Marine upholstery

[davidni]

Called into upholsterer today. They do all the norm, sofas etc but advertise boats as well. Replacing soft square foam on my centre console seat with nice firm curved stuff and new vinyl. Thing is...they showed me their best stuff and it seems 'thinner' than what's on the seat already. They say its what they use for boats.

Called CHIEFTAIN FABRICS SIMPLY COLOUR Seems to be commercial grade, used in uk airports etc (in brochure).

But just wondering if its actually fit for exposed boat.

Anybody heard of it?

Or maybe recommend a material?

Going for a nice bright orange to match tubes. Console is very white, steering wheel and all.

[Phil M]

I suspect lots of these manufacturers use them for deck cushions and sun lounger type upholstering on cabin cruisers or speed boats, not rough arsed ribs whet drivers and crew are often in dive kit or dry suits. I used some heavy duty black vinyl off eBay which i just folded and trimmed over foam and stapled to a ply base board. Looks quite good actually though definately "utility" style.

Phil M

[davidni]

Ti be fair these chaps have quoted £50 for all new foam to my spec and covering! Inly other thing I'm wondering about is staples...ones on seat are rust free. Are stainless used for boats?

[Nos4r2]

Monel staples are the best option-the cheaper stainless ones rust as well.

Re material, mine are done in Nautolex-it's a specific material for boat seats I believe.it's quite thick. A quick google for Snuggtopz will find a supplier

[Low Flyer]

Kayospruce in Southampton


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[Low Flyer]

How much and what colour do you need ?


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[davidni]

Just a metre, bright orange

[matt h]

if you want firm to very firm its 10-12 lb reconstituted foam

[gary222]

Ambla It's been around for years and is very tough. Beware though orange will fade to a sh---y yellow
I can send you a bit for postage plus a donation to the Macmillan fund.
Gary

[paintman]

How does Ambla compare to Nautolex?

[gary222]

I have a pattern book for Nautolex at work,I'll take a look tomorrow !

[paintman]

Cheers. Such things as thickness, robustness etc.

[gary222]

Nautolex
Maritime Range Colours
These are solid colours with a very slight grain. Has the traditional knitted backing like Ambla which stops it stretching 'up' the roll. It still stretches across the width which can catch you out when first using it. Seems very very slightly thinner than Ambla but has a 60000 cycles abrasion resistance rating, so should be fine for seating etc. 24 colours on my pattern

[gary222]

Nautolex Seatech Lite
These are slightly thinner (1.1mm) than Maritime (1.7mm) but have a nice uniform grained finish. A bit harder to the touch but a 100000 abrasion rating. 16 colours that are more muted.

[davidni]

Originally Posted by gary222

Ambla It's been around for years and is very tough. Beware though orange will fade to a sh---y yellow Attachment 105791
I can send you a bit for postage plus a donation to the Macmillan fund.
Gary

Gary thankyou for offer.

Before I spotted these replies I managed to find someone else. Custom Covers NI who are going to shape the foam to my exact spec, cover in white and recover using marine exterior fabric and marine grade stainless staples...for £60-70 which seems reasonable again so I'm going to go with them. Seem to specialise in boats.

I thought the marine stuff would be fade resistant?

[gary222]

No problem glad you are sorted. Good price I think. Anything like bright orange will fade.

[paintman]

Thank you for the comparison

[davidni]

Originally Posted by gary222

No problem glad you are sorted. Good price I think. Anything like bright orange will fade.

I'll stick with the original white then.

Thanks again for all the help.