Boat Upholstery....anyone redone their own?

[imq707s]

I've been thinking about redoing the seats in my Vegas this winter. The originals are in good shape, but I just want some new colors....something that doesn't look so old. Has anyone redone their own boat upholstery before? I'm assuming that I should be able to use the current stuff as a pattern, and just go from there.

Where can I get the material to recovered them with? Any type of special thread that I will need that will hold up to a marine environment?

Thanks

[Stitch King]

Check ebay for the vinyl. I've seen it there for $8.00/yd for the 30 OZ stuff. For the thread use Polyester or PTFE (Teflon) only. You will also need a sewing machine that can handle the vinyl.

Also if you have no sewing experience take a class at a local school or fabric store.

[T-REX]

Also if you have no sewing experience take a class at a local school or fabric store.


Yea reely...It ain't az eazy az it lookz!!!....I bought a commercial machine for my X to cover my seets wit, and she made it look eazy....well, it wuzn't az eazy az it look'd...I screw'd up a couple yards ov material fo I wuz smart enuff to quit!!

I got tha material from a local fabrik shop, and it iz soley for boat seetz, or exterior furniture...

[Hydrovector]

We had a vector a few years back and it needed done.I cut all the seats a part an used the panels for patterns.
I found material that I liked and sat down with the machine and sewed them up.
It was a lot of work but worth it.
It's not bad if you have the old seats that you can do it like i did.
The only thing that would have made it easier would been having a bigger machine to sew it together. I did it during the winter so I wasn't in a rush to get it done.
I wish I would have taken pictures while doing it. I do have pictures of the seats but I don't have a scanner to digitize them.

[delawarerick]

Is that a super bee boat what happened to orange? Sorry for thread bustin as for upholstering alot of material on ebay and local shops are slow they will sell you the material for a good price. I did a sun pad and you could tell it was not professional. Rick

[imq707s]

We had a vector a few years back and it needed done.I cut all the seats a part an used the panels for patterns.
I found material that I liked and sat down with the machine and sewed them up.
It was a lot of work but worth it.
It's not bad if you have the old seats that you can do it like i did.
The only thing that would have made it easier would been having a bigger machine to sew it together. I did it during the winter so I wasn't in a rush to get it done.
I wish I would have taken pictures while doing it. I do have pictures of the seats but I don't have a scanner to digitize them.

Yeah, that would have been great to see some pictures! Like you said, I'm hoping that it won't be too bad since I have all of the original stuff to make patterns off of. I just can't see spending $1000+ on a new interior when it's just two front seats, a rear bench, and two skinny side panels.

I found a few books at the library that have some good info on them. Are there any websites out there that give some more info?

Thanks again for all the help :thumbsup:

[Carlson150XS]

http://www.copycatcovers.com/index.html

Looks interesting and you can send them your covers by mail.

[imq707s]

http://www.copycatcovers.com/index.html

Looks interesting and you can send them your covers by mail.

That's awesome! Thanks for the info. I'm going to take some measurements and see if I can get a quote from them. I might also sketch up a design and see what some local places would charge. The more I read on this, and the more I think about the equipment I'm going to need...it might just be easier to find someone to do it. I will let you guys know what I find out....in case anyone is thinking about doing the same thing.

Thanks!! :thumbsup:

[Hydrovector]

Pretty good.
I wish they were around when I did mine...:thumbsup:

[imq707s]

Anyone used those guys before?

[Carlson150XS]

I filled out their internet estimate form last week to get an estimate on my Playcraft 26' Pontoon.
It's a lot of interior pieces. They actually called me to ask some questions the next day and then gave me what I considered a great price. I'm visiting their shop next week in Orlando. If you want me to ask them any questions just let me know. DID YOU SEE THEIR VIDEO?

[imq707s]

I filled out their internet estimate form last week to get an estimate on my Playcraft 26' Pontoon.
It's a lot of interior pieces. They actually called me to ask some questions the next day and then gave me what I considered a great price. I'm visiting their shop next week in Orlando. If you want me to ask them any questions just let me know. DID YOU SEE THEIR VIDEO?

