Upholstery for Arriva 1989

[Zeeky]

I am restoring a 1989 20' Arriva speed boat. I really like this boat but I had to do a complete restoration. I removed the deck,strings and transom. I have replaced the transom and stringers and is in the process of installing the new deck. I need some directions in restoring the upholstery. Where can I find the vinyl with the same pattern? Or what is my best option to replacing the upholstery?
This is my first boat restoration. I would appreciate any info.

 

[Zeeky]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

This what the boat should look like when restored. This a picture I found of a restored arriva

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

That's a pretty cool interior...is it also an open bow?

Doubtful you'd find the exact replacement just waiting for you to order? I know Checkmate Boats still has all their old templates and for the most part can re-create factory interiors; however, they're not cheap! Is Arriva still around? That's where I's start? If it's something you're not comfortable taking on yourself (many here on iboats have tackled it with various results, myself included!) Call a local upholstery guy and get a quote? If you need foam, structure, and vinyl it will be pricey (upwards if $3,000), just vinyl, prolly around $1,500? This is just guesses based on my local experiences?

Congrats on getting through all the hard stuff (removal of structure, foam and rotted stuff)!

~Brett

 

[Zeeky]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

Thanks Brett,
I have very little knowledge with upholstery but like a challenge. If I go with another pattern would it increase my options by very much. I'm thinking about going with different front seats. Buy them at a boat dealer or somewhere. Swivel seats maybe, on a short pedestal. I should be able to get something close to the pattern. I have the original foam for seats and cushions. If I knew a good place to purchase some vinyl with a similar pattern I could manage the rest. Not sure how it works with buying vinyl.

 

[Zeeky]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989



Yes it is a open bow. Beautiful boat. Love to have it restored to the original if not to expensive and the material available. I love to have all the input possible.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

zeeky, if you want to try your hand at sewing your own vinyl covers it's really not that hard and lot's of guys here on the forum have done it. We'll be glad to guide you during the process. I have a good source for all your vinyl needs if you care to dive in!!!

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

Thanks Brett,
I have very little knowledge with upholstery but like a challenge. If I go with another pattern would it increase my options by very much. I'm thinking about going with different front seats. Buy them at a boat dealer or somewhere. Swivel seats maybe, on a short pedestal. I should be able to get something close to the pattern. I have the original foam for seats and cushions. If I knew a good place to purchase some vinyl with a similar pattern I could manage the rest. Not sure how it works with buying vinyl.

WOG is a great resource for "hands on" stuff (vinyl, paint, fiberglass repair and wood working). I sourced new seats and vinyl from veada.com. Nice stuff and very competitive! The vinyl is middle of the road as far as quality goes...there are some better and some worse?! The seats can be ordered with you choice of colors (3 total), swivels and bolster supports. Not original, but easily as high a quality as many manufactures.

Here are the ones in my old Baja:




I tackled the vinyl (except helm seats) on here too!





I also tackled the vinyl in the Chris Craft (I did try one of seats but was unhappy with results, so I had them professionally redone)

 

[Zeeky]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

zeeky, if you want to try your hand at sewing your own vinyl covers it's really not that hard and lot's of guys here on the forum have done it. We'll be glad to guide you during the process. I have a good source for all your vinyl needs if you care to dive in!!!

Would that mean that I could go with the original pattern? I really like that pattern. What tools would I need? That would be my biggest concern. With your help I believe I can do a satisfactory restoration.
Where would I start? I have all the old material and foam with its location marked. The upholstery was all removed when I purchased the boat. I did the remainder myself. I assume doing it myself would save me worth while money.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

Would that mean that I could go with the original pattern? I really like that pattern. What tools would I need? That would be my biggest concern. With your help I believe I can do a satisfactory restoration.
Where would I start? I have all the old material and foam with its location marked. The upholstery was all removed when I purchased the boat. I did the remainder myself. I assume doing it myself would save me worth while money.

Definitely would save you money!

You'd need a good sewing machine (older are better as they have metal gears? Industrial ones are what pro's use and can be had for around $300-$800). A pneumatic stapler with stainless steel staples...then basic hand tools...Patience and lots of practice, you can have a quality product that will give you a certain satisfaction! Having the old vinyl as templates will help tremendously!!!

 

[Zeeky]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

WOG is a great resource for "hands on" stuff (vinyl, paint, fiberglass repair and wood working). I sourced new seats and vinyl from veada.com. Nice stuff and very competitive! The vinyl is middle of the road as far as quality goes...there are some better and some worse?! The seats can be ordered with you choice of colors (3 total), swivels and bolster supports. Not original, but easily as high a quality as many manufactures.

Here are the ones in my old Baja:




I tackled the vinyl (except helm seats) on here too!





I also tackled the vinyl in the Chris Craft (I did try one of seats but was unhappy with results, so I had them professionally redone)

I really like the driver seat, nice frame style and the pattern looks close to mine. What price am I looking at? Is there a website for ordering? It's definitely an option!

 

[Zeeky]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

What is the best method or tool to remove the stitches from the old vinyl?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Upholstery for Arriva 1989

It's called a stitch removal tool. You can get it at any fabric shop...