Boat interior project

[jhk1959]

I'm a new boater & just purchased a 1993 Wellcraft Excel 18SX. The hull, Engine & hardware are in good shape but the seats, carpeting & upholstery need to be replaced with the exception of the bow cushions & rear seat cushions. My question is what is the approximate cost of replacing seats, carpeting & upholstery. I would like to purchase the materials on my own & hire someone to do the work. <br />Any feedback wold be greatly appreciated!<br />Thanks.

 

[tr918]

Re: Boat interior project

There was a guy here in the boards that does upholstery work. Do a search and see if you can find him. Maybe he will see this. <br /><br />I suggest doing it yourself. It is a lot cheaper.

 

[clinger]

Re: Boat interior project

I just finnished mine yesterday. Full deck, carpet and all the vinyl. Take your time and it will save you big $$$$$$

 

[jlinder]

Re: Boat interior project

Do it yourself. If you have any skills at using a sewing machine you can do it. Just about any sewing machine will sew vinyl. Just make sure to get marine vinyl and thread.<br /><br />You can search for posts here on places to get the materials. To get you started here's one http://store.yahoo.com/yourautotrim-store/ <br /><br />They were very helpful to me.

 

[garrett61]

Re: Boat interior project

Get outdoor carpet at home depot or lowes with outdoor glue its WAY cheaper than the marine grade carpet. just buy thinner pile carpet its about the same.

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Boat interior project

The home depots around here actually sell a low pile Auto carpet, it runs about 5 times as much as the outdoor stuff. I used the outdoor stuff. Carpet was about $55 for floor and sides, and the glue was a woppin $14gal. This was on a 16ft boat.<br /><br />The upholstery is all going to depend on what you want done.

 

[WALTERGS]

Re: Boat interior project

I used some depot/lowes outdoor carpet acouple of years back, I had to replace the worn, sun dammaged carpet after 2 years. Next time I will spend the extra money and buy the premium marine grade carpet. I do not like to do the same job twice. Also the marine carpet comes in way cool colors that you just can't find at Depot/lowes.

 

[jhk1959]

Re: Boat interior project

As far as the upholstery goes, I am going to replace the back to back lounge seats with brand new seats & I will re-cover the bow & rear seat cushions. I have vinyl upholstery on both sides of the boat but I gotta figure out how these panels come off!<br />John

 

[bigbad4cyl]

Re: Boat interior project

1000 for a interior job is a good price if they replace the wood and foam , and include the vinyl....carpet is very spendy my friend said the snake . i think it is mostly all the same coming from one or two different mills ,,,, definatly get the quality marine , as i too have had trouble with the home depot out door stuff..........i like the stuff from keystone ,,,,,,,,the majestic stuff.............try and find some close out end of roll specials or bargain place ; http://www.bassboatcarpets.com/

 

[jayfarmlaw]

Re: Boat interior project

My project is coming along fine. I bought a 97 VIP in about the same condition. <br /><br />I got marine grade vinyl for $9.00 a yard at the local fabric store, Needles and upolstry nylon thread for another $10. I took the old ratty seat covers off of my bow seats and took them apart with a seam ripper to use the individual pieces as a pattern. The first one turned out great. It looks as good as new.<br /><br />It helps to iron the old covers to sofen them up so they will lay flat when you cut your pattern pieces. I also used a "Pizza Cutter" fabric cutter to speed things up.<br /><br />I used my wife's Wal-Mart Brother sewing macine and it did fine.<br /><br />I still have to build a new engine hatch cover/sun deck but all is going well so far.<br /><br />Take your time and I bet you will be happy with the results. I figgure the entire boat will be less than $150.<br /><br />good luck,<br /><br />Jay

 

[jhk1959]

Re: Boat interior project

Why do I need a sewing machine for the upholtery? Where do you sew? I figure that the material would be stapled to the underside of the cushions. Also, does anyone know how the side panels come off? They are upholstered but I'm not sure if they attach using automotive type snap-in attachment connectors or if they are screwed in. If screwed in, how & where would I access the screw heads?<br />Thanks fellas!<br />John

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Boat interior project

To get a finished look on your seats you will need to sew side peices to the tops... take a look at this topic..<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=26;t=003788

 

[jayfarmlaw]

Re: Boat interior project

My seat covers were in 5 pieces. There was a blue stripe down the middle...at an angle. You had 2 white top pieces, the stripe, and then 2 side pieces. None were in any shape that you could describe. I have covered seats before with 1 piece of vynil and it works, it just does not look as good as a fitted, sewn cover.<br /><br />I have never done this type of upolstrey work either so it is a challenge as well. There is DEFINATELY a learning curve. <br /><br />My goal is to put as much value back into this boat as cheap as possible. I like to rebuild stuff, enjoy it, and end up making money on it. As long as I make money on my toys...Mrs. Jayfarmlaw lets me keep the things that keep following me home.<br /><br />The boat is cleaning up really nice, all is solid, engine is coming around so it should be a really nice boat when it is finished.<br /><br />I am trying to find the "Foam in a can" that is used to fill holes in seat foam, then I will be ready to staple everything back up.<br /><br />As far as the side panels on your boat are concerned... can you get a hand back behind to feel what is there? I have seen panels that had bolts going through the boat fiberglass and I have also seen panels with decorative "buttons" that hid screws behind them.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Jay

 

[Realgun]

Re: Boat interior project

Kapitain Kirk on the panels is there a place where two colors meet?<br /><br />If there is the screws could be hidden there between the colors. Not to hard to find.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: Boat interior project

Look at this for your decks:<br /><br /> http://www.seadek.com/#

 

[kfraser]

Re: Boat interior project

The panels I replaced recently had bolts that were inset in the wood under the vinyl and padding. When I replaced them, I drilled holes in the new wood forms and used wood locking bolts that were flush on the bolt head end. Then went over the forms with padding and vinyl. When finished I just bolted them back in place. I really like that Seadek..I think I just found what I'm going to use on my decks...

 

[bigbad4cyl]

Re: Boat interior project

i have nice piping sewn in to my cushions , looks sweet