I filled out their online quote form also. Hopefully they will get back something to me soon. No, I haven't seen their video..but I will take a look.

If you go and visit their shop, you should take some pics and pics them up.

Thanks again for the info!! :thumbsup:

[imq707s]

Well I got a call back from a guy at Copy Cat Cover. Really nice and easy to talk to.

They said that they would redo my front seats, rear bench, and two side panels for $750. I could pick any colors I wanted, but if I wanted a different design, I would need to call them back for another quote.

Is $750 a good deal for 2 seats, a rear bench, and two side panels? Sounds expensive to me, but I've never checked on it before....I was hoping some of you guys could tell me.

Thanks

:D

[Hydrovector]

to bad. Are the shells and foam in good shape?
I did have to rebuild the seat bottoms on mine.
The rest of the foam was good but I did replace the seat foam wth the new wood bottoms.

I would have paid 750 for someone else to do it.

Mike

[Stitch King]

Well I got a call back from a guy at Copy Cat Cover. Really nice and easy to talk to.

They said that they would redo my front seats, rear bench, and two side panels for $750. I could pick any colors I wanted, but if I wanted a different design, I would need to call them back for another quote.

Is $750 a good deal for 2 seats, a rear bench, and two side panels? Sounds expensive to me, but I've never checked on it before....I was hoping some of you guys could tell me.

Thanks

:D

If all you are getting is the covers, the material is worth about $150 max and that's full retail. I figure 1.5 yards for the buckets each, 3 yards for the bench and a couple of yards plus use up the selvage on the side panels. Then about 3 hrs to cut pattern and sew each bucket plus another 4 to do the bench and side panels. So that's $550 labor and $150 materials. The extra $50 is their fudge factor.

Once you get the covers, you will then have to fit them to the seat and then tack them down.

It's the fitting to the seat frame and foam that makes the seat in the end. Covers sometimes have to go on and off a couple times to adjust the foam so everything is just right with no wrinkles.

Do yourself a favor and have a local trimmer do the work from start to finish. If you are a perfectionist, you will be much happier and a lot less frustrated for a few bucks more. That job including replacing some bad foam should be about $1100-$1200 if using standard vinyl and the old pattern. For $350 bucks saved it aint worth the headaches to DIY Mail Order Upholstery.

[lokinutz]

Do yourself a favor and have a local trimmer do the work from start to finish. If you are a perfectionist, you will be much happier and a lot less frustrated for a few bucks more. That job including replacing some bad foam should be about $1100-$1200 if using standard vinyl and the old pattern. For $350 bucks saved it aint worth the headaches to DIY Mail Order Upholstery.

I totally agree. You should check some local shops. People are hurting for business and you may find some quality work for cheap. A lot of upholstery shops are doing everything they can right now just to keep their doors open.

I did upholstery for 6 years as a kid before getting on the fire department. I still do work on the side (with 2 youngsters taking my time) and have been really suprised at the work some friends have had done and how cheap it has been.

[NautiqueProSki]

If its any help, I bought new upholstery for my Nautique from the same company you are talking about Copycatcovers. At first I thought for such a low price how will the new skins come out, well let me tell you these guys did better than I would have every thought. I live on a huge lake in Windermere/Orlando and have been telling everyone I know about these guys. Its a new idea and that has a few upholstery people a bit upset for sure but times are changing, I would rather get a great deal for my money and I got just that...... and if you own a Nautique these guys can save you a fortune. Thats my thought.....

[transomstand]

All right you upholstery guys, where do you find the original 1" embossed pleated stuff they used on original Stream seats?

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd58/transomstand/10fdwyqcopy.jpg

[FINELINE MARINE INTERIORS]

you guys have no clue what it takes to do a quility job. do you honestly think you can get a mail order set of skins for a boat interior? wake the f**k up.

