looking for seat bottom suggestions...

I've got a pre-2015 Hobie AI, which means that I sit in a puddle of water, except on the days where it's no fun to have an AI. I finally decided to do something about it. I made a PVC frame that will keep my butt out of the water--see the pictures below. I've already got a seat back that works well (it's made out of PVC pipe and lots of bungee cord), so, it's just the seat bottom that is needed.

I'm thinking that there must be some sort of mesh that would work well for this, but (butt?) I seem to be having trouble Googling up anything that looks like a good fit. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

I've been using this pad and really feel like i've dramatically improved the comfort of the old style seat.  I also bought a new old-style seat, but the stitching came un-done so now i'm learning to sew.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JMXZ7DQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

a 3 inch might be better

I've been using this pad and really feel like i've dramatically improved the comfort of the old style seat.  I also bought a new old-style seat, but the stitching came un-done so now i'm learning to sew.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JMXZ7DQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

a 3 inch might be better

I'm looking for something to attach to the PVC tubing, so that the seat will be suspended above where the kayak seat normally sits. For example, I could just attach a piece of starboard plastic or even aluminum to the PVC tubing, and then put anything on top of that (such as the pad that you mention). That would probably be no worse, comfort-wise, than the current seat. However, I'm thinking that something more lawn-chair-like would be better, but can't figure out exactly what will work. Ideally, it would have a little give/flex, but not so much that it sags  more than an inch or so when I sit on it.

Maybe try some nylon strapping? 2" nylon strap is cheap, would be easy to attach, and is super durable.

What about using lawn chair webbing?

I use this on my AI...
https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Folding-Cuddy-Marble-Charcoal/dp/B01AL81B12

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=91836.msg1037880#msg1037880

one where the bottom isn't just plywood?  wow, that looks promising!

I use this on my AI...
https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Folding-Cuddy-Marble-Charcoal/dp/B01AL81B12

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=91836.msg1037880#msg1037880

I thought about that, but I've already got a seat back that I like, so just looking for the bottom part. And, I'm looking for something kinda cheap...

And, I'm looking for something kinda cheap...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/zip/d/santa-cruz-compactor-booster-seat/7748553261.html 

What about weaving a shitload of paracord to make a seat?  It may take some time, but it would likely support your butt no problem.  I guess you would need a square mount to do that...

Why not try one of those boat cushions that powerboaters use to qualify as a PFD - they're a couple inches thick and comfy. I bet they'd match up with your backrest pretty nicely and should get you above the slop. No assembly required. Good luck!

Cheers,
Brad

Maybe shade fabric from the hardware store.

What about weaving a shitload of paracord to make a seat?  It may take some time, but it would likely support your butt no problem.  I guess you would need a square mount to do that...

I’d originally planned to use bungee cord stretched as tight as possible. I might still try that (since I have a big roll of it), but paracord might make more sense.

Why not try one of those boat cushions that powerboaters use to qualify as a PFD - they're a couple inches thick and comfy. I bet they'd match up with your backrest pretty nicely and should get you above the slop. No assembly required. Good luck!

Cheers,
Brad

I use the cheap west marine ones on my dinghy, and they def soak up water. They are comfy tho. We wrap them in plastic grocery bags when it's wet out, and no more water soaking up through.

duct tape