Suitable Material

[singer]

Hi All,
Would like to find out what materials are most suitable for the interior and exterior of our yacht. I am hoping to make curtains and also have sufficient seat covers inside the boat and indeed suitable seat covers for the cockpit area. Would love to know about the foam that people use, as I am gonna try and make it as comfortable as possible. Have been looking into suitable cloth for lee cloths for the bed, is canvas the way to go? Sorry for all the questions!

[blt2ski]

For interior cushions, we went with a Sunbrella fabric. Not sure how many varieties and colors of the stuff is availible since the patent has worn off. I am remembering over 100 colors and prints from just one supplier. Prices range from $20 a yd to over $150 with some very intricate designs.

Foam comes in many forms too. From soft to more firm, cost also vary's.

Not sure what is used on the cockpit, other than a closed cell foam would be best to not soak up water, along with a breathable waterproof material.

If you have it done, plan on a few dollars. For my 30', it was close to $12K. BUT< we did not go cheap. It probably could have been done for as little as $8K, but the forward Vberth where we sleep, we went with a 5" instead of 4" foam, Formed seats instead of flat in the salon, so the foam needs to be cut, buttons, and piping. All add $$ to the overall cost! Material was around $30 per yd.

marty

[sailingdog]

I'm not a big fan of sunbrella material for interior cushions, as it is rather scratchy and uncomfortable. There are far better choices IMHO for interior cushion materials. Some of the micro-fiber materials are very comfortable, durable and stain resistant.

[OrioninHawaii]

I used a vinyl "naugahyde" type for my forward v-berth and my settees and love it- I have cats aboard my 48 ft celestial and between spills, the ocean and hurling contests it's stood up wonderfully for 5 years now- some people might feel it's a bit "sweaty" in warm weather but I live in Hawaii and have found it really practical for living aboard- I sometimes lay a throw over it - My curtains were just thicker material as they have elastic and are snap on. I needed them to be a bit "room darkening."

[ADMTROX]

I just finished my cockpit cushions. I used Phifertex plus material. The cushions are a combination of closed cell foam and reticulated, dry fast foam. The closed cell floats but is a little stiff, the reticulated is softer for comfort. You can go to sailrite.com for some useful information.


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[WinterRiver]

Very nice job.

[sailingdog]

nice job chris....can i send you the measurements for my boat..

[ADMTROX]

Thank you!

[gardeningal]

To those making their own covers, what kind of sewing machine do you have?
Thanks, gardeningal

[xort]

trox uses an old Kenmore. She keeps hoping it will break down so she can get a sailrite but I keep oiling it and it keeps on ticking.

metal parts of the older machines are the key.