What to use for cushions

[Art Haberland]

I decided against splashing my Sprite this year as I wanted to get the cabin at least usable. This will involve stripping out all the old nasty plywood and replacing with something better (probably cedar).

The problem is.. what to cover the cushions with. The boat has a V berth and two quarter berths (why do they insist on trying to sleep 4 people in a 23 foot boat?) and of that.. I have the cushions to one quarter berth and part of the V.. and what I have is just plain NASTY

Boat will be green, with a wood and white interior, so I am leaning towards green cushions. What fabric do you recommend? (no. vinyl is not on the list)

[Friends with SCAMPS]

I recommend those square personal flotation pillow/cushion things. They come in many colors, are washable, and provide positive flotation. Those plus a thremarest for actual sleeping and you have removable, cleanable, easily replaceable comfort for a fraction of the cost.

[Art Haberland]

thanks.. but what to cover the thermarest? that is more what I am wondering. I am looking for a material that is not likely to gather mold, but is not completely gross to sit or sleep on

[wdscobie]

Art:

look around for a fabric supply place and look at what they have that is for marine use. i recommend the bottom of the cushions be vinyl with fabric sides and top.

another option is to use Sunbrella fabric for the cushions.

be prepared for the cost. marine stuff is expensive. this is for a reason as the fabric is designed for the environment: UV, moisture, etc. the 'cheaper stuff' is just that cheap. it will wear quickly and fall apart.

hope the cushion foam is in good condition ... foam discussions is as fun as talking fabric

[Monies]

We have used Sunbrella for many years. It can sometimes be found on sale and they have a website for their fabric also. Places like Joann's Fabrics often have odd lot or discontinued Sunbrella discounted.

Mike found some foam for berth cushions while we were in North Carolina last fall (they manufacture sofas and chairs there) at an outlet store for about $97 per piece and was so excited he almost showed it! He bought all four pieces, which are the size of twin beds each, and we dragged them home to Oklahoma. He said that was best price he'd ever seen, so be forewarned. These are thickness and size of twin bed mattresses.

Good luck,

Jackie Monies

[WoodnMetalGuy]

and was so excited he almost showed it!

Jackie - That made me laugh!

[miguelito]

The company "Bottom Siders" in Washington makes custom cushions that are sealed foam, so "vinyl" on the surface. They are very good sitting, but might be a little thin for sleeping, but very durable and cleanable with sealed cell foam.
Good luck
Mike

[Tim]

I used Sunbrella for the Vberth cushions on the Typhoon. There is a Sunbrella upholstery fabric that is not quite as durable but much softer to the feel than regular Sunbrella.

Marine fabrics not cheap, but you will be buying equally expensive foam that you want to protect.

[Monies]

Sunbrella makes a line of fabrics for home décor, both outside and inside.

We have a Sunbrella catalog which they will send you. It is amazing the selections they have now. They are no longer the marine canvas and awning fabrics they once were.

Be prepared for sticker shock on good foam. My daughter said I should mention Mike's foam went from NC to her house in Illinois where it sat for awhile but now it resides here.

This is foam for the Welsford "Footloose", not a Scamp, so there is a lot of it.

Love, Jackie Monies

[Art Haberland]

I thankfully have a place nearby that used to supply foam to Mark-O boats who built the Atlantic City 24 and Atlantic City Kitty Catboats. So foam is not a big issue.

I will look into the sunbrella catalogue. Thanks, I knew I could find it if I asked the right people. This place is much more down to earth and more DIY than most sailing forums