I am preparing to reupholster the cushions on my Hunter 23 and wonder if anyone has any 'lessons learned the hard way' tips for me. Someone on the dock has redone his cushions without any sewing whatsoever! He cut the fabric so it lapped over tha back of the cushion 6-8", placed grommets every 3 " and laced the slipcovers on. He has the ability to easily take the covers off for cleaning, etc. If anyone has ideas I'd really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks Kris Staudacher s/v My Turn
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Mickey Goodman
Cushion Covers
My wife made new cushion covers for all the cushions on our Catalina 25' and I purchased new cushion covers for our Hunter 37'. The "lesson learned" when purchasing new covers was that you should purchase from a LOCAL upholsterer. I went back to the company that did the original job for Hunter to remake the covers. It became a real hassle. They finally got it done but went through hell, numerous telephone calls and a lot of time. You have more clout with someone local since their reputation is always on the line. Long distance upholsterer are more indepentant. My wife spent a lot of time making the cushions for our 25' boat and said that she wouldn't even consider doing it again. Consider the amount of time you will need to spend versus what it would cost to have them made by a professional.
My wife made new cushion covers for all the cushions on our Catalina 25' and I purchased new cushion covers for our Hunter 37'. The "lesson learned" when purchasing new covers was that you should purchase from a LOCAL upholsterer. I went back to the company that did the original job for Hunter to remake the covers. It became a real hassle. They finally got it done but went through hell, numerous telephone calls and a lot of time. You have more clout with someone local since their reputation is always on the line. Long distance upholsterer are more indepentant. My wife spent a lot of time making the cushions for our 25' boat and said that she wouldn't even consider doing it again. Consider the amount of time you will need to spend versus what it would cost to have them made by a professional.
If it looks professional.....
Kristie: If you job looks professional when you get done that is fine. But remember that if/when you go to sell your boat (and most do at some time), the boat that looks the best to the prospective buyer is the one that is going to sell first. This is regardless of price. So if your upholstery job looks just as good as the next guys you will be fine. If not, you are going to have to wait for the right buyer or lower your price to compensate. Before you decide check with US Yacht Cushions in Fl. 727/896-3284. They have many of the patterns for the Hunters. Figure out how much material you need including fabric, vinyl (for undersides of cushions), velcro, zippers etc. The fabric should also be treated with something like scotch guard. If you need new foam (most do), you need to figure out cutting and shaping it too. Do you have a sewing machine that is capable of doing this type of work? Like Mickey said, it's a lot of work. Depending on what your time is worth, check out the alternatives.
Kristie: If you job looks professional when you get done that is fine. But remember that if/when you go to sell your boat (and most do at some time), the boat that looks the best to the prospective buyer is the one that is going to sell first. This is regardless of price. So if your upholstery job looks just as good as the next guys you will be fine. If not, you are going to have to wait for the right buyer or lower your price to compensate. Before you decide check with US Yacht Cushions in Fl. 727/896-3284. They have many of the patterns for the Hunters. Figure out how much material you need including fabric, vinyl (for undersides of cushions), velcro, zippers etc. The fabric should also be treated with something like scotch guard. If you need new foam (most do), you need to figure out cutting and shaping it too. Do you have a sewing machine that is capable of doing this type of work? Like Mickey said, it's a lot of work. Depending on what your time is worth, check out the alternatives.