[FINELINE MARINE INTERIORS]

I totally agree. You should check some local shops. People are hurting for business and you may find some quality work for cheap. A lot of upholstery shops are doing everything they can right now just to keep their doors open.

I did upholstery for 6 years as a kid before getting on the fire department. I still do work on the side (with 2 youngsters taking my time) and have been really suprised at the work some friends have had done and how cheap it has been.
so you think its ok to beat peps down bcuz things are slow? would you cut corners on your motor if things were slow for them? how bout a set of junk gears in your lower unit cuz the guy needeed a couple bucks? you get what you pay for

[Stitch King]

you get what you pay for

People have lost touch with that concept.

That's one of the reasons I got out of the business. I got sick of having people track us down get a quote, pick colors and designs then go to a hack to save a few bucks.

In a few cases the people came back so we could fix the hack jobs. It was almost fun to hear them whine about having to pay double to get it done over again correctly.

In the end however, I did learn that 75% good is fine for most people. For these folks DIY Upholstery dot com is the perfect place.

If you want a Seat that is done correctly or a Boat Cover that fits like a bikini on a supermodel go to a local "Trimmer". If you don't care that the cover flaps in the wind or the seat is not symetrical with wrinkles, use the dot coms.

Ken (Formerly "The Motor City Stitch King")

[Instigator]

out for quotes and am scared to death at what it will cost. From experience I DO know it will be a competent shop though and I'll figure out a way to pay what is required in order to get the fit/finish I demand.
I've done a few boats myself in the past including the complete interior of a 28' cruiser. All came out good (based on expense) but NONE would pass for a professional job and all were some of the most frustrating chores I've done.
My neighbor just had a 20' deck boat done by a local hack that sold him based on price. The thing has two horizontal stripes about 4" tall running through entire interior. The idiot had them reversed from one end of boat to other and never caught it (or thought he'd get away with it which he did!!!)!
Horrible stitch work, cheapest material I've ever seen and in less than a yr is almost shot.
My neighbor is one of those guys that ALWAYS goes to the cheapest place then can't figure out why he got crap :eek:
To me, the interior is as important as the paint/gel work on the hull.
Can make or brake one.

[NautiqueProSki]

I agree, I had mine done with a local company and they happened to do a great job, like anything you need to shop around and get customer references and feed back and get comments from the customers not the people who are doing the work as they will do anything to get the business like use poor materials and get the job wrong..... I went to a local business here in Orlando and they did a great job. Good Luck with your project...:thumbsup:

[Matt Gent]

Fineline - do you really want to post under a business name using internet speak and foul language, insulting potential customers?

[Scream And Fly]

So far every post you've made was to promote one particular business. You've also made it a point to post their website address more than once in only five posts. Are you affiliated with them at all?

Also, let's tone down the argument, alright everyone? Keep it civil please.


I agree, I had mine done with a local company and they happened to do a great job, like anything you need to shop around and get customer references and feed back and get comments from the customers not the people who are doing the work as they will do anything to get the business like use poor materials and get the job wrong..... I went to a local business here in Orlando and they did a great job. Good Luck with your project...:thumbsup:

[JnT]

We did our seats in the Apache ourselves. Mostly because I could not afford to have them done by a pro. I bought the vinyl off ebay and other stuff from beaconfabrics.com
My wife and mother in law did all the sewing on regular old school home sewing machines. We had to lube the needle at times with 303 or armor all but it all worked out.
They turned out good enough for my use. We made a family project out of it for 2 weeks.
It was a pain pulling all the staples and ripping the panels apart for patterns. Very labor intensive but can be done at home.
We lost my Mother and Father in law last year but I still smile and think of them every time I get compliments on the boat.
Here is a vid of some of the upholstery work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBavGbJpUQU

[NautiqueProSki]

So far every post you've made was to promote one particular business. You've also made it a point to post their website address more than once in only five posts. Are you affiliated with them at all?

