Faux leather

[stephen_h]

We are looking at replacing our salon cushions and was pondering the pros and cons
of leather or pleather. I am sure the leather is more expensive but some of the faux are
also expensive. Any real life experiences?

 

[Yngmar]

Easy to clean, but gives you sweaty butts. Susceptible to cuts/gouges from clothes with rivets. Doesn't stretch like woven fabric does. Doesn't breathe. Sticky if you sit on it with any exposed skin, so not suitable for summer. Cold and unpleasant if you sit on it in winter. You see a lot of them with a blanket thrown over.

Wouldn't fit the stuff myself, although we have one piece of it covering the nav table seat cushion, where it does make sense as you sometimes sit there with wet clothing and it is easy to clean and keeps the salt out of the cushion inside.

 

[pvb]

You might also consider alcantara, which seems to be both comfortable and hard-wearing.

 

[jwilson]

Had cream faux leather on our Jeanneau saloon seating for 13 years: boat also chartered so quite a hard life. I was dubious about it at first, but it is pretty good: cleans up well. We have had some seat squabs recovered after cuts and wear, but I'd still have it again. Current faux leathers are nothing like as nasty as old-fashioned sticky sweaty vinyl. https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/charter/saloon-wa.jpg

Unlimited budget I'd have Alcantara....

 

[rotrax]

Had cream faux leather on our Jeanneau saloon seating for 13 years: boat also chartered so quite a hard life. I was dubious about it at first, but it is pretty good: cleans up well. We have had some seat squabs recovered after cuts and wear, but I'd still have it again. Current faux leathers are nothing like as nasty as old-fashioned sticky sweaty vinyl. https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/charter/saloon-wa.jpg

Unlimited budget I'd have Alcantara....

BMW cars always used Naugahide. Expensive, but very good.

Our current boat and the previous one-Island Packets- both had Naugahide seat cushions in the pilot house and salon.

Both very hard wearing.

I would be wary of cheap imitations-I have seen a friends 3 piece suite. It almost rubs off as you sit upon it..........................

 

[pvb]

BMW cars always used Naugahide. Expensive, but very good.

I don't think BMW used real Naugahyde, but another vinyl-coated fabric (which BMW used to call "leatherette").

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Inherited a boat with faux leather throughout .

For me, works very well. Easy to keep clean and the non silicone spray stuff keeps it looking good. Don't recall it sticking in hot weather.

 

[doug748]

We are looking at replacing our salon cushions and was pondering the pros and cons
of leather or pleather. I am sure the leather is more expensive but some of the faux are
also expensive. Any real life experiences?

My vinyl "leatherette" still looks ok and is coming up 40 years soon. I think it is lighter and more highly plasticised then the early stuff that was popular on 1960's boats (the heavy blue material often finished with contrasting piping; sort of idea).
The newer more sophisticated materials are probably even better but I had my forward bunks recovered with economy Nautolex and they are fine:

http://boatcovershop.co.uk/index.php/product/nautolex-marine-upholstery-vinyl-fabric/

Whatever, square blocks tend not to look so good. I do think plain vinyls need to be pleated or buttoned to look good also roll fronted seats and shaping add to the appeal.
This is probably more in keeping with the traditional type of boat interior.

I have not found them to be sweaty, maybe in hotter climes but I do use a throw on them now and again, mainly for protection in their old age. They tend not to pick up dirt and stains like fabrics and don't go baggy so that is a plus.

 

[Hydrozoan]

You might also consider alcantara, which seems to be both comfortable and hard-wearing.

Or similarly Novasuede, which is pleasantly cool to the touch, not 'sticky' and cleans up well.

 

[rotrax]

I don't think BMW used real Naugahyde, but another vinyl-coated fabric (which BMW used to call "leatherette").

In the late 60's to early 70's-when I was a BMW Apprentice-it was Naugahide.

As we all know, beemers are not what they used to be..............................................................

 

[Norman_E]

Had cream faux leather on our Jeanneau saloon seating for 13 years: boat also chartered so quite a hard life. I was dubious about it at first, but it is pretty good: cleans up well. We have had some seat squabs recovered after cuts and wear, but I'd still have it again. Current faux leathers are nothing like as nasty as old-fashioned sticky sweaty vinyl. https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/charter/saloon-wa.jpg

Unlimited budget I'd have Alcantara....

I have the same. Be careful not to leave anything printed on it. When I first had the boat a bag of laundry was returned by a friend after we had left, and it was put on a saloon seat. Print from the plastic bag transferred itself to the seat squab and backrest, and we had to have both re-covered.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

I have the same. Be careful not to leave anything printed on it. When I first had the boat a bag of laundry was returned by a friend after we had left, and it was put on a saloon seat. Print from the plastic bag transferred itself to the seat squab and backrest, and we had to have both re-covered.

Good point.

I used one of those "magic erasers" that worked well on a stain. I then realised I was taking
some shine off the leatherette .