Any magic for old dried cracking upholstery

[w2much]

Title says it all. Purchased a nice older Nitro fish and ski. All is good but the upholstery will probably not last the summer. When I press hard on it it just cracks. Anything to soften it back up? I realize it is shot but before throwing out a few grand for new I thought I'd ask. .

 

[chevymaher]

Unfortunately no. Keeping it pliable from new is one thing. Returning it from the dead is another.

 

[Scott Danforth]

vinyl is a plastic. when the plasticizers all evaporate and age, it can not be rejuvenated. only thing to do is re-upholster

 

[w2much]

I figured that. I was hoping for a magic trick. Dang that upholstery is expensive. This boat has more of it than my living room. I guess it will need to be a slow process of replacement.
Thank you for your replies

 

[Scott Danforth]

many members have learned to do the work themselves because of cost.

to buy it, it is 3X the cost to do it yourself.

 

[Woodonglass]

Buy an Old Singer sewing machine from the 40's or 50's and do it yourself. It's really pretty easy if you have some Handyman skills. Lot's of help here on the forum if you decide to tackle it. Vinyl can be had for $10 a yard soooo $300 or less and some time at the sewing machine should get her done.