Cockpit cushions

[SpeedAgent]

Anyone ever make their own cushions? I just priced out a set for my Catalina 27 and I don't think I'm willing to spend $800+ on a set of 2-3 cushions.

Any suggestions, comments?

Thanks,

Chris

[tager]

I was thinking about making tie-dye ones. It's not too complicated. My mom took a class in upholstery once and made a chair. Foam, batting, canvas, thread. Voila!

[ckgreenman]

Originally Posted by SpeedAgent

Anyone ever make their own cushions? I just priced out a set for my Catalina 27 and I don't think I'm willing to spend $800+ on a set of 2-3 cushions.

Any suggestions, comments?

Thanks,

Chris

Well if things go well and I buy the boat I'm looking at I'll be having to make cockpit AND cabin cushions. I have recovered other things so it should be too hard. If you have any decent sewing expertise it wouldn't be hard at all. One thing I would recommend is that you either use Marine grade vinyl or Sunbrella fabric for exterior cushions. You MIGHT need an industrial machine so that might be show stopper. Also make sure you get accurate measurements.

Good luck!!!

[ckgreenman]

Originally Posted by tager

I was thinking about making tie-dye ones. It's not too complicated. My mom took a class in upholstery once and made a chair. Foam, batting, canvas, thread. Voila!

Don't forget the big sewing machine If you keep the material light enough you might be able to use a household machine. My mothers Singer 2000 used to be able to sew through about 7 layers of denim.

[tager]

You can always hand sew... if you like... sewing.

[rayncyn51]

I got a price on re-doing the interior on my Catalina 30, and nearly went into cardiac arrest!!!! I calculated the cost of doing it myself & it came out to a savings of 77%, assuming that my time is worthless - which is not far from the truth! Either of our home sewing machines will handle Sunbrella or equiv with a heavy needle. My limited experience says that if you have never done it, keeping a long seam straight is not as easy as it looks. Especially if there is welting or a zipper involved. I'm also thinking about investing $50 in a sheet of 3/4" plywood and formica to use as a layout table. I think it would make layout and foam handling so much easier.

[WouldaShoulda]

In the cockpit I just use these...



-$10

[ckgreenman]

Originally Posted by WouldaShoulda

In the cockpit I just use these...



-$10

An no shortage of throwables in the cockpit


That might not be a bad idea though. Maybe add some snaps (or some other attachment) to keep them in place.

[tager]

People are such naysayers here, it really irks me.
You don't need an industrial machine if you use lighter fabric, you don't have to have zippers either! When was the last time you unzipped a cushion? Also, so what if the seam is not perfect, it's just a peice of foam you put your ass on while sailing.

[ckgreenman]

True. although I did mention that lighter fabrics COULD be done with a household machine. As long as you know how to make a pillow you can make a cockpit cushion. You just make it inside out and keep the last seam on the back edge so it's not visible then sew it up when you get it stuffed.