Cushions

[merttan]

Hi everyone,
I'm about the start the "project cushion face-off" I have some questions;
1- Do I need to stitch welts around the corners, or are they just for the looks?
2-I chose vinyl (for bottom) and sunbrella (for top) fabrics for cockpit cushions, anyone has any bad experiences with those fabrics?
3-Is polyurethane foam good for cabin cushions? What's the best cost-effective foam (other than closed cell) against mold?
4-What's the best for openings; molded zipper, velcro, or snappers?
5- And any tips about making cushions would be really nice...

Thank you all...

[sailingdog]

Are these cushions going to be use inside the boat or in the cockpit.

Welts help the cushions keep shape better, and make the covers look better IMHO.

I like velcro for the cover closures, as they're not as uncomfortable to sit on and easier to install than zippers IMHO.

[merttan]

sunbrealla and vinyl combination for cabin; vinyl only for cockpit... I figured a decent towel that laid on vinyl will be good for both sun bathing and drying after swimming ...
Gosh this sleeping pill is kicking in I feel like whheewff...
Tal;lkto you later... me crash nowwww//.

[billyruffn]

I assume you're going to use closed cell foam in the cockpit? There's a alternative to vinyl that you might investigate as a covering for the cockpit cushions. I don't know what it's called but it's a 'fabric-like' polymer with small holes in it that let water flow through. The benefit is that, unlike Sunbrella, when they get wet they don't stay wet -- water goes through and drains out the underside. No need for soggy towels in the cockpit and we've found it doesn't get hot in the sun like vinyl does. Sorry I don't know the trade name of the fabric.

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by billyruffn

I assume you're going to use closed cell foam in the cockpit? There's a alternative to vinyl that you might investigate as a covering for the cockpit cushions. I don't know what it's called but it's a 'fabric-like' polymer with small holes in it that let water flow through. The benefit is that, unlike Sunbrella, when they get wet they don't stay wet -- water goes through and drains out the underside. No need for soggy towels in the cockpit and we've found it doesn't get hot in the sun like vinyl does. Sorry I don't know the trade name of the fabric.

You can get it and foams I think from local hot tub places that sell the enclosures / patios systems for hot tubs...I have a set of them for the Cat I have - however - they do not drain well when laid on a flat surface just FYI...The water just seems to sit at the bottom of the foam (and I am talking about the ones that are supposed to drain effectively)....

Interior wise I use nagohide the same stuff used in the military...but I also did not sew them....

I use a technique using 1/4 plywood - stained. Put 1/2" X 1" X (whatever length) wood strips glued under the plywood and then wrap the fabric over the cushion material and staple it in the inside portion of the strips on the inside. Then I use epoxy to seal the fabric -- water never has an opportunity to get inside as it will drip down but never back up....

I'll take some pics of my setup if anyone is interested in a non-sewing technique...

[merttan]

Apprently, sewing with a machine requieres more talent than hand sewing...
My first attempt was the small backrest... Notes taken, lessons, learned...
Meanwhile, I received the materials that I ordered for cockpit cushions... The one recommended by one of you... Rather interesting material...
So far my decision for fabrics are:
Interior: Sunbrella tops and vinyl bottoms... Poly foam for inside material and plastic zippers to close...
Exterior: That weird material that doesn't stay wet (Can't remember the name now) for bottom and sunbrella for topside. Closed cell foam inside and plastic heavy duty zippers for closure...
So far, only the colors appear to be right choice... This year's backyard fabric colors are tones of blue and white...

So far none of the fingers were sewn onto the fabrics and still attached

[T34C]

Why are you using Sunbrella on interior cushions?

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by merttan

Apprently, sewing with a machine requieres more talent than hand sewing...
My first attempt was the small backrest... Notes taken, lessons, learned...
Meanwhile, I received the materials that I ordered for cockpit cushions... The one recommended by one of you... Rather interesting material...
So far my decision for fabrics are:
Interior: Sunbrella tops and vinyl bottoms... Poly foam for inside material and plastic zippers to close...
Exterior: That weird material that doesn't stay wet (Can't remember the name now) for bottom and sunbrella for topside. Closed cell foam inside and plastic heavy duty zippers for closure...
So far, only the colors appear to be right choice... This year's backyard fabric colors are tones of blue and white...

So far none of the fingers were sewn onto the fabrics and still attached

You are using closed cell for exterior? Did not follow that. I will tell you one thing: I will NEVER hzve regular cushions again... closed cell only.

- CD

[sailingdog]

T34C makes a good point for once...

I'd be using something far more soft and comfy for the interior cushions... a microfiber material would be really nice, since it is stain, mildew and sun resistant, sheds dirt well, and doesn't really care if it gets wet.