Interior work?!?!?!

[88larson]

I would lik eto replace some cracked vinyl in my old 88 larson 17.5', the cover on the engine is cracked and the seats are faded. Can I do this?<br />or is it better to pay a pro? I would like to pull the drivers side back-to-back seat and put in a bucket on a 16-20" post, should I do this and then pick upholstery to match the new seat or what?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Interior work?!?!?!

If you can afford it and/ Don't have the time, patience or skills, by all means take it to a pro and have it done nice. People in that business tend to be expensive but do very fine work that is tough for a DYI'er to match. Depnding on what you want (pipping and such) you need an industrial sewing machine and the skills. If you don't care about that you might be able to get away without any sewing and just use SS staples and app tacks.<br /><br />If you don't have the $ and have time, patients, desire to do it your self you can give it a try.<br /><br />I took a middle approach - I bought seats and made my own rear bench. At first I hade the bench with nice fold-down seats mounted to it, but I just redeigned it and used premade marine cushions instead.<br /><br />Permatex also makes stuff for repairing cracked vinyl that you may want to try. You can find it at autoparts stores like Autozone.

 

[Snailman]

Re: Interior work?!?!?!

I went your route Ralph...<br /><br />I replaced the captain's seat and passenger seat up front with store bought seats.<br /><br />I rebuilt the engine box, stern plank and jump seats from treated plywood and 2X2's painted with mildew resistant "barn paint."<br /><br />My wife is amazing with a sewing machine and is going to upholster the engine box etc with Sunbrella fabric and stiff foam. (About 4 yards of fabric & $17.00 per yard). I'll try and submit photos of the finished project when she's done if anyone's interested.<br /><br />She's also going to reupholster all of the interior cushions in the cuddy cabin. The wood and foam on those are fine so she's just going to replace just the fabric with a semi stiff canvas type fabric.<br /><br />

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<br /><br /> Snailman <br /><br />

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Interior work?!?!?!

Snailman<br /><br />Awesome! I did something similar and will also submit some pics when the weather breaks and I can install it.<br /><br />What I did was to cover it (bench in my case) with marine vinyl over CDX varnished to seal it. You just staple the vinyl up under the members. Looks nice.<br /><br />Also, did you know you can buy premade piped marine cushions made of 3" closed cell foam, etc? Here the secret, they sell them to be used as seats for Igloo marine coolers. They are awesome and work great. You might want to check them out:<br /><br />Just pick the "cooler" size that fits your seats:<br /><br />54qt 3x14x24 velcro.<br /> 72qt 3 x 15 x 26 3/4 snaps.<br /> 94qt 3 x 15 x 31 1/2"""""".<br /> 128qt 3 x 17 3/4 x 39""""".<br /> 162qt 3 x 17 3/4 x 40 1/2".<br /><br />Here is what they look like:<br /> Tracy - Seat Cushion 72 Qt <br /><br />Just a thought

 

[Snailman]

Re: Interior work?!?!?!

Hi Ralph!<br /><br />I hope I get to see the pictures of your work!<br /><br />The cooler cushions look nice but their too small for my applications. That piece across the stern is 76"!<br /><br />Besides... I've seen my wife's upholstery work. It won't have the piping but it'll look and feel great! I'll be sure and post pictures of the finished product.<br /><br />If you click on my name below you can follow some of the work I've done so far.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Interior work?!?!?!

snailman you really brought that boat alive good looking work.<br />like where you got your name from