Redoing seats - what should I use?

[jlinder]

I am redoing the seats in my boat. They are 16 years old, cracked, stained, etc.<br /><br />What should I use for the covering? Any good sources for some durable vinyl?<br /><br />Suggestions, books, tips. All are appreciated.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

if u carefully un-stitch old vinyl, u will have<br />perfect template. gonna need a serious sewing <br />machine to do it right, but it "can" be done.<br />how much detail are u trying to acheive?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

Jack, BoatUS sells Marine Vinyl. The material is pricy, but much heavier duty than vinyl found at fabric shops. Also use nylon (or other synthetic)coat thread to sew the vinyl. When I redid the cushions on my bowrider, I bought pre-made back-to-back seats (since they are pretty cheap), and bought matching vinyl from BoatUS for the bow cushions, side bolsters, motor box and other cushions.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

I had done 3 cushions at the beginning of the season using vinyl the best vinyl from the local fabric stores, and upholstery thread. <br /><br />Was able to put together multiple colors of vinyl and approximate the colored stripes that were in the original design. Built it from scratch with new wood base, foam, and vinyl.<br /><br />Found it sews very well, but concerned about the seams. After 1 season I can see where the thread may be pulling on the vinyl and may not last as long as I had hoped. Next cushions will have a canvas backing at the seams.<br /><br />Also concerned about the vinyl. Will it hold up to the sun, water, etc. Feels thinner than I would like.<br /><br />Getting better with each cushion. Now working on sewing in small tufts of foam on the cover where the color stripes are to get a more 3D effect.<br /><br />Chris - I will stop at BoatUS on the way home tonight and take a look at their vinyl. Thanks.<br /><br />Anyone have any more thoughts/suggestions?

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

For a little more money ready made seats of many sizes and variations are available right here on Iboats.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

I will be glad to look, but what I found was that they were a lot more than what I could make them for.<br /><br />It turned out the biggest cost in making them was for foam rubber! I also wanted to make them match (as close as possible) the existing colors/designs.<br /><br />I will be glad to look though. Thanks.

 

[CTD]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

Here's where I've been buying my upholstery supplies. I've been using the montana soft vinyl and their sunguard thread. Sews pretty well. <br /> http://store.yahoo.com/yourautotrim-store/marinevinyls.html

 

[jlinder]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

CTD,<br />Thanks. I see they have samples available. <br /><br />Any special tips for sewing, or anything else? Just trying to learn what I can

 

[CTD]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

Jack, if you are trying to match something you can send a sample and they will match it as close as possible. I talked to a guy named Jason, very helpful. The colors on the computer don't match the real thing very well. Someday I'll find a web host and post some pictures.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

When it comes time for my seats, I'm ordering two suspension seats usually used on tractors, lawnmowers and heavy equipment, from a nationwide tool and equipment store (don't wanna advertise). But the things are bunches cheaper than the "marine" version (by 100bucks a seat), and the only difference is the color is black only.<br />They're lightwieght, waterproof, comfortable, and should fit into the small area perfectly.<br />The only problem may be leg clearance under the consols, with no wieght on them. So I may have to limit the travel a bit.

 

[zzub]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

If it looks like the stiching is cutting or pulling on the vinyl, you need to use a longer stich ? Calla local Uph shop or uph supply store and they can tell you the stich you should use ! If they cant emaile me and Ill Look it up.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

CTD,<br /><br />Called Marine Vinyls and they were great. Explained a lot, were very helpful. Ordered samples and waiting for them to arrive.<br />They took the time to explain what thread to use and why, welting, stiches, vinyl, etc. Really interested in being helpful.<br /><br />Thanks for the pointer

 

[G DANE]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

I am going to do my seats too, good thread. Anyone know of a place to buy stainless staples ??

 

[jlinder]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

I suggest calling Marine Vinyls. They have a lot of supplies, including staples. While they do not list them as stainless specifically, I'm sure it they aren't they could directy you to the right spot.<br /><br /> http://store.yahoo.com/yourautotrim-store/marinevinyls.html

 

[cjones4@hvc.rr.com]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

My local Lowes (and probably Home Depot) carries stainless staples. I recently saw them at Lowes for about $10 per box.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

I bought some marine grade vinyl from Minnesota Fabrics Store here locally. Had to redo a couple of side panels. It was about $12.00 a yard. <br /><br />Gotta tell you, I felt way out of place... all the ladies buying their quilting and cross-stich supplies. LOL!

 

[jlinder]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

Out of place? Oh yeah, I know the feeling. On top of that you have to ask all those novice questions about stiches, thread, etc.<br /><br />I try to picture an old sailing ship and the respected sail maker who all the manly men respected. Then walk out of the fabric store with a swagger to hide how I really feel.<br /><br />You might want to look at the Marine Vinyl site listed above. Found their top quality vinyl to be aboutt $10 a yard. (If you need anymore material)

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Redoing seats - what should I use?

Thought I would bring this thread back to the top as I am starting my upholstery project and trying to find any tips or ideas possible.

Stitch length is something I have just been trying to work out on my own. So far what sews well and seems about right is a stitch length of about 2-2 1/2.

I get tight seams and can sew curves well with this set up using a leather needle. It also is spaced far enough apart that it isn't leaving too little vinyl between the stitches to maintain strength. I like the idea of canvas to support the seams, but I am unsure if it is really necessary.