Upholstery Help

[WA-H2O-SKI]

I have a 2003 196 LE and have a pretty good "scuff" mark on the starboard side upholstery panel. Wondering if there is a product that might "buff" the scuff out? What about getting a replacement skin? I heard that Nautique does not make them any more??? Any ideas?

[NautiqueJeff]

One of our forum sponsors, NautiqueSkins, can get you the exact factory skin that you need. Give them a call!

http://www.nautiqueskins.com

[WA-H2O-SKI]

Upholstry

Are they exactly the same as OEM? I would only be replacing that one panel and would want everything to match perfectly.

[Chexi]

Describe the scuff mark. Is it a black mark on the vinyl or is the vinyl surface actually damaged? Also, what have you tried so far?

[WA-H2O-SKI]

The area is actually ruffed up and has some light surface damage. No tears, just roughed up. No discoloring. I have only cleaned the area with 303 protectant. I am open to any ideas.

[Chexi]

If the area is clean but slightly damaged, I would suggest either (a) living with it, (b) finding a good leather and vinyl repair guy to take a crack at it, or finally (c) buying a replacement skin from nautiqueskins.com. They use the same vinyl and colors as oem, but if your current vinyl has faded, then the colors will be off, which is why I put this as the last option. If it's just a white piece, then color fading should not be an issue. That said, getting it to look like the rest of your factory pieces requires some skill, and they will recommend having it professionally installed. I installed a full set of skins from them on my boat with the exception of 2 pieces that I had professionally installed. No one could tell you who did which piece by looking at them, but I had to redo several pieces as I learned the hard way how to do it, and if I had not redone them, you would have been able to tell. Further, even the professionally installed pieces (which look very good) do not look quite as good as factory new in my opinion. The factory has professional grade heat lamps to help mold the vinyl and take any creases out. Few pros have such a tool. The sun and time may eliminate some creases, but I am still waiting for a few to disappear.

All that said, the combing (sp?) pads along the gunnels are not terribly difficult pieces, and the driver side is one of the easiest pieces on the boat. If you decide to do it yourself, you would want a pneumatic stapler and stainless or monel staples. You could probably get by with a mechanical stapler for just the one piece. Finally, take before pictures so you have reference photos, and listen to the advice nautiqueskins provides. It can be very helpful.

[Nautibouys]

I would definitely start with a professional vinyl repair specialist before reskinning the whole thing. I have had seats and other areas repaired in my boats over the years and its typically $40 to $50 bucks. Many of the repairs have turned out very well. I would anticipate that a skin and installation will cost a whole lot more.

[Chexi]

I agree. I realize my post might not have been clear, my (a), (b), and (c) options were put in order of recommendation.