further. Which causes it to be at a different angle then the webbing straps.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean Dave ? My original plan was to put an attachment point on the rear bulkhead. Only issue is my bulkheads are ABS plastic and not very strong. So I put the attachment in the upper aft deck.
The reason I have two shock cords one is to hold the complete seat back assembly back. Then the white shock cord is to hold the seat cushion or tilt it back. So that when you are entering the cockpit your bum doesn't grab the top of the cushion. Which you could replace the shock cord with some sort of spring. Something like this



[img]your%20current%20bungee%20solution%20would%20be%20improved%20if%20you%20separated%20them.%20%20Have%20to%20drill%20some%20holes%20in%20the%20after%20deck,%20though![/img]

One bungie at each rear corner of the seatback, run directly aft or slightly outwards to an attachment underdecks. From the front, that seatback des not look bad at all. Is it in the right place for you?

PS: springs don't have the reach on extension a bungie does, in case you want to allow for storage of a fleece top or similar behind the seat. A straight back pull is better and more secure.

thanks Dave
Well I would love to have the seat back up higher but that is impossible with out moving the whole seat. As one of my issues is the seat back is hitting the cockpits lower lip. Which I have had to modify a bit to just get it in the position it is now.

As for the rear white shock cord its only job is to tilt the rear seat pad up. So I was thinking a spring on the hinge area would work alot better then the cord. The cord gets in the way of the seat cushion cover and is another annoying cord behind the seat.

Seems like an awful lot going on back there for no more than it is there to do. I know that folks have different needs in mind for those back supports but I wonder if something more simple like a typical backband might do the deed. For certain there is a need out there for serious back support but not being one of those who need it I'm thinking that you might consider something less complicated.

Dave's idea is good. I've also heard good things about the IR backbands. I've had very good experience with the Snap Dragon back bands in some of my boats (http://snapdragondesign.com/products-page/back-bands/)
This one comes with a strap or a flexible plastic inner band. The strap version is more flexible and to my liking but will be more apt to twist and mess up on re-entry. The one with the plastic inner band won't mess up on re-entry but, in my experience, is more apt to hinder rotation.

All seem to bungee well onto the underside of the cockpit rim or whatever and stay in place pretty well during entry / reentry.
I've pretty much quit using them, though, as bungeed to the underside of the rim they float too high on my back for my liking. I prefer something that either isn't touching me when I paddle or will sit very low on my backside, almost on my butt, and stay there. The Wilderness Systems backband does this really well but requires tethering at specific points.

Thanks chodups

Ya I saw the dragon back strap and it looks like a great kit. But just like you said its a personal preference on how your band sits..

Most of my boats use backbands(my favorite one to date has been the simple soft flexible one from some Prijon w/w boat that i had in my Elaho), my second favorite is the Planetary Gear backband that SportsJunkies in Vancouver sell. I've had a few boats with a factory Immersion Research backband, and unlike many people that it really works well for, I personally can not stand that backband.
My 2003 Solstice GTS has the very simple backrest that's held down/pulled back by one bungee looped through the seat base,and the one strap that adjusts it forward/back. Simple,clean,and definitely one of the comfiest backrests I've used so far.
That contraption you got looks pretty similar to the backrest of the Wilderness Systems "Phase 3" recreationally outfitted boats. I'd keep it as simple as possible. Also I'd stay away from springs unless it really is a marine grade stainless steel spring,anything else will rust like something nasty.