1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

[25thmustang]

My progress will be slower, and not as impressive as most, but I decided to make use of the fabric I have had on hand for a few years now. Purchased for the last boat, and I have plenty of it to make my mistakes on this one.

This is the first time I have EVER used a sewing machine in my life by the way. Got it out of the package and put together, did 3 or 4 tests and then sewed the cover for the cushion. I'm being my worst critic and most likely will redo this one, as I see a lot of errors and places that I cannot stand. All in all it's a bit rewarding, but a LOT of work getting the stiching straight.

Before: Here the dinette is in the boat, folded down as a berth.

During: Here is the culprit. I started with the smallest, easiest looking panel.

Measured:

Then I cut out the top piece, leacing an inch around for overlap.

Next I did a few tests to see how the materials sewed together.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Then I simply went for it. Went slow and tried my best. On a side note, this piping was very hard to follow with the machine. It wanted to trail into the middle of the piping for some reason.

Then I went and put the edge around. This you have to do backwards.

Finally I folded it right side out and checked its fit. It's not 100% done here, it's taped in the back, and the final seam is left unfinished, plus I actually think it's too large for the panel, but it's not bad for a first try.

So thats my post. I want to thank the other gentleman who did a write up on doing vinyl cushions, I had it up on the computer as I tried mine out. His look 100 times better, but definately helped me understand and visualize what I had to do.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Attempt number 2 looks much better! I will redo the first one, and continue with the rest of the cushions.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

That is the stuff I am afraid to try. I think I might screw it up. That looks really awesome.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

To be honest, I didn't think the first one looked that great. You nailed the second one. Nice work.

 

[produceguy]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Looks really nice.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Yup, Ya DUN GOOD!!!!!!

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

To be honest, I didn't think the first one looked that great. You nailed the second one. Nice work.

I agree. when I first did it, I thought it looked "okay". After looking at it some more, and with fresh eyes the next day, it was disappointing. I did however learn a LOT from my first attempt. I also employed some tricks on the second one.

It is far from perfect, but should look good in the boat (going to mock it up today after work), and hopefully I only get better with practice!

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Looks great 25th!!! I'm pretty handy and fix anything boat-related, but sewing, I just flat cannot do. I tried at one time after some quotes to re-cover another boat were just plain scarey, But had to relent.
I've now found a fellow that will not touch the boat, but if you bring him what's left of the covers, he can replicate them perfectly for cheap. When i'm done , I'll have about 600.00 in a whole new interior for my Horizon. I don't enjoy pulling staples, but for the savings. I'll do it!!!!

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Mocked it up in the boat after work. Looks presentable to me. Still have a lot of work, cleaning and varnish, but should look alright when all is said and done.



Before:

After:

 

[proshadetree]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

I dont know about presentable. Come practice on my boats till you get it down pat. Looks Killer to me.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Got a bit more done last night and tonight.

Aft Cabin trim piece. I messed up with centering the seam, so I might redo this, but it's in for the time being. BTW the stain you see will be cleaned once I get the head work done, and can clean the cabin up.

Got the bow Sleeping area trim pieces done, going to install tomorrow, if my plans change.

Then tackled some teak work.

And After one coat of Cetol Natural. They will get 3 coats of "color" and 4-5 coats of clear.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

You put the elegant back in elegante

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Thanks,

Although I would like to remove the Elegante from the side of the boat at some point!

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Got the forward berth trim pieces in today. Then tonight got a 2nd coat of color on the first round of pieces and the first round on the port side trim. I have tape on the front face of the trim, as they need to be installed, then teak plugs inserted, then stained and cleared.

Teak

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

A before and after of the area where the wood came off and will go back on.

Needed a wet sand to get the old varnish off.

After, had to stop due to rain.

One more coat or two of Cetol clear and the wood can go back in.

 

[Jeanjules]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Great job !

I have an 87 Cruiser Rogue, looks very similar and you are giving me ideas...

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

I love seeing other peoples work as well.

Got some teak put back on last night, and then finished up the filler cushion tonight.

Teak:

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Your upholstery keeps getting better. Looks great!

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 1987 Cruisers Inc 297 Elegante Work Pics

Your upholstery keeps getting better. Looks great!

That's for sure, and I just love the natural finished wood on a boat. I never get to do that on these old bass boats.

Keep up the good work.