The cockpit cushions we have now are vinyl and we are thinking about getting new ones made from Sunbrella. Does anyone have Sunbrella cushions? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Thanks.
MaryO
MaryO
Cockpit Cushions
- Thread starter paphman
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oh yes, we do and it was one of the best things we have done. Here is why:
They are warm when you are cold
They stay dry when it is wet
They don't stick to you when you are hot
They don't fade
They clean easily
They look great
I would recommend something that we did (our upholstery guys idea) but friends did not and it makes a difference: have piping put in and stitching lines horizontally across the them (port to starboard on the side cushions). Those two things keep the cushions where they belong inside the covers.
If I were to start from scratch, I think I would have gotten a little different foam but we used the original foam (1988) and they are wonderful. Hurry, go do it!
They are warm when you are cold
They stay dry when it is wet
They don't stick to you when you are hot
They don't fade
They clean easily
They look great
I would recommend something that we did (our upholstery guys idea) but friends did not and it makes a difference: have piping put in and stitching lines horizontally across the them (port to starboard on the side cushions). Those two things keep the cushions where they belong inside the covers.
If I were to start from scratch, I think I would have gotten a little different foam but we used the original foam (1988) and they are wonderful. Hurry, go do it!
Last night I was ought with a friend who has a Cat 25 with clothe cushions. He liked my vinyl cushions much better because he wouldn't slide all around when heeling. Don't know if his are Sunbrella fabric, just know he said they were clothe. I haven't had any problem with mine at all.
We had nice vinyl cockpit cushions on our Capri-18 and LOVED them! When we bought our C-22 MK-II it didn't come with an cockpit cushions. We bought a couple "Go Anywhere Seats" from our local West Marine for around $50. each on sale. You can use them flat like a cushion to sit or lay on, or they fold up with a built-in ratchet so you have back support also. I like to fold them like a chair and it allows me to sit facing forward with my hand resting on the tiller, and my other hand resting on the lifeline. Great position when motoring, or sailing in light winds. Just turned out to be a better and cheaper alternative to traditional cockpit cushions for us.
Don
Don
For me I love the 22ft catalina but the seats in the cockpit and cabin are to low and give me a pain in the lower back. I bought 2 of the square throwable coast guard cushions just for myself at west marine or any where and sit on 2 of them.Solves the pain in the back and will get more for other guests. There 15 bucks each and you can put one behind you too.
Thank you all for the reply. LuzSD, I am not sure what you mean by "stitching lines horizontally across the them." Do you have trouble with them sliding when you heel?
Thank you.
MaryO
Thank you.
MaryO
MaryO, this is my first attempt to put up a picture so I doubt this will work but here is the descripton:
Fellow who did all of our canvas suggested that we do horizontal stitching across the top and it has turned out to be a good idea. There is almost no movement between the fabric and the foam inside. Not true of some that we have seen that don't have separate seams.
Yesterday we went out with friends and kept the cusions out, and were sorry. They drew the heat in and we were heeling quite a bit and they were just in the way. That said, in the evenings relaxing and in the mornings, and cruising at night, the cloth are a lifesaver.
LuzSD
I like this idea. I think that I have a few winter projects now. One is to make cushion covers and another is a cabin cover for protecting the bright work wood trim. I think that one thing that I might change is to make the cushion covers two tone. Light on one side and darker blue on the other. that way on a hot day, I can put the lighter side up
LuzSD
Thanks for the reply. That looks like a great idea. I will be using that will the new covers. Thanks again
MaryO
Thanks for the reply. That looks like a great idea. I will be using that will the new covers. Thanks again
MaryO
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