Need a new interior in my 97 SS

[tiqueman97]

Need advice fellas. Ive taken my boat to several local shops to get quotes on a new interior. Vinyl only. Ive gotten quotes as high as 6k and as low as $3,500. The only one that can do it exactly like factory is Christines in Orlando, FL., which is ironically one of the lowest quotes I got. Im about 2 hrs from there so it wouldnt be too big a deal to tow it over there.

So, I can get just the skins shipped to my door and do it myself. Im pretty experienced w/ working w/ vinyl, I worked for several years making custom panels for cars, trucks and boats and now do it often on the side, so my question is, Has anyone done it themselves? Ive taken everything out of my boat except the bolsters (sp), the side pieces. Its just bolted through the back so it doesnt seem like it would be difficult. I have had to tighten about all of them. Dont know about the bow though. Im assuming I can reach all of the bolts.

So whats everyones opinion, do it myself, or figure out how to tell the wife its going to be another, god knows how much, for Christines to install it? And Ive heard high praises through South East Correct Craft about Christines, has anyone used them? The skins alone are about $2800.

Thanks in advance for your input .
Scott

Then again, I guess if "CAN'TSKI" can buy a new 211 without telling the wife, I can slip in some labor expenses... That man is my idol.

[AuMDLST]

RE: Need a new interior in my 97 SS

I purchased the drivers and passengers seat skins from SECC a few years ago and replaced them myself in a 94 SNOB - absolutly no knowledge of vinyl work - those were not that bad IMO - just need a strong staple shooter

[TRBenj]

RE: Need a new interior in my 97 SS

I had Christines make me a set of skins last year. I havent installed them yet (hopefully in a few weeks) but they are very high quality. She does very nice work.

I do all my own work on my boat- no one else touches it. The only exception will be for the install of the skins- I found a custom upholstery shop that will install them for me. Ive never done upholstery work before, and Im not going to learn on my $2500 interior!

[tiqueman97]

RE: Need a new interior in my 97 SS

AuMDLST, did you use stainless staples? Ive got a Senco Pneumatic stapler, I havent checked yet to see if I can get stainless staples, or if thats what shops even use. I guess thats yet another question.

TRBenj, if you dont mind me asking, what did your local shop quote you to install it. Are you planning on taking the boat to them, complete, and let them take it all apart and put it back together? Or are you taking the parts separatley, and/or taking the boat to them w/ everything loose?

Just considering all my possibilities. Im also one who doesnt like others to work on my vessel. Thats what got me into this interior mess. A marina had my boat for over a year because they screwed up on something and blew my engine. They let it sit outside, UNCONVERED, the entire time in the summer months here in FL. Interior went from almost perfect to completely dried out and destroyed. Needless to say, I went after them, did get a spanking new engine, but not an interior. The marina foreclosed and had a settlement with 8 people. I guess I was fortunate to get what I got...

[TRBenj]

RE: Need a new interior in my 97 SS

If you do it yourself, definitely use SS staples.

The shop Im using quoted me $1200 for the install, which inluded all new foam. They said they preferred the interior come to them mostly complete and in the boat so they could see how it was installed at the factory. They'll also see how the stripes continue from one cushion to another.