1990 Wellcraft 233 Eclipse upholstery how-to

[Jrmay25]

Have a new to us 1990 Wellcraft 233 Eclipse. Boat is mechanically solid, but I plan on redoing the 3 back flat cushions and backrest over the winter. I have shopped several local shops and around $600 is the average I have been quoted. Although the price isn't terrible, I can buy all of necessary wood and vinyl for around $200. My question is how hard is it to upholster flat cushions and make them look right? I do not have knowledge or access to a sewing machine, so everything would have to be tucked and stapled. It's a nearly 30 year old boat so the job doesn't have to be perfect, but I do want it to look nice. Any advise would be welcome and much appreciated.

 

[zool]

I guess it depends on what you consider nice. Sure, you can cut squares of plywood, coat them, cover with foam and vinyl tucked and stapled and it will function fine. If your other upholstery has piping and/or multiple colors. it may look like craft fair cushions in comparison. Multi color and piping requires a machine.

Woodonglass has helped numerous members find a cheap. suitable machine, and assistance in producing great results..

After you post a few more times, you can show us what u got.

Welcome to Iboats Resto forum

 

[Jrmay25]

Thank you for the reply zool. I certainly I don't want to end up with a finished job that looks like a 5 year old did it. As soon as I am able to I will update and post pictures of what I am dealing with.

 

[Woodonglass]

Welcome to iBoats!!! You're right up my alley on the upholstery. And there are a LOT of other talented "Stitchers" here too!!!
For the DIY upholsterer, you can't beat the Singer 15-91 or 201 for being able to stitch through 6 layers of vinyl. They are very powerful machines. Good news is they're easy to setup and sew with. Much easier than the NEW machines. And they can be had for very reasonable prices on Craigslist. Where are you located. I'd be happy to assist in your search for a good machine and then help you get it set up and give basic instructions on use.

The 15-91 has the thread tensioner on the end




and the 201 has it on the front

 

[Jrmay25]

Thank you much Woodonglass. Located in Missouri, near St. Louis and have found a couple Singer sewing machines like you mentioned in the sub 200.00 range. Neither my wife nor I have ever operated a sewing machine so please tell, are they pretty simple things to learn how to operate?

 

[Woodonglass]

I'll PM you my contact info and you can call me. I can talk you both thru everything and have you sewing in no time. I also have the Manuals for those machines. It's easier than you think cuz if it wasn't this Old Dumb Okie could never have figured it out.. Let me check the St. Louis area and see if I can lead you to a good machine.
I can walk you through how to clean, oil and prep it for sewing

This is a 15-91 for $85 I'd offer $70 and I bet you'll get it
There's another listed for $50 but not sure of it's condition. It' looks pretty rough but... They ARE tanks so pretty hard to mess one up



https://stlouis.craigslist.org/hsh/d...673364432.html