Cockpit cushions

[Blakhomer]

We’ve sourced some quotes here in the tropics for some replacement cockpit cushions. The current ones appear to be a suede like material. The foam is comfy to both sit or lie down on and about 1” to 1 1/2” inches thick. I’ve asked for a thicker 3” foam replacement if only because I thought it might hold people of all different weights. As I write this, I’m mindful that I haven’t sat on the new product myself and should test that out.

Material wise, we’ve been given the option of going with a sunbrella product or a Pacifica Hide product which is a vinyl.

I’m sure I’ve seen the Pacifica product on some enclosed power boats but uncertain I’ve seen it used in sailboat cockpits. I imagine they would attract the heat well. On the plus side, they appear easy to clean.

Sunbrella appears to be a rougher texture but I imagine would hold up fairly well in the heat of the tropics.

Price wise, the quotes are very similar. Wondering if anyone has experience with either product and would like to share.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[wholybee]

Mine are (were) a vinyl, don't know the brand. I would compare with an automotive upholstery in terms of what it looks like. They lasted about 2 years in the tropics, in a cockpit without an enclosure, so they so saw a lot of rain and a lot of sun. They are still functional, but in very rough shape and the vinyl is tearing at the seams.

[Joh.Ghurt]

Originally Posted by Blakhomer

The current ones appear to be a suede like material.

The material is often called Alcantara which exists also in outdoor variants for motorcycle seats, cabriolets, deck furniture cussions and marine applications.

[JPA Cate]

Our cockpit cushion covers have ranged from terry cloth (the pile keeps you off the sand) to Sunbrella. The Sunbrella holds up fine in UV, but it is easily stained by oily things.

Ann

[Sailmonkey]

We had vinyl cockpit cushions.

They’re long gone…..I don’t miss sticking to vinyl cushions in the sun