Cabin Cushion Replacement

[OrcaSailor]

Greetings O'Day Owners,

I am new to the group and I have just purchased a 1976 O'Day 25 in wonderful condition but with some accessorizing to update. The first project is to replace the 38 year old cabin and V-berth cushions. Any recommendations, guidance, or sources would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,
OrcaSailor
Lake Monroe, IN

 

[FastOlson]

Done Right, It Lasts

You'll receive many ideas for fabric types and they're all valid.
You just have to decide what you really like and enjoy looking at, day in and day out.

One Basic Consideration that many owners miss, however, is the cushion foam itself. The original foam was likely about 1.8 density or maybe even less. Less density = less money spent on building a production boat = a bit more profit.
And, the owner for the first 5 years (max.) is unlikely to notice how fast the cushions "go flat" when they sit or sleep on 'em.

Go with 2.6 # density and also specify that they are wrapped in a fluffy dacron material before the covers are (carefully and laboriously) pulled back over them. Have the main cabin cushion seats and backs tufted so the material will not creep or sag.

Our original factory cushions were all built this way, and when we had them re-stuffed in 1995, the hi-density foam we opted for then still remains as firm and comfortable in this year, 2014. Since foam is expensive no matter how good or mediocre, better to put a few extra $$ into real and durable comfort and enjoyment. After all, this is your second home!

Visitors often comment on how unexpectedly comfortable our interior is when we are all sittin' around during happy hour and dinner.

Regards,
Loren

 

[Stu Jackson]

Loren's right.

If the cushions are in good shape (and the foam) consider keeping them just the way they are. Doing nothing is always an option. On our 1981 Catalina 25 back in the early 90s, the cushions were in such good shape that we found much better things to $$ on. They were the 1980s famous plaid, brown with lots of light blue. Had they not had that blue, I would have ripped them out immediately, 'cuz I've seen pictures of the only-brown plaid material!

Sources & stuff: Don't know how handy you are, Sailrite has lots of good ideas on their website (materials as well as DIY). That's where I'd go for starters, then ask around locally (in addition to here).

 

[25yearslater]

Welcome! I went to this place and used this stuff for my covers http://www.decorativefabricsdirect.com/THYME_Check_Plaid_Dobby_Weave_Fabric_p/526511.htm and went to this place for the foam as did Panta Rei http://www.foamdistributing.com/HDR_1/hd36-regular-foam.html they also have higher density foam and foam that meets federal fire resistant foam. Rather pricey for that stuff. Along with a Singer Confidence Quilter I picked up new for 400 and for less than a thousand bucks I got this -

 

[Erieau]

I recovered my cushions with outdoor-grade fabric from Fabricland, a local chain fabric store. There were more options than I could shake a stick at.
As to the foam, well, the factory original ('78 O'Day 25) was crap, but a PO had replaced the main settee cushions with firmer stuff. Lucky me.

 

[Panera]

Hi,

Just bought an O'Day 25 and looking to get the cushions replaced as well. Been working the local upholstery shops and getting ballpark prices from $1,000 to $2,800. I live in NH and have the boat in Portland Maine. How are you making out on the cushions?