Interior Shops....

[Instigator]

We will finally be ready to have the cockpit upholstery done for the Sonic in a couple wks and looking for shops to talk to. Don't want it free but looking for bang for the buck and figure w/the economy and market being what it is, it ought to be a great time to shop.
Knowing the boat will get some ink and likes to travel it could be a good chance for a good shop to get noticed.
If anyone has recommendations or any shops want to talk, I'll tow the thing pretty much anywhere in the south half of Florida if the deal is right. I dream of Fineline but ain't even close to being able to afford that level. (Sorry Guys)

Thinking of giving Barney a call and see who he knows and uses down in Miami for their Actions.

Thanks for any help guys and feel free to call or e-mail w/advice. Can not even imagine seeing what this boat will look like w/a killer interior after nearly 3 yrs of blood sweat and tears :eek:
Anyone curious to it's history can check it out here.
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?182658-The-24-Sonic-grows-a-sun-lounge&highlight=the+24+sonic+grows

Gary Williams
772-418-0902
williams829557@bellsouth.net

[magnum2.5]

GARY, I use MAY"S MARINE CANVAS in GRANT, couldn't be any closer and have been very satisfied with work ethic and price, give them a shout, tell them I sent you ..on second thought!! just kiddin, great people to work with, they do my custom fit TONEAU covers for $250.00 installed w/ss snaps, sunbrella of coarse...321-806-8028 BILL252204

[Donat]

Gary try PPI I bought 2 front buckets from them plus vinyl for rear bench. They have great customer service and very reasonable prices with outstanding quality of finished product. I highly recommend. Here are some pics http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?242517-21-Rallysport-almost-done&highlight=
It was still cheaper to have them do it plus shipping then most shops I've been in Chicago. An yes economy sucks but they still want to charge you top dollar

[magnum2.5]

GARY, here is more pic's of work they did for me...having trouble posting pic's but here goes...252205252206

[afr]

we do interiors to gary

[1fastg3]

I just Used 2 upholstery shops and Fired 1st guy , This guy that just got done with it today for $800 and I think it looks like $hit , So I am up for change

[baja200merk]

Im bringing an entire deck boat to my guy tomorrow, top bottom cushions around 95% of the deck, 2x the seating as your sonic for $700. He just did beef's vector interior all carbon 3 colors for $125 and it looks great! Give me a shout if you need his # :thumbsup:

[1fastg3]

Please tell me All my seat is carbon X6 yards $186 Plus Labor $615 $800 out the door and Still looks like crap.. 2 Differnt shops ? I am going to Fineline next time
252224

[Stitch King]

Please tell me All my seat is carbon X6 yards $186 Plus Labor $615 $800 out the door and Still looks like crap.. 2 Differnt shops ?

Sorry to hear about the troubles you are having.

FWIW, the labor charge is correct if they are charging $50/hr. Usually it takes about 4 hrs to disassemble a single seat, pattern it, sew it, add foam as needed, bag the foam (or not) and reassemble. That is if you are doing quality work. Sounds like they didn't.

As for the material being 6 yards...That's where they got ya. 6 linear yards of material is like 216" (18 feet) long by 54" wide. I can tell you that there is not that much material in those seats. On top of that they charged double ($31/yd) what the material usually costs at $14/yd.

From the picture it looks like they should have replaced the foam or added another thin layer on the upper edges of the seat where it's usually broken down. It would have filled out a lot better and eliminated the wrinkles I see in the pics. This is a common mistake upholsterers make.

I can't see the stitching in your photo, but at $50/hr it better be top notch and have double french seams.

If the stitching does not suck then take it back to the shop and have them pull it back apart and add some foam. This assumes they left enough material so that the cover can be stretched over the new foam and stapled again.

Good luck, Ken

[raw2500]

I only use the best FINE LINE 305-323-3697 MIKE MYERS

[1fastg3]

Ken It was A nightmare With these seats , 1 place I droped it off , Called me 2 weeks later said he couldnt do it , Then this guy and the line dont match and There rinkles in it , Oh and On top of it . What is the bottom seat ? Come on Its junk .LoL Never again

[1fastg3]

I only use the best FINE LINE 305-323-3697 MIKE MYERS

Trust me If I do it again I will pay , He has to be the best I have seen

[Stitch King]

Gary,

Keep in mind that the interior makes or breaks the whole boat. It's a major component in terms of overall area on a boat and it's where you spend most of the time so you want it right.

A cheesy job on the upholstery will stick out like a sore thumb. Choose carefully and ask to see actual work that was done. A good trimmer will have work in process that you can see. Be careful of someone that can only show you pictures and especially if the pictures are of poor quality so you can't see the details. Also ask them to show you examples of double french stitched work. If they can do that seam on seats and it looks really good then that's your upholsterer. But be prepared to pay.

Good luck,

Ken

[Stitch King]

Here's an example of good workmanship. The before:

http://i44.tinypic.com/anzbth.jpg

Here's the after:

http://i44.tinypic.com/2n6i7eu.jpg

This was a 23' Supra inboard bow rider that we did and the total job came to $4000. Then again every piece of carpet, wood, foam and vinyl was replaced. However most of the boat work we did averaged around $2200. That was usually 2 bucket seats, a bench, 2 gunnel panels and an engine cover for either an I/O or and inboard.

