Interior Material?

[md-lucky]

Pretty basic question: What do you use to replace the old vinyl on seats, covers, and sides?

I'm hoping that in the past 30+ years, someone came up with a new product that works much better than vinyl. I'm looking for something to replace the easy, flat surfaces where the vinyl is cracked and falling apart. Do you just replace it with the same old stuff and try to keep it covered, or are there better materials available now? Huge price differences make other options not worth the investment?

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Interior Material?

I would find a good marine upholstery shop near you and ask them.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Interior Material?

i buy marine vinyl on ebay.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Interior Material?

I found marine vinyl in local fabric stores, although expensive.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Interior Material?

If you have a Joann Fabrics near you, you can get marine vinyl for about 10 bucks a yard. If you look, you can easily find a 50% off coupon. I used some of their vinyl to reup my camper last year. If you want to use better stuff, you can, just get your wallet out. I reupholstered my Jeep in a vinyl called Rave. It was about 26 bucks a yard. 3 seats only took 6 yards, though. It was well worth it, though. It looks like and feels like leather.

I don't care what you use. You gotta protect it from the elements. You can't expect anything to sit out in the weather all the time and not deteriorate. My boat is a 1985 and has been covered when not in use. It's original upholstery still looks great.

 

[md-lucky]

Re: Interior Material?

Still researching this. Going to be looking into the Rave stuff, sounds interesting.

Anyone know much about Naugahyde? It looks like it has some promise, also.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Interior Material?

Nauga is a very old, old material

I'd recommend some of the new, improved marine vinyls, or if you must have something more durable, consider using bed liner for trucks in places.. it looks pretty good.

I've also tried FRP, the textured white sheets you can get at home improvement places. They don't look bad, and seem to hold up in the sun ok, but you have to make sure you glue them down properly. Plus they don't conform to curves.

Erik

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Interior Material?

Rave. Right here:

http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/vinyl/rave-ai.htm

 

[cpdinc1800]

Re: Interior Material?

I had a 1986 Bayliner Cuddy Cabin. The vinyl on the side panels was shot, so I used the plywood base as a template and cut new panels out of Trex...yes the decking material available at any Home Depot. I used stainless fasteners and screwed it to the sides. It looked as good 2 years later when I sold it as it did the day I installed it.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Interior Material?

YOu can get stainless t-bolt nuts from fastenall for a lot cheaper than anywhere else I've found

I've bought marine grade vinyl from several online stores. These guys are decent and priced reasonably. I've done business with them a couple of times.

http://www.wesellupholsterysupplies.com/

get good polyester thread made for outdoor use and if you're handy you can sew it on your sewing machine using a number 16 or 18 needle. Also, buying hidden gemp and welting pre-made and in the right colors is inexpensive and can really make a job look sharp.

OH, good stainless staples and an electric or air staple gun are pretty much mandatory.