Have you made cockpit cushions?

[john6206]

I think I might be over thinking this . . .but such is my nature.

I'm committed to making cockpit cushions for my Capri 18 (Having already bought the foam and fabric).

I’ve decided that 4 cushions make more sense than 2, so you don’t have to ask someone to stand up so you can open the lockers. They’d also be easier to shove into the cabin.

The commercially available cushions have a slight curve to them, to accommodate the very slight curve of the seats….but I’m starting to think rectangle cushions would be just fine.

My wife/ first mate/ seamstress says it doesn’t matter to her, ”you cut the foam and I’ll make the covers.”

the seats are so slightly curved that it’s hard to match the curve. Straight seems easier.

thoughts?

 

[fred1diver]

If the curve is that slight, don`t worry about it

 

[Calif. Ted]

My wife/ first mate/ seamstress says it doesn’t matter to her, ”you cut the foam and I’ll make the covers.”

If she's got the skills to sew the curve I'd say go for it, otherwise it'll bug you or her everytime you look at it.

 

[Joe]

I say, let your wife do her thing and you stay out of it. Curved or straight it will be beautiful and insure a happy crew.

 

[jeepbluetj]

I'd fit to the curve. Did it on my last boat. Looked very nice.

SWMBO wanted piping too. That was a sewing learning experience.

 

[thedude]

I'd make them with a curve. Shouldn't be too difficult to layout a template using cardboard and get a pretty closely matching fitment.

 

[Will Gilmore]

I made the patterns with heavy news print paper. The curve won't make any difference to the seamstress. If you go with straight, you may want slightly trapezoidal. Make sure both cushions are the same or you'll go crazy always getting them backwards.

-Will

 

[watercolors II]

Have made many of my own cushions plus cushions for friends. Yes, make patterns, DO NOT use old cushions for measurements or patterns. Cut foam larger than the patterns. Use Sailrite cushion bottom material to help cushion to breath

 

[john6206]

@watercolors II
cut foam larger than fabric so the cover with be tight? How much larger?

I thought about the mesh bottom fabric from sailrite, my wife said there is no advantage to that - she want's to use the sunbrella fabric on all sides. I ordered the open cell foam.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

I had our cushions made with all Sunbrella..Never regretted it

 

[HEINZIR]

Montgomery Sailboat Owners' Photo Site

msogphotosite.com

 

[jeepbluetj]

On the oversize, I'd go around 1/2" (~1cm) or a bit more. It really depends on the foam and the fabric. Full weight (9oz/yd) sunbrella is pretty stiff, it hides being baggy a bit(although I'd still oversize). The upholstery weight sunbrella will definitely look baggy without oversizing the foam. May be worth a trial piece to see.

Plastic zippers and pulls are mobetta for not dissolving into metallic mush, although the OP appears to be in fresh water.

Having both sides sunbrella gives you the option of flipping them over (since most cockpits are symmetrical) to balance wear/hide stains/etc.