Just a quick rant

[Gpayne]

I'm currently fixing up a new-to-me 1990 Sunbird 17' open bow. Just a little fun family/fishing boat I picked up cheap a couple months ago. Good news is it runs absolutely great. Bad news is the seat cushions in the bow and stern by the engine cover are shot. The vinyl is cracked and torn and the wooden backs are shot. So today I cut out new wooden backs and painted them, then I went up to the local fabric store for some vinyl. (Luckily I know how to sew) I almost fell over when I saw the price of marine vinyl! $17.00/yd?!? Is this stuff layered with gold or something? I'm kinda at a loss here. I wanna do it right with good quality vinyl, but I'm gonna need about 5 yds of white and 2 yds of red. Plus new foam cushions. Plus heavy duty thread. This was supposed to be just a cheap and easy project. Shoulda known better I guess.

 

[JEBar]

Re: Just a quick rant

This was supposed to be just a cheap and easy project. QUOTE]


WOW .... when it involves a boat, I didn't know such a thing was possible ..

Jim

 

[markheck1]

Re: Just a quick rant

Check Jo-Ann Fabrics if you have one near you, I signed up to get deals online, and got the vinyl for my front cushions half off.....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Just a quick rant

Check Jo-Ann Fabrics if you have one near you, I signed up to get deals online, and got the vinyl for my front cushions half off.....

+1 you get MANY coupons!!!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Just a quick rant

Plus new foam cushions.

If you thought the vinyl was expensive, just wait until you go to price out the new foam...

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Just a quick rant

$17 a yard...that's a good deal! Try $26-$35/yard for the really good stuff. Now do you feel better?

BTW, the "marine vinyl" at Jo-Ann is not the stuff a boat mfr. uses. It is not UVA/B treated nor is it treated with fungicides. Bottom line is, it may be great for interiors cushions, but won't live very long if left outdoors. Don't believe me, just ask a professional marine upholstery shop the difference between marine and household textiles...

 

[generator12]

Re: Just a quick rant

I used the stuff from Jo-Anne on mine a year ago. Stored outside under a cover and it looks exactly the same today as it did new. Also, if the foam from the originals is in good shape, use it. I did and the cushions are just like the originals.

The UV concern is for boats that lay uncovered in the sun summer after summer. If there's a concern about UV or fungus, treat the cushions. As I understand it, there is lots of stuff available to do that.

The advice on these forums is invaluable, but one has to be selective. If I tried to follow the all the advice I've been given - all well intentioned mind you - I'd be frozen in place, afraid to do anything and afraid not to do everything.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Just a quick rant

I agree with you Generator...and was not suggesting that the OP buy the uber-expensive stuff. Was simply pointing out why really good OEM vinyl is so expensive. The UV inhibitors are actually blended into the pigment while it is in liquid state, so it is actually IN the vinyl, as opposed to "sprayed on". The fungicides are also formulated and applied in a proprietary manner, unlike over the counter wipe on-wipe off methods. Another thing to consider for anyone who actually is still following this...high quality OEM boat manufacturers specify their seat vendors use a very high weight vinyl. This ensures lasting impact and tear resistance, and improves crush-resiliency factor. That is why the foam is so damn expensive too...for all of the above mentioned reasons. Just trying to educate folks here...not be a buzz kill.

Carry on!

 

[markheck1]

Re: Just a quick rant

and yeah, wait til you price the foam