Boat cushions

[BoatBuoy]

My boat is old and has the typical bench front and rear seat. The original seat cushions (long gone)were simply upholstered rectangles which lay on the seat portion of the bench. The seat backs (also long gone) actually snapped to the bench back. Soon I plan to have an upholsterer fabricate new seat and back cushions. I have surfed the net and found a myriad of vinyl types and am very confused. What is the best type to use? Also is conventional foam rubber the best material for the cushion?

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Boat cushions

I've seen lots of good advice here on vinyl. I'm still in the research phase myself, so this answer will not likely be the last and best. Seems like most recommend paying a little extra for marine grade since it should hold up much better. Sounds like a variety of levels within that grade, and prices to match. Many suggest going to the local fabric chain store to see what they have.<br /><br />I've discovered a foam made for use around water- it retains very little if it ever gets wet. There are MANY kinds of foam available in many different densities. Some of these kinds won't last long especially in their lower densities, so do not assume all foam is created equal. Here is a link to see one outfit's propaganda: outdoor foam Use their own links to see the explanations of different types. Fire retardent foam may also be a consideration, and they have airtex which can be used for flotation, though might not be as comfortable.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Boat cushions

I've seen a few different "grades" of marine vinyl (and you really must use marine vinyl), but most of the upholstry supply houses only carry the better stuff. At those places, the difference is in the texture of the vinyl.<br /><br /> This upholstry forum has LOTS of info, just do a search.<br /><br /> Bearcat was right about the foam. I've used Rochford Supply with good results in the past, both for vinyl and foam, and their staff is really helpful.

 

[ookxtreme]

Re: Boat cushions

I have had great luck with "closed cell foam"... doesn't retain water its a little denser but never rots... make sure when you make your cushions with "breathing" holes so the water can escape... <br /><br />go to www.knoxfoam.com<br /><br />its in knoxvill, tn.. and they will ship... i purchased 2" stuff that worked out great...<br /><br /><br />good luck<br /><br />cheers!!

 

[A LIDO CRAZY]

Re: Boat cushions

well I am doing the same type of project on my boat and after all my research believe it or not Joann's retail has great quality perhaps marine quality vinyl, some may say differ but check it out for yourself. And the texture is nice and feels like great quality stuff, and lots of colors. Normal prices put it in at about the same as ordering from bass pro or something but check the papers and they offer a 40% discount coupon on 1 item that means you can purchase 1 BIG peice of vinyl and get it if you need more than 1 color have a friend buy the other color with another coupon. Also the other post are right about the foam but I think your gonna have a stroke when you see how much high density foam costs so much in fact that I found that it would be less cost to get cheaper foam and do the job twice maybe three times before it evens out, even if you have to buy new vinyl too. Soul search for how much use is it going to get in a season, is it covered all the time, will it get wet "water beads of vinyl ya know" expecially if treat it with a conditioner. If you do leave it uncovered all the time, sure the rain might be bad but hey a season of that and the seats will be the least of your worries. plus the sun will fade or yellow the vinyl anyway. Just buy good quality 3/4" ply, brush on some resin to seal the wood and if it properly supported it should last a very long time. also walmart (joanns might too) sells whats called "batting" put that on over your foam and staple to the wood it will be a pre-cover for your vinyl and protect it from the edges of the wood and is VERY cheap like $3.00 for a big roll of it.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Boat cushions

ookxtreme,<br /> Great post. I appreciate the lead. Especially since I live in Knoxville, TN. When I get to that point, I'll just zip over there.