[Instigator]

Gary,

Keep in mind that the interior makes or breaks the whole boat. It's a major component in terms of overall area on a boat and it's where you spend most of the time so you want it right.

A cheesy job on the upholstery will stick out like a sore thumb. Choose carefully and ask to see actual work that was done. A good trimmer will have work in process that you can see. Be careful of someone that can only show you pictures and especially if the pictures are of poor quality so you can't see the details. Also ask them to show you examples of double french stitched work. If they can do that seam on seats and it looks really good then that's your upholsterer. But be prepared to pay.

Good luck,

Ken
Thanks for the input Ken and agree 100%. It was $3500. to do the cockpit of my old Sonic 10 yrs ago but was of great quality.
On the crap work, a neighbor had his 22' deck boat completely re-done a few yrs back by a local shop. The vinyl was so thin you could almost see through it. The interior had a flowing,2 color stripe pattern running around the entire interior of the boat. In the back half of the boat they had the colors reversed and delivered it anyhow. The neighbor accepted it and never had it corrected. He never said why but he is quite the shyster so I suspect he either traded for it or got it so cheap he was afraid to complain. It started coming apart in the Fla sun within mnths and is now completely toast.

Don't want to screw anyone, just a good value.

Magnum, called Mays yesterday and have not heard back yet.

Buddy had his '86 Starflight re-done a couple yrs ago by a great shop that has moved and don't know where.

Ficshe Bote builder I used to work for had a Fineline level interior done for their boat but I'm afraid to ask how much.

Replied to several ad's on Craigslist several mnths ago and never even got a reply. I refuse to pay someone that doesn't want to earn it let alone return an e-mail or phone call.

[rchevelle71]

Gary,

if all else fails, I have a guy down here in Boynton that does it on the side out of his house, does decent work. You wouldnt be able to bring him the boat as he doesnt have room, just the interior a few pieces at a time.

Rick

[Instigator]

I only use the best FINE LINE 305-323-3697 MIKE MYERS
Figured you'd say that. I've seen their work many times and w/o question, "THE" nicest I've seen. Just don't think I can afford that level.

Kevin, I'll call you.

Just sent e-mails and pix's to 1/2 a dozen shops w/ad's on Craigslist. We'll see if anything happens. Not expecting firm quotes but before I tow the pig 3 hrs to Miami.....

[Stitch King]

It started coming apart in the Fla sun within mnths and is now completely toast.

Since you mentioned it....Make sure that the shop uses a good UV resistant bonded polyester thread. Anything else will not last. Ask to see the bobbin of thread that will be used on your project and the spool will be marked.

Be careful because the elcheapo guys will try to use anything that is already on the shelf and will save the $40 by not buying a new bobbin of good thread.

[stokernick]

do it yourself = CopyCats

have it done + Fineline

IMHO

[JUPITER PULSARE]

Keep me posted on this Gary. When I get my 28' Checkmate down here I'm going to be replacing the wood in the bolsters and may need to recover the vinyl..I always try to retain the originality of the boat if possible. Hopefully I'll have it here in April. I'm trying to buy the twin 260's that are currently on the boat....

[Instigator]

Keep me posted on this Gary. When I get my 28' Checkmate down here I'm going to be replacing the wood in the bolsters and may need to recover the vinyl..I always try to retain the originality of the boat if possible. Hopefully I'll have it here in April. I'm trying to buy the twin 260's that are currently on the boat....
Will do.

So 36 hrs ago I e-mailed everyone w/a legitimate looking ad under marine svc on Craigslist. Hit Space Coast, Treasure Coast and South Fla.
Inculded pix's of the boat, desription of what I was looking for and my name and phone so they knew I was not a stealth shopper.
So far I've gotten one e-mail from one shop asking for measurements which I replied with and one phone call from a different shop.
Business must be way better than we keep hearing. Cracks me up when people advertise on the INTERNET but don't return e-mails.
Oh yeah, I called May's Canvas and left a message and had zero reply. Have e'd him per his Craigs ad before w/same result.

The good is the ONE call I actually did get.

Brian from Fantasic Fiberglass actually took the time to pick up the phone and call. Seemed very competent and willing to help educate me. Was even willing to give me a ball park price over the phone w/the understanding that there are many variables involved and options available. He's right in Stuart and I used to pass his shop all the time when I worked down there. Have seen some of his projects and were very impressive.

Thanks Brian.
http://fantasticfiberglass.com/

[afr]

what are you looking for really and how much do you want to spend gary

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422314_368515449827482_100000070908075_1455546_850772115_n.jpg

[afr]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/33703_164181100260919_2690602_n.jpg

[afr]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/409301_341538075858553_100000070908075_1385830_979107464_n.jpg

[Instigator]

what are you looking for really and how much do you want to spend gary

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422314_368515449827482_100000070908075_1455546_850772115_n.jpg
Sorry Scott. Forgot about your offer. Send some pix's of your work to me at williams829557@bellsouth.net
I expect to pay a fair rate for the expertise which is exactly what I told Brian.

