Bunk cushions replacement question

[steve yates]

Im in dire need of space and all the longbow cushions are cluttering up the garage. We are replacing them with new foam and new covers in the spring.
My question is, can i just skip the foam now and keep the covers as templates. When the time comes to get new foam is it simple enough to give the covers as templates for the foam shape and just specify the 4inch thickness we want? Thanks

 

[Simonpk]

I would have thought it easier to use the foam as a template, could you not create a template on cardboard now & dispose of the foam or hang the foam from the ceiling out of the way?

 

[neil_s]

I think it's best to create new templates by measuring the space the cushions are to occupy. The old foam and the old covers will both be distorted, so dispose of them, if you need the space.

 

[NormanS]

I recently made templates to suit the required spaces. It wasn't straightforward as being against the side of the hull, the shape of the top was quite different from the shape of the bottom. I have bought and cut the new foam to suit, and they are now being covered at an upholsterer. Must learn to type faster.

 

[Humblebee]

I think it's best to create new templates by measuring the space the cushions are to occupy. The old foam and the old covers will both be distorted, so dispose of them, if you need the space.

Yes, that's the best way. The old cushions may not be good fits anymore.
Shipshape bedding made new cushions for the forecabin of our Longbow a couple of years ago and did a good job of it.

 

[LittleSister]

If you are going to bin the foam, first use it to make the templates. Make a template of the base they will sit on, then put the foam down (assuming it's a similar thickness to what you are planning to use in future) and make a template of the shape - reaching to the sides of the boat - at that level.

You might also draw freehand (on the same template, perhaps) edge sections at various points where the cushion will meet a non-vertical upright (e.g. hull), to show the approximate curve or whatever you are aiming for on that edge between your top and bottom surfaces.

Note that the foam needs to be cut slightly larger than your initially drawn template (and the covers), so that it is slightly compressed once it is in its cover. Without this you will suffer baggy, creased covers. If I remember correctly about 1" extra per 6' (and pro-rata for other lengths/widths/thicknesses) will suffice, but do check (e.g. online) for advice on the appropriate factor to apply.

 

[Laminar Flow]

I should like to point out that the foam is generally an inch larger all around to ensure a tight fit of the cover. When making new upholstery from templates and buying new foam you need to account for that.

After getting a couple of eye-watering quotes from up upholsterers, we had the covers made separately from fabric we got at the discounter and I bought the foam to suit.

 

[HissyFit]

As a side note: If anyone is considering binning cushion foam, it makes terrific hydroponic growing walls for vertical gardening. Make your veg plot more productive.

 

[blush2]

When we replaced the V-berth cushions I took the old foams to Hawke House as templates because the curves where they met the hull were quite complex and we wanted something a couple of inches thicker. For extra comfort they have a layer of wadding on top. I found it very useful to try the different types of foam before making a choice.

I made the covers myself using the old ones as templates. When I recovered the cushions in the main cabin, HH covered the buttons for me with some fabric I supplied.

Make sure any zips or buttons are all plastic so they don't corrode, then the covers can be removed for cleaning.