So lets talk cabin cushions...

[Hooks]

I have recently acquired a small boat that needs a bit of love. I'm happy to have something to do with my free time so the work and time involved isn't a concern. The money involved is a big concern.

I've got a list of things to do. Top of the list is replacing rotten wood and replacing the cushions in the cabin. I plan on living aboard so fixing up the inside issues is top priority for me so I can move on her. Then I can tackle any outdoor issues.

So most of the cushions had no covering on them. The only ones that had the original covers were in the VBerth and I ripped it off. Stinks and probably infested with mold.

The foam is in rough shape. Looks like it was all 4" foam but the V berth was so used the foam collapsed to 3".

I plan on sleeping on the "couch" on the port side of the boat. That's my primary concern. Secondary concern is the smaller couch on the starboard side of the both (top left is bed in diagram, bottom right is couch). I'd like both of these areas to be comfortable and look nice. The rest of the boat is probably going to be storage. I have foam that doesn't match the user manual so I'm guessing they scavenged some off other boats or cut the stuff up.

So questions:

1) Is the foam able to be cleaned, aired out, and re-used?

2) If not, where's a good place to find foam that's comfortable but not too expensive? I'm sure there are hundreds of types of foam, what is best for a boat?

3) Fabric... I was looking online and it seems Vinyl would look alright and last the longest. But it's pricey. I know a sweet old lady who can sew anything so it's just trying to find a fabric that will last a while and doesn't kill my pocketbook. Would also want it to look nice as I'm going to be living there.

4) Using the diagram, how many yards of fabric am I looking at for all of it best guess? What about the 2 pieces I care most about?

5) It looks like I can go all fancy and have her sew zippers in the covers and then be able to replace foam in the future. Also looks like I can just get plywood, cut to fit the boat, and then wrap material over the cushion and staple to the wood. Is there a best method out there?

Anything else you guys can shed light on would be greatly appreciated.

The cushions that came with the boat:

The dimensions of said cushions (well foam):

Pictures of the foam I really care about (bed/couch)

Original Covers

More pics if you wanted to see each cushion:
http://s515.photobucket.com/user/load81/library/Neptune 24?sort=3&page=1

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Living in Slidell, you'd find vinyl to be very hot and sticky to sleep or sit on. What I did was go to a fabric store, and buy enough upholstery material to do the cushions.. I found enough in the remnants section to do the whole boat. Scotch guarded. That was a good many years ago and it's still in good shape. Mine is velcroed on so it can be removed for cleaning- Simpler than zippers. I used as medium density foam, minimum 4 inches if you intend to sleep there.

I built and installed an outboard well in a Neprtune 24 for a customer a good many years ago. Nice solid boat.

 

[DHaranSailor]

Welcome to the forms and good luck to your project!

Doing some rough math if you were to use a standard Sunbrella color from www.sailcare.com (new favorite site as of today!) you would need ~ 14 yards at $13.50 a yard. So $189 before tax to get a good marine friendly fabric.

I am afraid I don't have a suggestion on your foam.

 

[davidmhull]

That foam doesn't look really all out that bad. You might try just soaking them in some water and white vinegar to kill the mold. I agree that some type of fabric would be better then vinyl in your climate. I can't think of the name right now but there is a "premium" fabric that is used on outdoor furniture that dries amazingly fast, looks good and feels even better. I'll try to come up with the name or someone else may know what it is.

 

[Hooks]

Thanks guys, will try to clean the two big pieces like you said. Hopefully a bathtub is big enough. How long do you soak? What ratio of vinegar/water?

And is that enough fabric for all cushions or just the 2 I really care about right now? Sorry not good with math or sewing stuff. And thanks for the velcro idea, much easier than zippers.

 

[Picflight]

I would suggest replacing the foam as well for health reasons. Your local fabric supplier can suggest the best foam to use and some research can help you find the best value foam and fabric for indoor use. Sunbrella would be too tough to sleep on unless you can cover it with a soft sheet.

 

[kloudie1]

A foam supplier:
http://www.thefoamfactory.com/seatcushion/seatcushion.html

Poke around on their site .. lots of good info about foam specifics..

