Supplies / Furnishings for Main Salon

[DiverChick71]

So say there is this almost-40 something female that gets the INSANE idea to buy a "Project boat". She is not a boatbuilder (or anything builder, for that matter) by trade, of course, but an extremely enthusiastic DIY'er. She's reading Don Casey and has laid a couple laminate floors...she feels empowered! Fortunately her boyfriend (who at least has done construction) is more than on board, and they are researching vessels. Where would one go to find supplies/craftsmen, etc for interior finishings of a main salon? Settees with storage, mainly. And dining berths. The tables seem to be quite easy to find. While into DIY, she also feels like it's often best to apply some sweat equity but hire an expert for the finished product, as she wants her boat (home) to be something she can live in and sail for years to come. ANY input appreciated!

[bljones]

There really isn't anything like an IKEA for boat furnishings. Generally, if you are fitting out an interior yourself you are building it all yourself, in place.
You're gonna learn how to use a tick stick and make patterns! In addition ot Casey's "This Old Boat', get a copy of Bingham's "Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified." This will give you all of the info you need to fit out the cabin, including tools needed, techiniques, and plans for things like drawers, tables, butterfly hatches, etc.

[NotQuiteLost]

The closest I ever came to a 'home depot' of sorts for boat interior stuff was used exchange places around the Seattle area. Donato's Second Wave was great for that (I understand you're in Florida, but have no valuable input for there).

Often times you'd see beautiful wood tables and trim piled up in those places that were a couple coats of varnish/oil away from brand new condition, and they were like 25% price. I never had a need for any of it, but I always kind of dreamed how some of the pieces would look in my boat while I was mulling over another purchase.

That's my best advice: go hunting around for some reasonably priced used trim pieces and build the bodies of any stationary furniture (like settees) out of marine plywood yourself. That's all the professionals do

[MarkJ]

Recovering cushions and mattresses is a unique problem on the business world.

They are the wrong shape.

A furniture makers does not expect compound curves as in a saloon cushion. If they do it they will charge heaps and do a crap job.

So you are left with 2 alternatives:
A marine trimmer will do a great job however you will pay out for 1 small cushion the equivalent of buying an new Oyster 60 complete!

Or go inland... far away from the sea and into an industrial area an find a mob that does commercial vehicle re-covering of seats. (They are everywhere in 3rd world countries) They can cheaply and expertly recover in your desired fabric the compound curves of a modern boat saloon cushion.



As a general rule: Find someone not in a marine industry who can do what you want. It'll save you big bucks

[zeehag]

barter for the work.. i buy the materials and have a neighbor who needs rent paid do work for me so his rent is paid and my work is done-- i am as are you only a tad older---we wont say how big a tad..LOL.. but .... i bought a formosa--the kind of boat always a project no matter what ye do... they are gorgeous, and truly a lot of work, so i hone up my cooking skills and appeal to the part of the man what needs foood(and rent paid) and we get along fine.

[DiverChick71]

hehe Zeehag...that's great. I love to cook...one of the things I've read with amusement on here is what one must have and can do without. For me...a well-stocked galley isn't an option.

Well I LOVE hearing that I can do things myself. I'm sure there will be some trial and error. I will have to work on patience. Fortunately my boyfriend has that in abundance...I love watching him think out a problem and methodically go to it. As long as I listen to his advice on my home repairs...I'm generally in good shape. Boat should be about the same.

I also have a brother that's an industrial designer, with experience in furniture design. He's said he'd love to help me out. I think I have a good handle on this. I had not yet FOUND the "Ikea" of boat interiors...so now that I have confirmation that it really doesn't exist...I'll be figuring out my own path. Thanks all!

[Boracay]

Boat interiors are like icebergs: you can only see 10% of whats involved.

The interior cushions are (maybe) 2% of the work on a project boat.

The most cost effective option is probably to buy a sound boat in good, ready to go condition even if this means putting off the purchase and saving those extra pennies. It'll be quicker and cheaper in the long run.

If interior furnishings are that important to you I'd suggest factoring a zigzag Sailrite or similar sewing machine into your purchase cost.

[zeehag]

diverchick--my galley isnt well stocked but i can cook anything ...and after working hard allll day , a guy likes a good beer and a something in the tummy .... sammiches, pastas, whatever-- and for a good treat-- bbq something--is all short and quick --i dont have a fridge--all works fine...right now i use a coleman camp stove for cooking..

sewing machine is a good idea -- learning to make your own cushions and covers and such is a good way to make a lil extra income along the way , also.....

[Blue Stocking]

Sailorman, in Ft. Lauderdale, has that "kid in a candy store" feel to it. Even if you don't see anything useful, you'll get lots of ideas. Also Bruce Bingham's book Sailors sketchbook is very useful for how to build things.

[zeehag]

sailors sketchbook--i forgot about that one--is an excellent book covering exactly what you need... good luck and have fun.

[DiverChick71]

Ok I'll Look for the Sailor Sketchbook!

Buying a sewing machine is a must. I have a 14-year-old that sews and she's ready to lend a hand. I'm looking at industrial models, she has a Singer from the 1950's that sews like a charm.

I'm excited! I know it's crazy but we're both ready to dive in. I have 3 years til I can sail away, children in high school and all that. It will be a crazy venture but I'm ready to tackle it!

[indiana_ct]

Definitely get a sewing machine. I have 2 Singers - one domestic and one industrial.
I had a foam specialist cut my seat foam for me. He normally does caravan seating - definitely the boat curves confused him, but my drawings were accurate so they turned out OK.
So, get good at measuring and drawing and find non-marine specialists.

Indiana
Another insane 40 something sailing woman fitting out a boat.