Recovering Seats

B

bugup

Seaman
Joined
Sep 4, 2004
Messages
66
I am thinking about recovering the seats in my 1995 Maxum. I was wondering if anyone else has done this or is this better left up to the pros. I am also curious if any companies sell after market vinyl skins that are cut to match factory seats. It is only 2 of the seats that need fixing however, and I don't want to do the whole boat. Any ideas would be great.<br />Thanks
 
J

jayfarmlaw

Cadet
Joined
Sep 24, 2005
Messages
21
Re: Recovering Seats

I really dont qualify as a guru on this subject...but...My 97 VIP sat for a long time while the previous owner watched it slowly die.<br /><br />I dragged it out from under a Mesquite tree and it was totally covered in black sap, the interior was completely shot. Anyway, the interior is really easy to do if you have a decent sewing machine and some time on your hands. We got my Wife's sewing maching at Wal-Mart for less than $200. It handles the vinyl with ease. The upolstry thread and Upolstrey needle are no problem for the machine. It will also double or triple stritch your seams as you go.<br /><br />First you pull the covers off (get ready for a huge used staple collection) Then,I took the original covers that were craked, torn, and ugly and took them apart with a seam ripper so I had my "puzzle" pieces. Then I cut out new pieces with marine grade vinyl I bought from a local fabric store for $8.99 per yard. (A pizza Cutter" style cutter helps alot here) Line the new pieces back up, and get to sewing. Once you have the cover sewn, staple it back on with stainless staples you can get from Home Depot, lowes, or where ever.<br /><br />An electric stapler would be nice and there is alot of stretching and pulling, but my trusty rsty staple gund did just fine.<br /><br />I have seen estimated for a boat interiot running around $1000. I figure I will have arounf 30 hoours in this and less than $250 in materials. IT is fun too. The first cushion is the hardest. Once the learning cureve kicks in, it gets fun.<br /><br />They really turned out great and the blue and white looks awesome.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Jay
 
M

Manipulator

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Messages
743
Re: Recovering Seats

Awesome Jay! Have any pictures? Before and afters?
 
B

bugup

Seaman
Joined
Sep 4, 2004
Messages
66
Re: Recovering Seats

Jay<br /><br />Thanks for the tips. My wife has been begging for a sewing machine for Xmas (perfect). I also already have a compressor so I think I can buy a stapler for it. <br /><br />Did you use the old foam already on the seats? Was the vinyl glued to the foam or did it just come off with ease? Also as Manipulator said some photos would be great.
 
Realgun

Realgun

Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
2,484
Re: Recovering Seats

2332.jpg
<br />This is the rear most seatbacks. I might redo them but they look ok.
 
M

Manipulator

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Messages
743
Re: Recovering Seats

Jay thanks for the pics. Those look great, you did a great job. You gave me confidence to tackle the feat myself.
 
D

Davenc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2005
Messages
49
Re: Recovering Seats

Originally posted by Jayfarmlaw:<br /> I really dont qualify as a guru on this subject...but...My 97 VIP sat for a long time while the previous owner watched it slowly die.<br /><br />I dragged it out from under a Mesquite tree and it was totally covered in black sap, the interior was completely shot. Anyway, the interior is really easy to do if you have a decent sewing machine and some time on your hands. We got my Wife's sewing maching at Wal-Mart for less than $200. It handles the vinyl with ease. The upolstry thread and Upolstrey needle are no problem for the machine. It will also double or triple stritch your seams as you go.<br /><br />First you pull the covers off (get ready for a huge used staple collection) Then,I took the original covers that were craked, torn, and ugly and took them apart with a seam ripper so I had my "puzzle" pieces. Then I cut out new pieces with marine grade vinyl I bought from a local fabric store for $8.99 per yard. (A pizza Cutter" style cutter helps alot here) Line the new pieces back up, and get to sewing. Once you have the cover sewn, staple it back on with stainless staples you can get from Home Depot, lowes, or where ever.<br /><br />An electric stapler would be nice and there is alot of stretching and pulling, but my trusty rsty staple gund did just fine.<br /><br />I have seen estimated for a boat interiot running around $1000. I figure I will have arounf 30 hoours in this and less than $250 in materials. IT is fun too. The first cushion is the hardest. Once the learning cureve kicks in, it gets fun.<br /><br />They really turned out great and the blue and white looks awesome.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Jay
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Thats funny because I did the same thing, if you didnt write this I would have close to word for word. It wasnt that hard and it was fun even for a tough guy like me to sew.lol We actually did all exterior cushions and interior.<br />I'm now replacing the windows and screens in my camper back top.
 
C

Cptkid570

Ensign
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: Recovering Seats

You can buy Marine Vinyl from ebay too.. sometimes it comes out cheaper
 
jlinder

jlinder

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 5, 2004
Messages
1,086
Re: Recovering Seats

You want to use vinyl rated for marine or automotive use. UV resistant and will take the heat and cold.<br /><br />I used the people at http://store.yahoo.com/yourautotrim-store/marinevinyls.html There are lots of others, but they were good to me. Cost was reasonable and they were helpful. I was able to find the exact manufacturer and color of original covering.<br /><br />You also want to buy UV thread, and make sure you use staples that won't rust.
 
P

pod184

Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
21
Re: Recovering Seats

Originally posted by bugup:<br /> I am thinking about recovering the seats in my 1995 Maxum. I was wondering if anyone else has done this or is this better left up to the pros. I am also curious if any companies sell after market vinyl skins that are cut to match factory seats. It is only 2 of the seats that need fixing however, and I don't want to do the whole boat. Any ideas would be great.<br />Thanks
Click to expand...
When I was looking for vinyl for my Four Winns, I emailed the company directly. They were really helpful, they gave me the contact number for their supplier. Not only did I get the exact spec vinyl, they sent me a 1 ft sq sample of each color at their expense to be sure the color was right. I would check with Maxum first.
 
S

SeaRay24Sorrento

Seaman
Joined
Sep 24, 2005
Messages
56
Re: Recovering Seats

I'm re-doing all the upholstry in mine as well. From the research I've done, I'd highly recommend 100% polyester #92 thread and stainless staples. I visited my local library and picked up every book they had on upholstry. The best one was "Automotive Upholstry handbook" by Don Taylor, covers everything and has a section on boats. I just got a Tuffsew brand sewing machine from E-bay that is more stout than the home one I tried, has alot more power for the things I'm practicing on. I also plan on making a bimini top and Sunbrella mooring cover. I already have many people wanting me to fix or make upholstered items for them, so watch out who you tell!
 
K

KRS

Banned
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
2,383
Re: Recovering Seats

I re-used all of my foam, and I took the time to epoxy the wood frames while I was at it to be sure they remained water resistant.
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Re: Recovering Seats

I restored all the seats and cushions in my bowrider. All in all a lot of vinyl. I purchased new back to back seats, since you can shop around for them, they are pretty standard and you can get them for about $100 ea (new). Also, they are by far the hardest to make. The balance of the cushions are much easier to fabricate, but could not be bought, except from a custom shop(expensive). I then requested samples of marine vinyl to find a perfect color and texture match for the seats I bought. I matched up the vinyl and ordered some. Now I cut and stiched all the bow cushions, jump seats and transom padding. I made my own cording using a cording foot (what else?) and some nylon twine for a core. It took two rolls of twine to complete the project. I used nylon coat thread in neutral color to sew the vinyl, and reused the original foam. Attachment to the plywood bases (sealed with poly resin)was done with 3/8 SS or Monel staples. <br />It took me the better part of a whole day to make all that cording, and cut and sew the nine cushions and bolsters
 
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