 

[davidmhull]

I have had good luck soaking the foam in 1/4 cup of white vinegar to five gallons but I don't think it needs to be very precise. The only reason I suggested cleaning it instead of replacing (obviously the best answer) is because the stuff is so darned expensive. Actually Sunbrella is the fabric I was thinking about. It doesn't feel that rough to me but I wouldn't be sleeping right on top of it anyway. If you're going to stay with the vinyl you would need to put down a sheet or something or you're going to stick to it like a slug. In the winter I use a sleeping bag so it really doesn't matter. In the summer I just use a king size sheet to sort of wrap up in. Just a thin cotton sheet is going to feel better then any kind of upholstery alone I think.

 

[Brian S]

All you need to know about how to upholster cushions is here: http://www.sailrite.com/easearch#!How-To-Instructions-Videos/Videos&ea_d=_1_ALL

They have videos starting from scratch making templates, calculating amount of fabric, cutting foam, sewing, everything you need to know.

If foam looks like it has mildew in it, I wouldn't even bother. I'd start fresh.

 

[Chief RA]

Hooks: TSBB2 is steering you in the right direction to a Fabric store and look for end roll bargains. Just clean the sponge with the vinegar like the guys are advising plus wash it with dish soap or detergent. If necessary carpet sponge will work great under your old foam. I presently have 2 layers under my bunk cushions. Its 1/2" thick per layer. It works so good that I am adding another layer!
I can sew like mad. Get you a sewing machine and you will be sewing like a pro in no time. Used machines can be found for 30 bucks Realize that 2 different fabric colors/patterns can be used if one goes forward and different one aft, for example.
If you need vinyl for the back side of your cushions go to Walmart. Use nylon thread but not oversized. To sew vinyl use baby powder.
Good luck! Chief

 

[Hooks]

Where do i find vinyl in walmart? Went there last night and couldnt find anything but cotton. Going to swing by hobby lobby and check out their scraps.

 

[Chief RA]

Large Walmarts have roll fabrics so if you don't find it go to another one or online. Chief

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Cutting foam can be SO much fun

I moved one of my bandsaws out onto the front deck for this, but it cuts very nicely with an electric carving knife

My ex working on the cushions

 

[Scott T-Bird]

If I was going to make a 24' boat my home, I wouldn't get chintzy on the materials and I definitely wouldn't try to salvage any of the foam. To do that would be about 1/2 a step higher than living in a cardboard box. Assuming you have some kind of income, how else are you going to spend your money?

I would look at the new upholstery as a necessary improvement towards making the boat a comfortable home. If you are sleeping in the boat every night, are you going to live like a human being or are you going to be comfortable living in somebody else's sloth? It would give me the creeps to do anything else but to take the necessary steps to outfit the boat with new materials of a high quality.

If you are purchasing the boat for day-sailing, then I can understand the comments about cleaning, which might be good enough for that purpose ... but your skin is going to be in contact with those materials on a far more intimate basis. I'd think long and hard about what kind of compromise you're willing to make in this regard.

 

[Chief RA]

Scott T-Bird: Go easy. His 2nd sentence says "The money involved is a big concern". Like most anything else, sponge can be cleaned and sanitized. I am only trying to provide some options and then he can deal with it the best he can with the money he has. If that boat is clean, warm and dry that can go a long way. Trust me, Chief

 

[Scott T-Bird]

True, economy is a big concern ... but I still suggest that his purpose is to make the boat a home, not just be a weekend visitor. I'd place more than the normal importance on choosing materials for a place he is going to live in.

Aside from the cleanliness, I think the comfort would be compromised with the old material, which he says is already compressed. I don't think there would be any way to fix that. I'd have to make sleeping comfortably a top priority.

 

[Chief RA]

Carpet sponge makes for true sleeping comfort. I am a seasonal forklift drivers son from Redding Ca. and have slept on the floor for months at a time when a child. Love, basic food, warm and dry is sometimes a lot. Chief

 

[hewebb]

We recovered the cushions in our boat with Sunbrella. We talked to the Sunbrella folks and they advised us not to use vinyl on the bottom of the cushions.

 

[Chief RA]

hewebb: Why? The hull sweating will wet the fabric unless you use vinyl and Catalina does that. Chief

 

[agprice22]

hewebb: Why? The hull sweating will wet the fabric unless you use vinyl and Catalina does that. Chief

'Cause Sunbrella sells less fabric if you use vinyl on the back! Haha!

I know, that was crass. I will shut up now...

Seriously though, I have sunbrella cushions and vinyl backing. No problems. I try to lift the cushions regularly when I am off the boat to dry them, and I leave a vent fan running all the time. It makes a difference.

Andrew