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Old 15-09-2007, 16:14   #6
Pblais
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Hayes, VA
Boat: Gozzard 36 - Bright Eyes
Posts: 6,571
Quote:
Ultraleather, without the "Brisa" moniker.
Ultraleather and Ultrasuede are trademark names. Within each of these two "families of material" there are different groups of products that each come in different colors and or textures. Brisa is the only one that breathes and for us the only group that had the right color we wanted. They all share the durability but there are differences in look and feel. I would get some samples to tell what you like best.

For the foam I think it works best to add a layer of memory foam over a high density foam. The mixture gives a firm seat that gives. It's critical if you expect to sleep on top of it too.

As far as the expense of of using a pro to do the job. It just depends on if you want a great job or not. If you've not done upholstery you might want to learn with cheap fabric. This stuff is on the higher end of the cost range but for quality and durability you'll pay more. Some of the nicer Sunbrella weave patterns run $30 - $40 / yard. This stuff is considerably more. Even using cheap stuff on the back side we used 13 yards with not enough waste to make a pot holder. Foam has gotten very expensive with oil prices up too. You don't have to use a boat Pro as most any furniture Pro can do this work just as well if you can get them to come to the boat and measure. A lot of boat Pros will have the ability to help you design foam cushions from layers to get the right results too. You are going to spend a lot of money on just fabric and foam. The mistakes are very expensive. A Pro probably won't make any but if they do they will be on the hook not you. Done well this could be the last time it ever has to be done. I would predict 18 years of life from liveaboards with the premium materials.

If you wanted to try it just buy some dirt cheap foam and make a square cushion of a specific predetermined size and see how exact you can get. You need a zipper so you can stuff it with the precut foam. After you make a few you may be good enough but don't learn with the real materials. It's not as easy as it may first appear to layout and cut with very little waste.
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Paul Blais
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