Sewing new interior cushions for H30

[malyea]

Just got the keys to our 'new' '82 H30 and the first cosmetic upgrade is to build/sew new cushions for the interior.

I think we want to do it ourselves rather than have a company produce them. I have a friend who sews and I have some reference magazine articles......

Does anyone have first-hand experience with this project - any tips to pass on...does....don'ts....etc

How about product resources / links for fabric, foam, tools, kits, etc

Thanks

 

[Ed Schenck]

Will you use the original foam and bottoms? The PO of my boat did that and it came out well although I am not crazy about the fabric color and design. These cushions were done with top corners rolled over to the bottom. In other words no welt except at the bottom. And, of course, a full-length zipper on the back makes it much easier because you can finish it inside out. And so much easier than a top and bottom welt like the cockpit cushions I made.

 

[Steve Dion]

1. Quality vinyl zippers
2. Vinyl on the bottoms where the cushion will be in contact with fiberglass
3. Quality cloth (no cotton) with high abrasion resistance
4. Foam for sleeping quarter different qualities than seating cushions.

This is not an easy job to make it look professional. Price it out with someone that know boat cushions before you decide to do it yourself.

 

[Manny]

Recovering the cushions was on of our first major projects when we got our boat, I must confess that I didn't do them myself (I was intimidated by the thought of it) but I can offer some advice. In our case the foam wasn't in bad shape so we kept it. For starters choose good quality material. I bought canvas (duck cloth?) thinking it would be strong which it has been but the color runs a bit when wet and also fades. I've also noticed that the cut edges fray after washing. The old covers were used as patterns, get a good seam ripper to disassemble the covers - It's been suggested that an exacto knife will work but a high quality sharp curved ripper with replaceable blades will work much better and faster. Don't mix up the parts from one cover with another - (don't ask me how I know this!). We also reused the bottom vinyl and zippers which saved time and money. If there is any doubt always use the foam to assist in tweaking the patterns.
Good luck with this project, it's well worth the effort.
Manny

 

[tomgrigsby]

Also, use piping along the edges. It'll make the difference for whether they look homemade or professional

 

[Sailm8]

We used Velcro instead of zippers. Has been holding just fine. My wife thought they were easier than zippers to put in.