KevinC
Well-Known Member
The good ones tend to hold their value, even used. I am also looking at adding a machine that is near 2k and is probably 40 years old. Problem is new is 4k+.
-Kevin
240 Sundeck Winter re-upholstery project
- Thread starter Espos4
- Start date
The good ones tend to hold their value, even used. I am also looking at adding a machine that is near 2k and is probably 40 years old. Problem is new is 4k+.
-Kevin
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Here’s how I decided to recreate the engine cover backrest.
The original had 3 “heat pressed” lines in the material. I was unsuccessful in easily recreating those lines. So I used 3 pieces of material, top stitched the seams and added stitching in the center.
Just waiting for the “Sea Ray” to be embroidered on the white vinyl and I’ll finish it off.
Save your scraps.....this whole piece was made with my earlier scrap pieces.
The original had 3 “heat pressed” lines in the material. I was unsuccessful in easily recreating those lines. So I used 3 pieces of material, top stitched the seams and added stitching in the center.
Just waiting for the “Sea Ray” to be embroidered on the white vinyl and I’ll finish it off.
Save your scraps.....this whole piece was made with my earlier scrap pieces.
KevinC
Well-Known Member
Looks good... Did you already send the piece off for embroidery? If not the guy I use already has it on file.
-Kevin
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Yes I did. A friend of mine has a business with an embroidery machine.
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Just finished one of the large bow seat cushions.
Espos4
Well-Known Member
I got the embroidered pieces back. Here’s the engine cover backrest completed.
The next one to be done is a re-do of the very first cushion that I did, The seat cushion above the batteries.
It seemed “acceptable” when I first completed it in January, but I now see numerous flaws and areas that I can improve upon.
The next one to be done is a re-do of the very first cushion that I did, The seat cushion above the batteries.
It seemed “acceptable” when I first completed it in January, but I now see numerous flaws and areas that I can improve upon.
Last edited:
toddh
Active Member
Outstanding job!
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Thank you!
It is extremely time consuming, anywhere from 4-6 hours for a single large cushion, start to finish.
In the end it is all worthwhile.
Mac-Daddy-Minnesota
Member
Awesome post and pics. Thanks for sharing.
Handsome Transom
Active Member
- Jan 26, 2018
- 563
- Boat Info
- 1989 SeaRay Sundancer 268 454 Bravo
- Engines
- 454 Mercruiser bravo drive
Great job niceb to see a diy with great results. Kudos for your patience
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Thanks! Almost done, these are the last 2 (and most difficult) to be completed.
With the multiple pieces, the curved back, and the embroidered panel, this will take considerable time.
My plan was to be done by the end of March so that I could address the mechanical maintenance items in April before my anticipated May 1st splash.
Mac-Daddy-Minnesota
Member
With the flood waters on the way, the marina here wants to splash on Wednesday. We still have ice on the lakes too......
Espos4
Well-Known Member
After a little time off, I got back to work. This one took the most amount of time. One more identical cushion to go.
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Just to wrap this up, I reinstalled the cushions in April and they seem to fit very well.
It was a long project that was well worth the effort, even though I’m still finding pieces of white thread all over the house!
It was a long project that was well worth the effort, even though I’m still finding pieces of white thread all over the house!
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Get used to stepping on staples.
There are 200+ staples to be be removed on each large cushion.
Make match marks on your original skins before separating them. Transfer these to the new pieces.
Measure the pattern of the curved backrests before removing them from the boat. The backboards on these are very flexible plastic. The new upholstery must be stapled with the backboard set at the same curve. Otherwise you will have wrinkles and loose vinyl once installed.
Practice the topstitching on scrap vinyl. These will be the most visible stitches. Keep even tension pulling apart on the 2 pieces so the top stitch stays straight inline with your back stitch.
When starting any top stitch, make sure you have enough thread in the bobbin down below. Running out of thread in the middle will leave extra visible stitches and possible extra holes in the vinyl.
The cushions actually look better in person than they do in the pictures. There are many areas that aren’t perfect. Take a good look at your originals......they aren’t perfect either. You’ll drive yourself crazy if you let every little thing bother you.
There’s one cushion that I hated and swore I’d re-do. I installed it anyway. Can’t even see the errors once the sun is shining!
Sailrite has great videos that I watched numerous times. I purchased supplies from them and their advice over the phone was very helpful.
The materials and machine were expensive, around $1,500-$1,700.
But I made that back and more by selling 1 particular cushion. The portside rear seat cushion has a habit of flying off on the 240 Sundeck. I was able to sell 7 of them online. The profit from these sales paid for every bit of my expense to reupholster the boat.
There are 200+ staples to be be removed on each large cushion.
Make match marks on your original skins before separating them. Transfer these to the new pieces.
Measure the pattern of the curved backrests before removing them from the boat. The backboards on these are very flexible plastic. The new upholstery must be stapled with the backboard set at the same curve. Otherwise you will have wrinkles and loose vinyl once installed.
Practice the topstitching on scrap vinyl. These will be the most visible stitches. Keep even tension pulling apart on the 2 pieces so the top stitch stays straight inline with your back stitch.
When starting any top stitch, make sure you have enough thread in the bobbin down below. Running out of thread in the middle will leave extra visible stitches and possible extra holes in the vinyl.
The cushions actually look better in person than they do in the pictures. There are many areas that aren’t perfect. Take a good look at your originals......they aren’t perfect either. You’ll drive yourself crazy if you let every little thing bother you.
There’s one cushion that I hated and swore I’d re-do. I installed it anyway. Can’t even see the errors once the sun is shining!
Sailrite has great videos that I watched numerous times. I purchased supplies from them and their advice over the phone was very helpful.
The materials and machine were expensive, around $1,500-$1,700.
But I made that back and more by selling 1 particular cushion. The portside rear seat cushion has a habit of flying off on the 240 Sundeck. I was able to sell 7 of them online. The profit from these sales paid for every bit of my expense to reupholster the boat.
HardHead
Member
- Jan 9, 2015
- 77
- Boat Info
- 1996 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer
Previous boats:270 Sea Ray, 230 Sea Ray
- Engines
- Twin 454 Mercruiser Inboards
I've experienced this in the past when redoing boat seats etc. Try using a Little heat from a heat gun or blow dryer and working the wrinkles out. It has always worked for me.
Espos4
Well-Known Member
Tha
I figured it out. It was an issue with the pattern and following the match marks.
Thanks.
I figured it out. It was an issue with the pattern and following the match marks.
Espos4
Well-Known Member
PM sent.
