Reupholstery, maintenance ?s, radio

[Ecoley]

seacrest 1810 SS (seats 7)

I just got a boat and I know very little about them. I am going to attempt to reupholster it myself. Does anyone have a clue of how much I need to buy to redo the seats and the things on the side? Also, is the marine mesh underlining needed? I’ve never reupholstered anything but I have watched some videos. I’m going to use the cushions I have. Any insight on this will be greatly appreciated. I found a website to get it from Marine Vinyl....is this good material or do you suggest something else? I’m all ears!! I’m trying to get it all done in a month so Im taking it all out to work on it. I’m looking for a shop to take it to but I was told the only thing it needed was a starter and a battery. How much is a reasonable price for those items and to fill my fluids? I don’t mind paying but I don’t want to be taken advantage of because my lack of knowledge.

Lastly, my radio and speakers were recently stolen...until I can save up for a raymarine what do you suggest?? I like my music loud.

this IS my first rodeo in all of these things so hopefully i can pull it off.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Welcome aboard! re doing marine vinyl is a pretty simple job as long as the wood underneath is in good condition and there aren’t many complex cornerstone navigate.I’m doing mine now.Marine vinyl is relatively inexpensive ( I just paid $20/ per yard from a local fabric store). Measure what you have and add 20% for mistakes. watch tons of videos for tips and take your time. Remove the old vinyl carefully so you have templates to make the new stuff. Invest in a electric staple gun and use stainless steel staples. Seven seats is a lot of stapling. Hair dryer will help as well for getting the vinyl soft.
Most of the maintenance can be done by you if you’re handy. But if you’re looking at taking it somewhere the labor charges can vary greatly depending on where you live.
What’s the year of the boat?Has the boat been sitting? Are you sure it’s seaworthy/safe?
Not sure on the radio and speakers. There is tons to choose from depending on your budge.
If your new to boating take a safety course. This will help you and other boaters.
Good luck! Many on here are willing to help. Take pics as you go.

 

[Chris1956]

You will want to use stainless or monel staples. You will want to use rot-proof coat thread to sew the vinyl. usually you can find nylon coat thread.

There are special leather sewing needles. They are a bit better for sewing vinyl.

You will need a cording foot and some line to make the cording. They sewing machine will need to sew at least 4 layers of vinyl.

If the cushion has a plywood base. Make sure to treat it with polyurethane to seal it. You can then staple the mesh fabric to it, before stapling on the vinyl cushion.

 

[72fj40]

Search on this website in the restoration section and watch a lot of videos such as sailrite. Youll want a decent sewing machine with a walking foot and reverse that can handle multiple layers of heavy vinyl. Use polyester uv resistant thread. Nylon will evetually deteriorate in sunlight. As others have said, measure your cushions and add 20 to 25% for mistakes. Youll have to account for about 1/2" allowance for the seams. Plus some left over so you can pull the material tight over the cushion also. Use stainless or monel staples. Put a layer of plastic between the foam and vinyl, I used dry cleaner bags.

 

[tpenfield]

There are a bunch of threads on re-upholstering boats. Just do a search. Got any pictures of the boat? Not sure what a seacrest 1810 is or looks like.

If the seats are simple cushions, then you could be able to make new ones with little/no experience.

As far as materials, there are many websites that sell vinyl for outdoor/marine application. Sailrite is one that I used recently. As far as underlining and related material, it depends on how fancy you want to get. If the seats are simple, then a household sewing machine may do the trick. If they are fancy or intricate, then you will need a walking foot machine (think $$$$).

If you looked through some upholstering videos, then you definitely have enough information to be dangerous.

As for the other stuff, all do-able things . . .

"I’m looking for a shop to take it to but I was told the only thing it needed was a starter and a battery. " Those are famous last words of many a failed newbie. So, it would be interesting to see what the boat really needs.

 

[jbcurt00]

@Ecoley

You'd be better served in the Resto forum for upholstery questions, and I will move this topic there.

Radio should be posted in the Electronics sub forum.

Maintenance of the boat/upholstery in boat topics or the resto forum

Maintenance of the motor and outdrive (not mentioned but of primary importance, esp w a used 'new to you' boat) in the correct branded motor sub forum.

Questions about batteries in 1 of topics you start in various places.

Good luck w your project