We just bought our first boat and I am interested in re-covering the cushions. Should I use a specific material designed for marine use? Can I use any old material? I am thinking of sticking with nautical colors (navy, red), any suggestions? I thank you in advance!
Cushion Covering?
- Thread starter gr8nurs1271
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use marine fabric if you can.
We had our cabin cushions recovered 2 years ago,,,we had them done in dark blue with white piping,,,they looked beautiful,,,until 2 things happened.....the first summer we had them,,,our son came down from swimming...he was dry but his swim suit was not....he sat down...when he got up his white swimsuit was blue,,,and we had a nice wet circle on the cushion.....second happened when we wernt on the boat.....our deck hatch sprung a drip leak on a driving rain,,,,that left another water mark on the cushions....the wet blue then bleed onto the white piping..... we flipped the cushion....I tried scotch gaurding but that will be a patch....try anything that is water resistant and stain removable...they will take a beating.
We had our cabin cushions recovered 2 years ago,,,we had them done in dark blue with white piping,,,they looked beautiful,,,until 2 things happened.....the first summer we had them,,,our son came down from swimming...he was dry but his swim suit was not....he sat down...when he got up his white swimsuit was blue,,,and we had a nice wet circle on the cushion.....second happened when we wernt on the boat.....our deck hatch sprung a drip leak on a driving rain,,,,that left another water mark on the cushions....the wet blue then bleed onto the white piping..... we flipped the cushion....I tried scotch gaurding but that will be a patch....try anything that is water resistant and stain removable...they will take a beating.
Automotive fabricks
If you think about it, car seats get pretty heavy use, get wet, get spills etc. There is a huge selection of fabrics available from auto upholstery shops and it is probably less expensive than anything with the word "marine" on it.
If you think about it, car seats get pretty heavy use, get wet, get spills etc. There is a huge selection of fabrics available from auto upholstery shops and it is probably less expensive than anything with the word "marine" on it.
Stick with color fast synthetics ....
natural fibers have the dye ON the surface of the fibers, plus natural fibers are subject to fast degradation: UV, molds/mildews, oxidation, and will 'decompose' when wet, etc. Synthetics have the dye incorporated IN the polymer and are therefore 'color fast''; Polyesters are reknown for long life and easy cleaning. The new micro-fiber polyesters are very soft and yet durable. For inexpensive cushion covers I use 'Velux' blankets ... and simply replace the covering about every 5 years. Extremely soft and Very easy to sew but the material is not 'too' durable.
natural fibers have the dye ON the surface of the fibers, plus natural fibers are subject to fast degradation: UV, molds/mildews, oxidation, and will 'decompose' when wet, etc. Synthetics have the dye incorporated IN the polymer and are therefore 'color fast''; Polyesters are reknown for long life and easy cleaning. The new micro-fiber polyesters are very soft and yet durable. For inexpensive cushion covers I use 'Velux' blankets ... and simply replace the covering about every 5 years. Extremely soft and Very easy to sew but the material is not 'too' durable.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is not the most comfortable but it is more durable than anything I know of. And the color choices are unreal. I used it on a previous boat and would do it again. Grant p.s. I guess you bought the Catalina?
Sunbrella is not the most comfortable but it is more durable than anything I know of. And the color choices are unreal. I used it on a previous boat and would do it again. Grant p.s. I guess you bought the Catalina?
Try Upholstery Shop
We've redone our interior 3 or 4 times in the last 20 years....Have always had Allen's in Wichita do the cushions with piping and bolsters and it just looks like new....even when wet....I assume the material is a synthetic but looks like cotton and has never been hurt by dampness or water.....roughly 22-25 bucks a yard installed but worth it....
We've redone our interior 3 or 4 times in the last 20 years....Have always had Allen's in Wichita do the cushions with piping and bolsters and it just looks like new....even when wet....I assume the material is a synthetic but looks like cotton and has never been hurt by dampness or water.....roughly 22-25 bucks a yard installed but worth it....
Catalina Yacht
Rodger, I just finished a major refit on an 89 Catalina 27 including all new cushions. You are correct, you send your old covers (not the foam)to catalina and they will send you a perfect fitting replacement. Here is the rub. I e-mailed an employee (Chris) with catalina several times and got quotes over the phone from them. The quote was $1400. and change. Anyway I had Chris send me an e-mail showing the quote. Five weeks later I get my cushions and an invoice for just under $2000.00 plus shipping was $215.00. I sent Chris a copy of the e-mail he sent me, and catalina made it right! So it's 2K for a 27 and 3K for a 30. If I were to do it again I would consider a local shop. But, catalina did a GREAT job. The cushions come in blue, blue and blue. Fair winds, Grant
Rodger, I just finished a major refit on an 89 Catalina 27 including all new cushions. You are correct, you send your old covers (not the foam)to catalina and they will send you a perfect fitting replacement. Here is the rub. I e-mailed an employee (Chris) with catalina several times and got quotes over the phone from them. The quote was $1400. and change. Anyway I had Chris send me an e-mail showing the quote. Five weeks later I get my cushions and an invoice for just under $2000.00 plus shipping was $215.00. I sent Chris a copy of the e-mail he sent me, and catalina made it right! So it's 2K for a 27 and 3K for a 30. If I were to do it again I would consider a local shop. But, catalina did a GREAT job. The cushions come in blue, blue and blue. Fair winds, Grant
Cushions
We went to a local upholstery shop and had new cushions made; new 4" foam, new stadium seating fabric, and new naugahyde backing. V-berth(2), Q-berth(1), and settee(4); 7 brand new cushions, $1,500. Go new and local and spend the difference in something else you "need" for the boat.
We went to a local upholstery shop and had new cushions made; new 4" foam, new stadium seating fabric, and new naugahyde backing. V-berth(2), Q-berth(1), and settee(4); 7 brand new cushions, $1,500. Go new and local and spend the difference in something else you "need" for the boat.
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