ShopTalk Interior "Portuguese bridge" cushion project case study By Terri Madden A "Portuguese bridge" is a walkway behind the foredeck, in front and to the sides of the pilothouse windows, separated from the foredeck by a (generally) waist- R ecently, Sand Sea and Air welcomed a 134-foot luxury motor yacht built in 1988 to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was designed to cruise in lavish comfort and classic elegance. The large exterior deck cushions below the bridge were located in an ideal space for lounging while cruising, yet over time, some cushions had blown away and the new fabric color did not match the existing Navy Sunbrella® cushions. This article details our approach to replacing the cushions. high bulwark. The bridge deflects green water from the foredeck up over the superstructure top rather than slamming against the forward windows of the pilothouse. It gives a semi-sheltered area outside the pilothouse while underway. It also provides a "safe area" during inclement weather. and provides additional storage space. Photo 1 The original fabricators did not ensure their work would stay in place; nor did they visually align the cushions with the irregular length and height along the contour of the 20-foot space. 1 Photo 2 Only a 2-inch strip of Velcro® brand hook and loop tape from port to starboard held the back cushions in place, and the front edge of the seat cushions had fewer than two snaps per piece. Neither the hook and loop tape nor the snaps provided a durable fastening system for the mega yacht cushions. Photo 3 We had to consider adjustments for a tight corner fit for the seats and backs because the corners registered a 70-degree instead of a 90-degree angle, which is more typical for perpendicular sides. 44 Marine Fabricator | July/August 2019 2 3