best place to have cushions recovered?

[gitpicker2007]

Does anyone have any advice on recovering all my 1981s cushions? They're totally original and fraying out.
I've talked to several places here in the Kemah Texas area, but I simply can't believe how expensive it would be to recover them?
Are there any places that sell a reasonably prices "replacement" type set of zip on covers?

thanks

 

[allen-deckard]

Don't know about where you live so this is general advice.

1. Get away from boat places they are the cushions from inside your boat no different than your couch or a pillow.

2. try a seamstress ask around they exist.

3. try an upholstery shop that works on pillows or couches chairs ect.

4. honestly do you reeeeeealy need the zipper? I'm telling you right now the zipper is about the most expensive part your having done zippers are way expensive for large heavy zippers. Think about leaving say a long flap you might say and tucking the material in if you want an opening or think outside the box if your wanting to save money.

5. you don't really need sunbrella yah it's nice but is it really necessary it's not really in the sun.


These are just some thoughts to think about. but don't think about it being a boat but think more about it being a living room and I think it will really open up possibilities for you.

 

[T_Cat]

I had my travel trailer cushions redone at an upholstery shop. Instead of a zipper have them use Velcro. Cheaper way to go.

 

[CloudDiver]

I hope no one takes offense to this suggestion, but it is simple fact if you live in southern border states... Try to find a small shop run by sweet little Mexican-American lady. There are plenty of very talented Mexican-Americans down here in So Cal in various skilled trades, one of them being sewing/seamstress. Often they work out of home or co-located in another business, or they just do "side-work". Anyway, they are typically much more fair about price, but I suggest sourcing your own foam and vinyl/sunbrella or whatever supplies needed.

 

[Calif. Ted]

I went to an upholstery shop in the desert half way to Las Vegas where they'd never seen a sailboat. Got plush auto fabric on top and vinyl bottoms, 12 pieces for a 27 ft. boat including aft cabin and V-berth cushions for $1200. Foam not included, just re-upholstered what I supplied, he'll charge more next time he said.

 

[CaptDon01]

"best place to have cushions recovered?"

I'll have to put in a cheap plug for Hilario, owner of Catalina Interior and Canvas Shop, 21200 Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, 818-470-9664

Hilaro made new interior cushions for our C-22. He uses only the finest materials, and is an old world craftsman. Our quarter berth cushions use 3" of new premium foam, and we had purchased a 3" memory foam topper from Costco, and Hilario covered them with the same material used on the quarter berths. He also modified the quarter berth cushions to make it easier to get into the two storage compartments under them. He also made our pop-top cover with some nice modifications for us, and a new carpet for the salon. His address might look familiar, that's because he ran the Catalina upholstery shop for Frank Butler for 35 years, and his shop is the old Catalina factory upholstery shop. He has the factory pattern for any cushion or piece of canvas for any Catalina manufactured. Workmanship is absolutely second to none. Not the cheapest cushions, but certainly the best in my opinion.

And OH! the difference memory foam makes for a great night sleeping onboard.

Don

 

[hewebb]

I purchased the material then took the material and cushions to a automotive upholstery shop that I have used in he past for a car. Got a great job.

 

[gitpicker2007]

thanks for the tips, especially about not needing the zipper. That's a good point.

 

[azguy]

zippers are very expensive, especially good ones, use Velcro and save money. A cover is just a big pocket...