[afr]

Sorry Scott. Forgot about your offer. Send some pix's of your work to me at williams829557@bellsouth.net
I expect to pay a fair rate for the expertise which is exactly what I told Brian.
theres a bunch on that link i put up plus what i just posted the next one we bolt the stuff in ill get ya shot least i know you sseen my post thanks anyways

[Instigator]

Thanks Scott.

To any of the local guys trying to reach me......, it seems ATT has changed their coverage some how to where you now must dial the 772 area code to get through to me.
I have a new phone and # that is local for here in Sebastian though. That # is 772-571-3857
The old 0902 # is still active and being forwarded to that new # for now.
Thanks, Gary

[warren]

i just talked to fineline he may b the best but 8000 for a 24 skater interior wowwwwwwwwww

[afr]

i just talked to fineline he may b the best but 8000 for a 24 skater interior wowwwwwwwwww
see my man carlos is really good 30 plus years from port a rico and been in the us army for 4 years

[tony97gt]

I just called Fineline and left a message to see about a quote on my 18' Talon. Basically going to replace all the stock junk in there with newer, nicer stuff. I also tried Billy's guy and he wanted $2200(or $2500, I can't remember) to do my interior. He was doing it in his garage or something and it was going to take 3 weeks. Needless to say, he never got a call back.

[Greg G]

Some nice work there. One thing for sure is everyone has a different idea of what a top shelf job is when it comes to interior work.

[magnum2.5]

GARY, stop bye and talk with Bill or May at MAY"S MARINE CANVAS.it's at 5185 S. us 1 GRANT, it's close bye the new ramp on west side of us1, they charged me $250 for each front seat and $450 for the back seat and they were trashed when they got them, new foam bagged covered, the color and design I wanted, I had them do a TANEAU cover also, they are very busy, and only a two person shop but was very happy with the results, I'll try and post before and after pic's252329252330

[afr]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425292_383160661696294_100000070908075_1500156_477956173_n.jpg

[Instigator]

Dropped the boat off at Fantastic Fiberglass last night. After brain storming w/Brian and seeing some of their work I am confident that my enormous project is nearing it's end and is in the right hands for the the icing on the cake.

Scott/afr, if you were closer dude, so I could have seen some of your work in person......

Magnum2.5, Donny I refuse to give money to someone/company that won't even return my call. Doesn't give much confidence in leaving my pride and joy with them.

[afr]

its all good gary glad you got a place

[magnum2.5]

SORRY bout that!!guess I won't be recommending them anymore...think you will have it ready for RIVER RANCH??

[XT-Innovator]

i just talked to fineline he may b the best but 8000 for a 24 skater interior wowwwwwwwwww

Warren,

We are not real close to you, but we did this custom 24 Skater interior for half of that price including the headrests on the rear deck lid.

XT

[Tom Foley]

Warren,

We are not real close to you, but we did this custom 24 Skater interior for half of that price including the headrests on the rear deck lid.

XT

WOW ! That looks fantastic !!

[tony97gt]

I found a shop here in Miami off the Palmetto Expressway and Bird Road that I've heard does good work. Gonna pass by later this week and check them out. I'm still looking for a shop here in South Fla that isn't priced as high as fineline.

[tony97gt]

Dropped the boat off at Fantastic Fiberglass last night. After brain storming w/Brian and seeing some of their work I am confident that my enormous project is nearing it's end and is in the right hands for the the icing on the cake.

Scott/afr, if you were closer dude, so I could have seen some of your work in person......

Magnum2.5, Donny I refuse to give money to someone/company that won't even return my call. Doesn't give much confidence in leaving my pride and joy with them.
Pics of the outcome? You happy with it?

[rchevelle71]

Tony,

I have a guy up here in Palm beach that does decent work, he did my buddies 26' Cat. He works out of his house, if you want to pull/replace the interior, and just have it recovered, he would probably do real good on the $$.

[tony97gt]

Rick, I appreciate it. It's not the same guy that Billy was using is it? If it's not then let me know his email address and I'll send him some pics. But I'm looking to replace all the wood with starboard and give it a whole new interior. Hopefully I'll have some time in the next few days to go get my first estimate down in Miami. Some palce called Marine Canvas at 7794 Coral Way. I was referred there by someone so I want to go see some of his work.

[rchevelle71]

Rick, I appreciate it. It's not the same guy that Billy was using is it? If it's not then let me know his email address and I'll send him some pics. But I'm looking to replace all the wood with starboard and give it a whole new interior. Hopefully I'll have some time in the next few days to go get my first estimate down in Miami. Some palce called Marine Canvas at 7794 Coral Way. I was referred there by someone so I want to go see some of his work.

Tony,

NOT the same guy. This guy did upholstery years ago, then went a different direction with his career. Works a full time day job, and does this stuff on the side out of his garage, and a bedroom in his house that he converted into a shop. He works with my buddy Ray during the day, I will get his info for ya by the weekend, not sure if your job is too big for him, but he does good work.

Rick