Best Fabric for Saloon Cushions ?

[MJWEENZ]

The boat is comming out of the water for winter (yup, happens here in Ohio ) and it is time for projects. Our 1982 LN41 has the original cushons in the Saloon and its time to replace them. I have read many of the comments on fabric selection and it seems that most agree that an ultra suade is the best choice for comfort, durability and apperance, but some of the posts are getting a bit old.

So, is ultra suede still the fabric of choice? Or has anything better come along? And FWIW, we have a Jack Rascal Terror as a pet that sheds an amazing amount. Would that change anyone's opinion on fabric?

Mike
Not ice bound yet, but close.
Fair Wind

[MJWEENZ]

Help! Anyone have any suggestions? Long term experience?

Mike

[speciald@ocens.]

I replaced the Ultrasuede with Ultraleather - like it much better. It wears better doesn't stain, the suede did.

[MarkJ]

We have new one made from Micro-suede. Give me a year or 2 and I'll tell you how they wear.

We got a huge pen mark on the on Day 2..... Nicolle removed it totally by dabbing a little water with detergent. Majic!

[Maren]

I have read many of the comments on fabric selection and it seems that most agree that an ultra suade is the best choice for comfort, durability and apperance, but some of the posts are getting a bit old. ...
And FWIW, we have a Jack Rascal Terror as a pet that sheds an amazing amount. Would that change anyone's opinion on fabric?

First, let me refer you to this. Lots of thoughtful replies. And a couple of months to a couple of years isn't really what I would call old in this case. It's not like you are looking for electronics.

Second, I like the feel and duability of ultrasuede but went with exterior grade fabric from Sunbrella (and another designer who I forget) because a large swath of a single color isn't something that works for my space.

Third, either should work with your dog, they're durable.

[forsailbyowner]

Something you may want to look at,
Rochfordsupply.com is running a clearance sale on imitation leather. Look under textiles/closeouts. Under $10 yd.

[MJWEENZ]

Maren,
Thanks for the reply but the link imbedded dosen't go anywhere.

Mike

[Tropic Cat]

I've been looking at this as well.

My reading seems to indicate a preference for Sunbrella type fabrics for saloon cushions. Then again I'm in a tropical location, perhaps suede is better for cooler climates?

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Tropic Cat

My reading seems to indicate a preference for Sunbrella type fabrics for saloon cushions.

I've seen it and it looks fine.

One can also have a number of different 'looks' on their boat: outside, saloon and cabins.

We just paid the moster sum of US$550 for all the cushions, beds and 13 curtains incl the Micro-suede fabric in Malaysia. In most countries thats going to be a few thousand. But here with a little extra cash it would be possabel to have 2 sets of Saloon cushions done in different colours or fabrics for seasonal changes.

These were done by specialist canvas and car seat people NOT marine people. Car seat people can do the corners, curves and tucks boaties require.



We's happy lil vegemites!

Ands we got our gally resurfaced today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tropic Cat]

No wonder Pirates head for Malaysia, I'll bet you didn't even need to unsheathe your cutlass ( no, not the bearing).

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I've seen it and it looks fine.

One can also have a number of different 'looks' on their boat: outside, saloon and cabins.

We just paid the moster sum of US$550 for all the cushions, beds and 13 curtains incl the Micro-suede fabric in Malaysia. In most countries thats going to be a few thousand. But here with a little extra cash it would be possabel to have 2 sets of Saloon cushions done in different colours or fabrics for seasonal changes.

These were done by specialist canvas and car seat people NOT marine people. Car seat people can do the corners, curves and tucks boaties require.



We's happy lil vegemites!

Ands we got our gally resurfaced today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow.... $550? Their labor rate must have been pennies an hour. And thanks for the car seat people idea.

Has anyone had this kind of work done in Venezuela or anywhere else close the the US east coast, that might offer such bargain pricing?

[donradcliffe]

We tried sunbrella and it stained too easily--now have water buffalo leather from Thailand.

[SusanneAmes]

We replaced our salon cushions and mattresses in Trinidad in 2006. David, who has a shop in the Power Boats yard, did a great job at a reasonable price (which I don’t recall). We used car seat material for the fabric, which can be removed for washing. They have held up well.

Most of us in the tropics make slip covers from sheeting or similar material. We live on the cushions and thus they tend to absorb salt, oil, sunscreen and dirt. So you could have multiple sets (space permitting) and replace as needed, especially in places like Trinidad or Fiji where there is cheap material and fun designs to choose from. One doesn’t need to be an expert seamstress to do this (‘cause I’m certainly not!), though access to a sewing machine is probably important.

Before we had the slipcovers, we folded towels around the seat cushions.

Cheers!

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by speedoo

Wow.... $550? Their labor rate must have been pennies an hour.

No, its not pennies per hour, its probably $3 or $4 dollars per worker per hour. But where they save is lower real estate prices, limited safety requirements, far lower workers insurance etc. The sowing machine was on the sidewalk at the front of the shop...

Oh and far lower price point of goods: Ultra Suede is about US$25 per meter, the aisian similar brand $5.....

One other thing about car cover people... in these countires and south american people keep their cars FAR longer. People will recover their car seas where 'we' would just buy a new car.

[bobfnbw]

Ultraleather.
Just shop around for the best fabric price.... ebay is one source.