Seat Covers - advice please

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tarik

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Have recently bought a Centaur and have decided to renew the seat covers.

My daughter ( who is doing the needlework) is trying to talk me into leatherette seats, my last boat had this type of seat and we were slipping all over the place.

My preferred choice is denim. ( Or any other material?????)


What does the Team think?


As always many thanks for all replies.



David
 
There is a huge range of materials available for bunk cushions. Vynil/leatherette is rarely used now because it is cold, slippery looks cheap and is difficult to sew. Sometimes still used where the seat might be used frequently when wearing oilies - my chart table seat is vynil.

Covering has to be fire resistant and it is common also to have stain repellant. Have a look at a specialist marine upholsterer such as Toomer and Hayter to see what sort of materials are used. if you have the skills available to DIY then there are many sources of material - just use google to find them. Or you can find a local upholstery firm to do the job. Do not underestimate the amount of work involved in DIY or the cost if getting it done professionally
 
Denim is not a good idea, Its cotton and once wet stays wet for ages.

synthetics are more suitable.

I suggest you get some advice from a professional.

There's a lot of work involved and the choice of the right material is paramount.

Plank
 
Personally id not fancy anything plastic like vinyl

Natural fibres, such as cotton, are not suitable because they retain moisture and I am sure will soon be affected by mildew.

I have covered the cushions in my own boat with an inexpensive polypropylene fabric from Toomer and Hayter. Very similar to what was possibly original in your Centaur.

Hawke House Ltd is another supplier to consider.


It may be false economy to recover the old foam. It deteriorates over time and could well be holding mildew spores. If original it may not be flame retardant.

If the new fabric is patterned make sure the pattern matches on adjacent cushions.
I have managed to make the pattern run continuously throughout my boat.

 
tarik said:
Have recently bought a Centaur and have decided to renew the seat covers.

My daughter ( who is doing the needlework) is trying to talk me into leatherette seats, my last boat had this type of seat and we were slipping all over the place.

My preferred choice is denim. ( Or any other material?????)
Click to expand...

I would use a nylon/polyester blend micro-suede type fabric. It is washable, you can even use alcohol to clean troublesome stains. It is available in 50 colors. There are many qualities of micro-suede type fabrics...don't buy the cheapest and you do not need the most expensive. Shop carefully, but not just for price...you will get what you pay for. One mid-priced micro-suede is made by Burlington Industries and is trademarked Euroseude.

If you use a "leatherette" type of material, use urethane supported with a knitted material. Urethane, unlike vinyl is breathable.

Remember, denim is made of cotton, and cotton is one of the most absorbent fibers. The more absorbent, the more it will stain.

Hope this helps,

Bill
 
BeBe said:
I would use a nylon/polyester blend micro-suede type fabric...
Click to expand...

From another thread on the same topic:

Sekers Sahara

"Luxurious faux-suede for curtains & severe contract upholstery in 32 colourways. Sahara is waterproof, washable, anti-bacterial/anti-fungal and soil & urine resistant, making it suitable for healthcare environments. In addition excellent stain removal has been observed for: Blood, Urine, Grease, Ink, Grape Juice, Iodine, Betadine, Ketchup, Mustard, Salad Dressing, Suntan Lotion. "

Looks ideal, but I have no idea of the cost.
 
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