New saloon cushions (with pics)

[scubaman]

Some time back I asked for help in removing one of the ceiling panels in the second cabin. Got that sorted then, but as I probably mentioned, the purpose of the exercise was to have the saloon sofa cushions removed and taken for reconditioning.

Upholsteries were original and of the slightly wrinkly type, which I wasn’t a huge fan of, but as the leather was still more or less ok, I decided to try to have them painted. An acquaintance of mine recommended a workshop that specialises in restoring classic cars, so I approached them with pics and got a reasonable offer on the repainting work. Long story short, painting didn’t work out as the leather started to fall apart after the preparatory washing process. However, the guys at the workshop made me an offer I couldn't refuse on having the cushions reupholstered with new leather.

Feeling slightly worried about how this would turn out, as they had no access to the boat for closer look or measurements, I accepted the offer. I also explained to them that the wrinkly look would’t be missed.

Anyway, got the cushions back, re-fitted them and was very happy with how they looked. The fit is as good as I could have asked for, and the quality of the work is in my view to notch. I think it refreshed the look of the saloon considerably.







The trim below the cushions doesn’t match, but I’m not going to do anything about that for the first summer and see if it still bothers me after the season (I suspect not). I’m also expecting the wrinklyness to return along with use but we’ll see. At least for now they looked so nice, I didn’t dare to sit on them when I was at the boat doing some maintenance . I also already dread the next candy day with kids…

I got the boat polished again and spent an another overnight trip cleaning the interior so everything is ready for the re-launch, which should take place this week. Can’t wait!



For comparison, below are a few pics from 2012 when I bought the boat. The colour of the leather had since flaked a bit and was looking quite worn.

 

[Pinnacle]

Looking FAB K. Well worth the effort!

 

[petriexpert]

Looks great. Good leather work!

 

[MapisM]

Upholsteries were original and of the slightly wrinkly type, which I wasn’t a huge fan of

Neither am I.
But since that's what you usually find in boats, also of other very respected builders like SL, Prin, Fer, Sskr to name but a few, I always thought that the choice was durability-driven. Which made it much more acceptable, to my practicality-oriented eyes.
Otoh, when I came across DPs, I realized that their choice has always been different, and much more similar to yours, i.e. smooth and soft (well, it LOOKS softer than the old one, anyway). And btw, also of the very same colour!
I'm telling you this because I've seen 4 DPs, some older than mine, and when compared with other boats of similar age, this smoother leather was always still as good as the more popular wrinkly one, if not even better.
So, the good news is (in case you are wondering) that there's no reason why your new leather shouldn't last as much as the OEM one! :encouragement:

PS: I also agree that the different trim at the bottom is something you can live with, but frankly I believe it would look nicer if reupholstered with the new stuff.
And in proportion, whoever made the cushions should charge a reasonable amount for that, I suppose.
I'm just unsure of how difficult it is to remove/reattach those bits - I wouldn't be surprised if it were pretty hard!

 

[scubaman]

Neither am I.
But since that's what you usually find in boats, also of other very respected builders like SL, Prin, Fer, Sskr to name but a few, I always thought that the choice was durability-driven. Which made it much more acceptable, to my practicality-oriented eyes.
Otoh, when I came across DPs, I realized that their choice has always been different, and much more similar to yours, i.e. smooth and soft (well, it LOOKS softer than the old one, anyway). And btw, also of the very same colour!
I'm telling you this because I've seen 4 DPs, some older than mine, and when compared with other boats of similar age, this smoother leather was always still as good as the more popular wrinkly one, if not even better.
So, the good news is (in case you are wondering) that there's no reason why your new leather shouldn't last as much as the OEM one! :encouragement:

PS: I also agree that the different trim at the bottom is something you can live with, but frankly I believe it would look nicer if reupholstered with the new stuff.
And in proportion, whoever made the cushions should charge a reasonable amount for that, I suppose.
I'm just unsure of how difficult it is to remove/reattach those bits - I wouldn't be surprised if it were pretty hard!

Hi P,

I thought about using different colour altogether, but since everything else is supporting the beige option, I couldn't really find an alternative that I was happy with.

As such, removing the panels appear pretty straight forward. There are screws inside the seat bases, which you undo and hopefully the panel drops out (hopefully not having any glue in addition). You are right, it wouldn't probably cost too much to have it done also.

I'm going to try the magic sponge on them first to see what effect a proper cleaning has.

 

[rafiki_]

New cushions look fantastic. Really worthwhile modification.

 

[AndieMac]

Yes, looks sharp K, very nice choice.

Don't forget to get some re-launch footage, if possible, you know I like all this boat-in-sheds stuff

 

[scubaman]

Hi AM, and others, and thanks!

Unfortunately I was away when the boat was re-launched and only arrived to find it neatly berthed waiting to go. infact got to the boat yesterday evening and today drove it back to our home berth. I have some pics, but I'll put those on another post.