Thirty minutes into a fight with a big fish, your thighs are pinned against the gunwale and every wave drives the fiberglass edge into your legs. That's the moment you wish you'd padded the coaming.
Bolsters are one of the most-asked-about upgrades on the fishing forums, and the same three questions come up every time: how thick, how soft, and why the price. Here are straight answers from the shop that cuts them.
How thick is it, and how does it feel?
AquaGrip coaming bolsters are CNC-cut from cross-linked PE/EVA marine foam in three thicknesses, and you pick yours in the Design Studio.
- 12mm is dual density and low profile. A clean pad for tight coaming.
- 16mm, our standard, is dual density and the softest we make. Cushioned enough to lean on all day, firm enough to brace against when the boat rolls and the rod loads up.
- 20mm is the tallest, and it's single density, so it feels firmer. The most foam between your legs and the gunwale edge, with a solid, planted feel.
If you want soft, go 16mm. If you want the most padding with a firmer brace, go 20mm.
The material matters as much as the thickness. Cross-linked, closed-cell foam doesn't soak up water, won't crack in the sun, and shrugs off stains. It feels the same in September as it did the day you stuck it on.
Built for your gunwale, not a generic one
Off-the-shelf pads come in whatever size the factory picked. Your coaming wasn't designed around them. Ours are cut to your measurements, up to 79.5 inches long and 27 inches high, so they end exactly where your gunwale ends.
Pick a base color (Light Gray, Medium Gray or Teak), then make it yours:
- Custom logo engraving (+$10). Upload your boat's logo or name artwork and we route it right into the foam.
- Integrated ruler (+$8). Measure fish right where you're standing, no board needed.
Before we cut a thing, we draw your bolster and send you a proof. Revisions at the proof stage are free. Nothing goes on the CNC until you've signed off on exactly what you're getting.
Curved coaming or a multi-piece run? Our AquaScan templating system captures the exact shape so every section fits.
What goes into the price
Custom bolsters are priced by size, so a short run behind the helm costs less than a full-length gunwale pad. Custom bolsters start at $35, and the logo and ruler upgrades are the only add-ons. Genuine 3M marine-grade adhesive comes standard on every pad.
Want something ready to go? Our Coaming Bolsters Two-Piece Set is $65 for a pair of 4" × 39.25" bolsters in Medium Gray, Light Gray or Teak over black. No measuring required.
Installing them
Bolsters are peel-and-stick. The job lives or dies on prep: clean surface, acetone, alcohol, then roll it hard. Our install guide covers every step, and this post explains why skipping them is the main reason pads lift.
Pad your coaming before next season
Your legs take a beating every time you fish. Give them something better than fiberglass.
Questions about fit or a tricky layout? Call or text 203-580-8080, or email Info@AquaGripCT.com.