Re: boat upolstry
My cushions were all torn up and I had to do something. Having very little money but an abundance of ignorance I decided to do it my self. Very happy I did.
Job probably would have been a little nicer if done professionally, but it looks nice, cost a whole lot less, and I can look at it with pride. Along the way I learned:
1. Use outdoor rated vinyl - boat or auto. I bought from the people at
http://yourautotrim-store.stores.yahoo.net/ . Very helpful and knowledgeable. There are others, but they worked well for me.
2. I used a simple sewing machine. Had to be careful, work slowly, and did have problems with needles breaking, but it worked. Sounds like an used commercial machine would have been nice, but not vital.
3. Use thread rated for U/V. Same people I used for the vinyl had the thread.
4. I have a 1988 Chaparral and found the same vinyl that was used originally (company and color). Really made it nice as i used the boat with a couple of new cushions every month.
5. I found the foam to be the most expensive part.
6. Found the wood backing to be rotted on a lot of the cushions. Got plywood and sealed with multiple coats of spar varnish to seal.
7. Took middle cushion cover to someone who had the computer driven sewing machine that puts names on hats. They were able to sew the name of the boat on the seat back. Looks really nice.
8. Try looking at
http://www.upholster.com/howto/ for some information.
Good luck, take your time and it will come out great