Hi, we're getting ready to close on our brand new Catalina 35 ! I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations on cockpit cushions. We were looking at the website and noticed the vinyl bottomsiders. I'm wondering if we'll stick to them - whether sunbrella ones would be better. I'd appreciate your input. Joanne
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Bonnie
Cockpit cushions
We had sumbrella covered closed cell foam cushions for 15 years on our Catalina 34 and we loved them. They were comfortable to lay on and easy to clean. Just recently we purchased a new 350 and ordered the factory closed cell cushions with the vinyl covers. They fit really nice and with the snaps they don't slide around like the cloth covered cushions did. The only complaint I have is that we had a guest that smoked and burnt 2 small holes in the vinyl and my shoes had a loose eyelet that scraped some nasty lines in one of the cushions while I was laying on it. I tried to repair with a vinyl repair kit and made matters worse so I am now ordering two replacements after only 3 months. If I could do it over again I would custom order cloth covered closed cell with the snaps.
We had sumbrella covered closed cell foam cushions for 15 years on our Catalina 34 and we loved them. They were comfortable to lay on and easy to clean. Just recently we purchased a new 350 and ordered the factory closed cell cushions with the vinyl covers. They fit really nice and with the snaps they don't slide around like the cloth covered cushions did. The only complaint I have is that we had a guest that smoked and burnt 2 small holes in the vinyl and my shoes had a loose eyelet that scraped some nasty lines in one of the cushions while I was laying on it. I tried to repair with a vinyl repair kit and made matters worse so I am now ordering two replacements after only 3 months. If I could do it over again I would custom order cloth covered closed cell with the snaps.
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John
Catalina 350 Cockpit Cushions
When I purchased my 350, we chose the closed-cell cushions over the less expensive ones. However, our dealer informed us that he could save us money by having them done locally versus by the factory. So we don't have the snap connections in the cockpit. The cushions fit fine, but do slide a bit so I will have to figure out something to prevent this. The cushions for the stern pulpit seats do have snaps underneath for securing the cushions. I've been out on the boat a few times but it's not yet warm enough here to know whether or not we'll "stick" to the cushions. I tend to think we won't; the covering is not the shiny, smooth vinyl but rather an almost fabric-like heavy vinyl.
When I purchased my 350, we chose the closed-cell cushions over the less expensive ones. However, our dealer informed us that he could save us money by having them done locally versus by the factory. So we don't have the snap connections in the cockpit. The cushions fit fine, but do slide a bit so I will have to figure out something to prevent this. The cushions for the stern pulpit seats do have snaps underneath for securing the cushions. I've been out on the boat a few times but it's not yet warm enough here to know whether or not we'll "stick" to the cushions. I tend to think we won't; the covering is not the shiny, smooth vinyl but rather an almost fabric-like heavy vinyl.
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Tim Leighton
OUR CUSHION EXPERIENCE
We purchased a C-400 last year and ordered the factory cushions. They are very good and obviously fit perfectly and, with snaps, don't slide around. However, a couple of the snap straps came off the stern rail perch seat cushions and had to be replaced. In hindsight, we should have had them made locally or used either C Cushions of TX or BottomSiders. Both have web sites. After talking to our local canvas shop, they could have done the exact same job for about 15% less than the factory (who, by the way, uses an outside contractor to make their cushions). Same holds for the two shops I mentioned above. There are some things where it is best to have the factory do the install, this isn't one of them in my opinion unless your dealer offers a great price in order to close the deal. Smooth Sailing. BTW, congrads on your new boat! Tim Leighton S/V "Magic" C-400 # 251 S. Chesapeake Bay
We purchased a C-400 last year and ordered the factory cushions. They are very good and obviously fit perfectly and, with snaps, don't slide around. However, a couple of the snap straps came off the stern rail perch seat cushions and had to be replaced. In hindsight, we should have had them made locally or used either C Cushions of TX or BottomSiders. Both have web sites. After talking to our local canvas shop, they could have done the exact same job for about 15% less than the factory (who, by the way, uses an outside contractor to make their cushions). Same holds for the two shops I mentioned above. There are some things where it is best to have the factory do the install, this isn't one of them in my opinion unless your dealer offers a great price in order to close the deal. Smooth Sailing. BTW, congrads on your new boat! Tim Leighton S/V "Magic" C-400 # 251 S. Chesapeake Bay
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RonD
Factory Closed Cell Cushions
I have them on my C320 for two years now. They've given good service & are comfortable & clean up easily. They do get wet with dew & spray and need to be wiped off periodically, but canvas (Sunbrella fabric) would likely stay wet longer. I've had one snap-strap come off so far, but the others hold the cushion in place fairly well. We use a few Type-IV "throwable PFD" cushions as backrests. --RonD
I have them on my C320 for two years now. They've given good service & are comfortable & clean up easily. They do get wet with dew & spray and need to be wiped off periodically, but canvas (Sunbrella fabric) would likely stay wet longer. I've had one snap-strap come off so far, but the others hold the cushion in place fairly well. We use a few Type-IV "throwable PFD" cushions as backrests. --RonD
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Pete Peterson
Ameriseam
For our Catalina, we actually went with the Hunter standard equipment cushions. They have a web-type cover which dries quickly, but doesn't stick to your skin. They come with snaps which easily install on the seat. Ameriseam of 13801 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL will make them to your spec.
For our Catalina, we actually went with the Hunter standard equipment cushions. They have a web-type cover which dries quickly, but doesn't stick to your skin. They come with snaps which easily install on the seat. Ameriseam of 13801 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL will make them to your spec.
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Tom Abbott
Standard Catalina cushions
We ordered the standard vinyl cushions from Catalina and have been happy so far. Other than cost, the closed cell cushions are too firm to be comfortable over long periods - and you still have to wipe them down when they get wet with dew. Couldn't see the closed cell advantage... Tom C350, #8, Graeagle
We ordered the standard vinyl cushions from Catalina and have been happy so far. Other than cost, the closed cell cushions are too firm to be comfortable over long periods - and you still have to wipe them down when they get wet with dew. Couldn't see the closed cell advantage... Tom C350, #8, Graeagle
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Ralph Gorby
Another cushion alternative
After years of wrestling a pair of original Cat 36 cushions in and out of the cockpit and tolerating their bulk on board or under the dodger at night, keeping them dry, etc., we've opted for four $12 "stadium seats" from a local hardware store. Compact to store, give back as well as seat padding. They don't facilitate lying down as well, but sure are easier to handle, take up and down and store.
After years of wrestling a pair of original Cat 36 cushions in and out of the cockpit and tolerating their bulk on board or under the dodger at night, keeping them dry, etc., we've opted for four $12 "stadium seats" from a local hardware store. Compact to store, give back as well as seat padding. They don't facilitate lying down as well, but sure are easier to handle, take up and down and store.
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