Vinyl Repair/1.5' tears

[takirb]

I've got 2 tears to replace - 1 is just above the speaker on the console at the seam, and the other is on a bench seat again at the seam.

Both tears are about 1-2 ft long. It's not cost effective on this boat for me to have repaired by a shop ($$), and most of the vinyl repair kits i've seen online that have patches don't appear to be large enough to cover the tears. Would a simple vinyl repair epoxy and industrial staples hold up on the console tear? is there any sort of clear tape recommended to use for tears this large?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Vinyl Repair/1.5' tears

Would it be practical and last longer if you took it all apart and replaced the entire vinyl piece? Jo anns fabrics sells marine vinyl just be sure it is uv resistant.

 

[takirb]

Re: Vinyl Repair/1.5' tears

I thought about that as i've seen vinyl rolls in Cabela's, but i'm not up to par on sewing or stitching to make it fit correctly. If it was easy to do, i'd love to just redo all the seats at once. Would be a great time to go with a different color and replace carpeting as well.

Speaking of carpeting, i thought about removing the vinyl from the console from the tear to the bottom and replacing with marine carpet, but wasn't sure if this would hurt the wood underneath. Obviously i can't do this for the bench seat though.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Vinyl Repair/1.5' tears

17 year upholsterer here...

You wrote that it wasn't cost effective to have the seams repaired, but then you want to do all of the upholstery & carpet, too?

To fix a vinyl tear at the seam requires restitching. It is a simple job for any competent shop to complete. It is not expensive. A removal of the existing skin, resew, and reinstall for a bench seat shouldn't set you back more than $50.00 for a 48" seat. If it's too much more than that, find another shop. Just make sure they use UV thread. It's just a good idea to have them restitch all seams while the cover is off. If one seam is torn, the others aren't far behind.

Jo Ann's doesn't sell marine vinyl (at least not the ones around here). They do sell vinyls, but those are cheap examples. Go to an upholstery shop and have it done right. You'll be much happier in the long run.

Good luck to you.

 

[takirb]

Re: Vinyl Repair/1.5' tears

If it was an easy DIY job, i could just wait till the season is over and redo them all, leaving a good time to recarpet as well, is what i meant. I'm really not looking to overhaul the entire thing, but you know how things get once you get started repairing something. Timing is everything...

I didn't know it was that cheap for a repair, i figured it'd be $100+. We have a very good upholster shop here in town, but they're known to be pricey but stand behind their work. I may just give them a call, thanks for the input!

Any reason i shouldn't remove the vinyl from the bottom half of the console and replace with marine carpet? Will it hurt anything in the long run? Just had an idea, maybe some quick snaps would help hold it up if i install them neatly. Worked well for my bimini top last year anyways...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Vinyl Repair/1.5' tears

The only issue I see with the carpet is that is could hold water, leading to wood rot (but at least it won't burn).

However, you could put carpet over the vinyl that's already in place which would help keep the water away from the wood. That would cut your upholstery needs in half. Just fold over the top edge of the carpet to give a finished look prior to stapling it down. Use stainless or nickle staples. If you don't have them, see if a shop will rent you a staple gun and staples for a few minutes.

Actually, bring the boat to the shop and see what they recommend as well. Chances are, if you have that materials with you, they'll just shoot it on for you for a fin. We're stupid that way...