Cushions

[Bruce]

I have a 1980 27’ Hunter at Windmill Point. All cushions / mattresses are original equipment and need to be replaced before my wife and kids will sleep on the boat again! I want to replace them with something a little more resistant to mold than foam and get new covers as well. Does anyone know where I can get something like this built to spec and for a reasonable price? (5 cushions / mattresses total) Ideally someplace close to home (Richmond) or the boat would be great.

 

[Eric C Lindstrom]

Any seamstress would do ...

Choose a fabric that looks great and is slightly durable, bring the old cushions and the fabric to any seamstress and they can make you some beautiful cushions. They'll add the piping and the zippers and might even add the vinyl backing (like ours did) so they don't slide around so much.Have the family choose the fabric they'd like to sleep on.If you make a few phone calls you can see who has the best prices. Of course you can go to a marine-based sewing company but they'll charge twice as much.Once it's done you'll think you bought a new boat.Good luck!

 

[Steve Dion]

US Yacht Cushions

Bruce:Get a price from US Yacht Cushions. You can contact them at 727/528-9644. They have fabric that is for commercial purposes and it is treated. In my opinion most fabric that you may use for a sofa at home may or may not be suitable for the environment on the boat. There are many things to consider when making boat cushions. I think that if a cushion sets on fiberglass there should be a vinyl back rather than fabric. You also need to deal with someone that knows about sleeping on this stuff rather than sitting on it like a sofa too. You also do not want to let anyone talk you into metal zippers.If nothing else these people can give you an estimate for your boat so you will know what is fair or not. Be careful of the "cheapest" price too. Know what type of work they do before you give them the job.

 

[Jim S]

Alternative to regular mattress foam

If you're looking for a little more durability and maybe more resistance to mildew, decay and odor retention, you might try closed cell foam for your mattress material.Closed cell is more money though and is a lot firmer to sit and lay on. Defender.com sells both kinds of materials (they claim very competitive prices but I honestly haven't shopped around), they'll send you the rectangular mattresses for you to trim, custom cut from templates or cushions you send to them, or they'll cover them for you.