Also, let's tone down the argument, alright everyone? Keep it civil please.

I am not affiliated with copycatcovers just a happy customer sharing my thoughts with other users. I thought that was the idea here, I just don't like people run others down, I bought some great deals at West Marine but can't I mention them? I am about saving money and having fun on the water, I am sorry if I offended anyone.:(

[NautiqueProSki]

We did our seats in the Apache ourselves. Mostly because I could not afford to have them done by a pro. I bought the vinyl off ebay and other stuff from beaconfabrics.com
My wife and mother in law did all the sewing on regular old school home sewing machines. We had to lube the needle at times with 303 or armor all but it all worked out.
They turned out good enough for my use. We made a family project out of it for 2 weeks.
It was a pain pulling all the staples and ripping the panels apart for patterns. Very labor intensive but can be done at home.
We lost my Mother and Father in law last year but I still smile and think of them every time I get compliments on the boat.
Here is a vid of some of the upholstery work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBavGbJpUQU


:iagree:
Now this is what it’s all about. Doing It Yourself and everyone pitches in; it’s much more enjoyable when you know you did it yourself. Shame on these people who think to get a good job done you need to go to so called professionals, I am not putting anyone down, but that guy from Fineline Marine really made my blood boil. I think your video is great and I am going to send it to all my Central Florida Boating Club Members.
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[Raceman]

I am not affiliated with copycatcovers just a happy customer sharing my thoughts with other users. I thought that was the idea here, I just don't like people run others down, I bought some great deals at West Marine but can't I mention them? I am about saving money and having fun on the water, I am sorry if I offended anyone.:(

Hmmmm, one day here and already tellin' us "what the idea here was", jumpin' on a supporting member who's been here for several years, and to boot, 5 plugs for commercial businesses that don't support this website already. Maybe we could use a new member ettiquite and orientation page.;)

[NautiqueProSki]

Hmmmm, one day here and already tellin' us "what the idea here was", jumpin' on a supporting member who's been here for several years, and to boot, 5 plugs for commercial businesses that don't support this website already. Maybe we could use a new member ettiquite and orientation page.;)

I didn't know it was a members only club, so far its the best site I have found at least someone responds to the posts :). If I am not worthly to be a member delete my account. :confused: Thanks.

[FINELINE MARINE INTERIORS]

:iagree:
Now this is what it’s all about. Doing It Yourself and everyone pitches in; it’s much more enjoyable when you know you did it yourself. Shame on these people who think to get a good job done you need to go to so called professionals, I am not putting anyone down, but that guy from Fineline Marine really made my blood boil. I think your video is great and I am going to send it to all my Central Florida Boating Club Members.
ffice:office" /><O:p>:smiletest:</O:p>
dont know what would make your blood boil just tellin it like it is. bad economy and every one thinks they can beat people up. our morgage and payroll still stays the same no matter how people are spending. just making a statement

[DSM]

Hey Mike, I picked up a machine today can you give me any pointers?:D

[imq707s]

Besides Ebay, where are some other good shops off the net to get Marine Vinyl from? I've found a few places selling it for around $11 a yard...is that good?

[texassix]

Boat Upholstery....anyone redone their own?

You guy's can perk up a long day at work. Think this all started with a simple question! WOW :eek:

[lokinutz]

Besides Ebay, where are some other good shops off the net to get Marine Vinyl from? I've found a few places selling it for around $11 a yard...is that good?

If you have a Keyston Bros in your area, it would be worth a try. They supply and stock everything you will need, and carry all the quality stuff.
$11 a yard for quality vinyl without an account is cheap as long as it is 54/55" wide. Retail it is usually $14/18 depending on quality.
Vinyl has gone up a little in the past couple years as oil prices sky rocketed. So has foam.
Now go back in and "beat those peeps down" until the price is $5/yd. Make sure they don't charge you tax either!
Apparently that's what I'd do.:icon_bs: