Tackling the upholstery... staple question

[shonuff]

I replaced the skin on my engine hatch last winter. I got the stapler from Harbor Freight and staples from Amazon.

A heat gun definitely helps stretch it. Also pick up some plastic painters drop cloth from Home Depot. That goes between the skin and the foam cushion. It helps you slide the skin around to position it just right. You'll also need plenty of masking tape to tape the ends down while you're stretching.

Good luck. I got my skin from nautiqueskins, I heard copycat skins didn't always fit right so I'm betting its not as easy as you're thinking.

[SoldTheBayliner]

Yikes. I've already clarified that I think it's going to be the most frustrating, time consuming experience I've ever endured. I hope you're wrong about "not as easy as you're thinking".

I saw that thin plastic stuff under the factory skins and thought that's what it was for. I didn't know exactly what it was, but that thin painter's drop cloth is basically the same stuff. Thanks for the heads up on that. It looked like it was just under the edges of the factory seats. There was none on the engine cover. Did you lay it over the whole area?

[shonuff]

Yup I covered the whole hatch with the plastic drop cloth.

One more tip, don't cut the holes for the hatch handles until after the skin has been mounted.

[gride]

Would the vinyl be more prone to tearing issues if it were just plane one sheet, as opposed to the factory skins? I'm referring to the "graphic" on the sun deck of the 05 models. Definitely post any tips you figure out after the project. God speed.

[SoldTheBayliner]

I wouldn't think more prone to tearing, I'd think more prone to stretching and moving underfoot...the seams seem to add some structural rigidity to the surface...like on mine, If it was sitting in the hot sun and you stood on it and tried to spin, you wouldn't be able to 'spin' the vinyl with your foot... if it was all one sheet, there's just more area to stretch out, so more likely that it can stretch, or slide around. Not that that's a totally bad thing... I'd try to get it pretty darn tight if I was going to do it that way. Mine is a big one piece hatch, not the 3 piece one. We're not going to duplicate the factory seams (kind of a wavy pattern), but we're going to try to match the bimini pattern and do a 'stripe' thing with a couple of different colors down the middle. On the factory ones, there's no large area on that deck that is 'seamless', even in the solid colored part...I'm thinking that's because that adds strength as it stretches out and gets more flexy when it's warm. I could be wrong...

[Chexi]

Be very careful if you use a heat gun. A nice warm sunny day works better with no risk of overdoing it.

[xrichard]

Interesting thread--great posts.

RE: seams...Based on my experience, I think it fewer seams = fewer problems. I had a 95 Nautique on which I replaced several seat bottom pieces. Each one had failed at a seam. On my current boat, several pieces have been replaced under warranty....same thing, failure/cracking/splitting at seams. Could be I'm wrong and there would be more issues on pieces w/o seams. But, if I ever re-do the interior, I'm going with plain and clean...as few seams as possible.

[SoldTheBayliner]

I agree that the seams on the seats seem to be the failure point...over time that is where the tear starts. We are eliminating some on the rear deck, but with the seat design (higher 'lump' in front) it would be hard to eliminate them in the seats without changing the foam situation also.

But that brings up another question... what kind of thread?

As far as heat, we'll be installing inside by the fireplace, which should provide plenty of stretchy heat...heat gun is last resort.

[gride]

I have a guy whose upholstery work I've seen and it's good. What type of vinyl should I request? If I need any foam is there also a preferred brand or type?

[TxJole]

In the go fast boat world everyone is going to motorcycle seat foam. I have been on a few boats with it on the sun deck and its like laying on a cloud.

[Chexi]

Try to use teflon thread. It does not breakdown in the sun like the cotton stuff.

Also, do yourself a favor and do not staple in the bolsters on the seats too tight (by this I mean the flap of vinyl between two pieces of cushion where one piece is taller than the other). This is the number 1 area for seats tearing. You should avoid stepping on this part, but it will happen from time to time. If you do not staple it super tight, it will have some give and should last longer.

[SoldTheBayliner]

Good stuff, thanks.

[jimmyj]

nautique skins quoted me ~3500 for my entire 2001 super sport. thought i was pricey in general but sounded about right compared to what others experience. personally, i wouldnt put anything but nautique skins on my boat. no other vinyl that i have seen has the same texture. any nautique i have seen with other upholstery, it is the very first thing you notice; its like a sore thumb.

good luck. had some buddies do a few seats in a san. said it was major PITA.

[gride]

The seats are fine, but I hate the grey color. I know it all gets hot, but I am leaning towards a sand color, probably lighter. This is a great thread.

[TxJole]

You guy better get on the ball, these WINTER projects are running out of winter.