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Bill Welsch
Home made cushions
We redid the cushions on our 1973 Oday Mariner, our primary boat before we bought our H240. It was a fun winter project. The material we used was a light fabric, not sure what kind. Bought it at a local fabric store, used nylon thread and velcro closures (to avoid the hassle of zippers). It was a big improvement over what we had and the cushions still look good today--esp since they can be removed and washed. The cost, of course, was most reasonable. Sorry I dont have more detail. Good luck Bill Welsch s/v Renewal
We redid the cushions on our 1973 Oday Mariner, our primary boat before we bought our H240. It was a fun winter project. The material we used was a light fabric, not sure what kind. Bought it at a local fabric store, used nylon thread and velcro closures (to avoid the hassle of zippers). It was a big improvement over what we had and the cushions still look good today--esp since they can be removed and washed. The cost, of course, was most reasonable. Sorry I dont have more detail. Good luck Bill Welsch s/v Renewal
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Janel Chrestenson
Upholstery Tips
I reupholstered my 1977 H-25 this year. My factory cushions actually weren't too bad but were looking rather flat and tattered. I had new foam cut after competitively price shopping and asking tons of questions about firmness, etc. I got a fairly dense foam that was mildew resistant (marine grade green foam). My boat is in the water all the time so that was very important. Good quality foam in California for ALL cushions (V birth, 2 port setees and 1 starboard) cost $275.00. Well worth the price. I got fabric at wholesaler for about $125.00 (10 yards - not much left over) for the tops and boxing (sides). The marine grade vinyl for the bottoms was another $60.00 at $9/yard for 6 yards and I had some left over. The zippers must be large plastic. Run them centered on each cushion with about 6 inches from each top and bottom of each cushion. So you need them about a foot less than each cushion. Don't go the cheap route. Get the good, large plastic zippers. Put them in and then cut the vinyl. You want your fabric covers to be very tight on the foam because the fabric will stretch. It is a "@#%##" to stuff the cushions into the fabric. Totally hidden video to be exact, but they will fit. You just have to smoosh them around and pinch, pull and etc. A very snug fit is best. Go for the top and set the corners in tight first, then stuff the bottom and contort yourself until all the corners are in place. It takes time, so be patient. If they bow, they will flatten out. I used the actual foam as a pattern. I cut the top about 1/2 inch larger than the foam, the boxing (sides) in long strips, and the bottom vinyl likewise. I used 1-1/2 long strips sewn together for the welt (piping) but I didn't use any welt on the V birth cuz you can feel the welt when you sleep. All in all, it cost about $500 to do a first class job including all materials and the job is first class! You can find a ton of great cotton fabrics but they wear out quickly and stain easily. Watch your cotton content. Try to keep it less than 25%. I had to use an industrial sewing machine since I used upholstery fabric with scotchgard. If you don't have access to a professional machine, choose a lighter fabric. Good luck! Janel s/v Ms. Toad's Wild Ride San Francisco Bay, CA And yes, the Toad's interior is a very luscious dark green velvet/velour and it looks absolutely fabulous.
I reupholstered my 1977 H-25 this year. My factory cushions actually weren't too bad but were looking rather flat and tattered. I had new foam cut after competitively price shopping and asking tons of questions about firmness, etc. I got a fairly dense foam that was mildew resistant (marine grade green foam). My boat is in the water all the time so that was very important. Good quality foam in California for ALL cushions (V birth, 2 port setees and 1 starboard) cost $275.00. Well worth the price. I got fabric at wholesaler for about $125.00 (10 yards - not much left over) for the tops and boxing (sides). The marine grade vinyl for the bottoms was another $60.00 at $9/yard for 6 yards and I had some left over. The zippers must be large plastic. Run them centered on each cushion with about 6 inches from each top and bottom of each cushion. So you need them about a foot less than each cushion. Don't go the cheap route. Get the good, large plastic zippers. Put them in and then cut the vinyl. You want your fabric covers to be very tight on the foam because the fabric will stretch. It is a "@#%##" to stuff the cushions into the fabric. Totally hidden video to be exact, but they will fit. You just have to smoosh them around and pinch, pull and etc. A very snug fit is best. Go for the top and set the corners in tight first, then stuff the bottom and contort yourself until all the corners are in place. It takes time, so be patient. If they bow, they will flatten out. I used the actual foam as a pattern. I cut the top about 1/2 inch larger than the foam, the boxing (sides) in long strips, and the bottom vinyl likewise. I used 1-1/2 long strips sewn together for the welt (piping) but I didn't use any welt on the V birth cuz you can feel the welt when you sleep. All in all, it cost about $500 to do a first class job including all materials and the job is first class! You can find a ton of great cotton fabrics but they wear out quickly and stain easily. Watch your cotton content. Try to keep it less than 25%. I had to use an industrial sewing machine since I used upholstery fabric with scotchgard. If you don't have access to a professional machine, choose a lighter fabric. Good luck! Janel s/v Ms. Toad's Wild Ride San Francisco Bay, CA And yes, the Toad's interior is a very luscious dark green velvet/velour and it looks absolutely fabulous.
There you have it.
Kristie: There you have it. About $500 in materials plus your labor. Janel, just a tip incase you ever do the stuffing again. Some of the shops cover the foam with plastic wrap. The spray the foam with a contact adheasive and put this plastic wrap on the foam. This is suppose to make stuffing easier!
Kristie: There you have it. About $500 in materials plus your labor. Janel, just a tip incase you ever do the stuffing again. Some of the shops cover the foam with plastic wrap. The spray the foam with a contact adheasive and put this plastic wrap on the foam. This is suppose to make stuffing easier!
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Kris
Thanks Everyone
for all of the great advice. You gave me some great tips; now I just have to get to work!!
for all of the great advice. You gave me some great tips; now I just have to get to work!!
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