Re: Vinyl or Sunbrella
17 year upholsterer and boat owner here. A little more info:
VINYL-
Slightly cheaper than Sunbrella. Available in more than white & gray. It is available in hundreds of colors and also in patterns. Checks, stripes, plaids, & prints are all common to vinyl products now. Better vinyls have the identical look and feel of leather without the price and care requirements. The old vinyls were prone to cracking and getting destroyed by UV rays, but not the newer stuff. Minor care is all that's required to maintain. The biggest issue with any material is to make sure that UV resistant thread is used when sewing the cushions. Vinyl tends to keep the majority of water outside the cushion.
SUNBRELLA-
This is a great fabric when creating t-tops, biminis, and covers. However, when used as a cushion/pad material, it usually takes a few months for it to soften up enough to be comfortable. Very sturdy, it too will hold up well as long as minor maintenance is used. Again, the UV resistant thread is the key. However, Sunbrella, Dickson (exact same as Sunbrella, but cheaper), or other canvas type material will let water into the foam and wood base where vinyl has a better (but not perfect) repellancy (if that's a word).
Both materials will last years and years if properly cared for or, conversely, will degrade quickly if ignored. I have replaced vinyl cushions that were in great shape after 20 years. The owners simply wanted an updated look. I have also replaced Sunbrella tops that were 2 years old. Both of these were obviously maintenance (or lack of) issues.
It all depends what you like and what you want. Shop around. Prices are close enough to make little difference.
Here's another option...do both. Vinyl seats in one color with Sunbrella inserts for the seats/backs in a coordinating color/pattern. This will really set your boat apart from the others with custom upholstery.
Good luck!
