Sourcing backrest foam blocks

[josko]

Thought about replacing my backrest with a foam block, thinking it would allow more rotation (since support is just a few inches on either side of the spine), but I'm having trouble finding them for sale. Does anybody know a link that has back foam blocks for sale?  If not, what kind/thickness of foam shold I think of getting to cut out my own?

Has anybody tried them out, and how do they compare to backbands?

Edited March 22, 2021 by josko
spelling

[Jim Snyder]

I couldn't find a block to purchase so I made one out of a piece of 3" foam leftover from a bulkhead block. I love it!

[josko]

Where do you get 3" bulkhead blocks?

[Jim Snyder]

I think mine came from NRS:

https://www.nrs.com/product/2076/minicell-foam?utm_campaign=shop_comp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=buy_now&utm_term=goog_product_2076&gclid=CjwKCAjwgOGCBhAlEiwA7FUXkl9ZU6tIeeqeSL2Qlc_uFspXATtDuDwhy84sn3M1ArHlqYKSVZ06wRoCifkQAvD_BwE

[Jeff Charette]

Another source for foam is kayakoutfitting.com. They have a larger selection of sizes and better prices than NRS.

[mhabich]

Yes, kayakoutfitting.com was my first thought. Great for foam blocks for bulkhead, but no specific seat back blocks. Nice people. 

[EEL]

 

Another source::

https://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=119_14&products_id=999&zenid=hvn6lp76h3q6rmbrk90a8qih51

Ed Lawson

[josko]

Thanks folks; it looks like I've got some foam carving in my future. What do people find as the optimal width of the foam backrest?

[Jim Snyder]

I like the 3", it feels good on my back. This is in an Explorer, it happened to work out that keeping it parallel to the bulkhead felt good.If you have a bandsaw that's the best way to get a clean square cut. If you make it so it fits behind the seat tight you can see how it feels and change the angle if needed. You can see in the picture I initially left a gap at the top of the seat pan causing a pinch but it was easy to fill in with a scrap. This made this boat so much more comfortable, and easier to get in too, with out having to adjust the backband. If anyone wants a vintage NDK backband you're welcome to it.

[Paul Sylvester]

2 or 3 inch foam is easy to get and is easily  laminated together with contact cement. The glue line will show but who cares?