Cushion Vinyl Preference

[ChuckB]

Smooth or pleated? Why? I don't recall ever seeing discussed, and the 2 companies I have talked to say it is just personal preference. My console cushions are smooth and the cushions on my leaning post are pleated; all are in need of replacement and will be made to match.

[ssfishx]

canvas or vinyl?

[ChuckB]

quote:

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Originally posted by ssfishx


canvas or vinyl?

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Yea...should be vinyl. I think my smooth seats on the bench were easier to keep clean, but you see a lot more pleated.

[mrdelgado]

I like the custom look of using both smooth and pleated for the leaning post. Maybe you can do a Bama logo in the middle? and for the cushions pleated on top and smooth on the sides

[Triplecrownnc]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrdelgado


I like the custom look of using both smooth and pleated for the leaning post. Maybe you can do a Bama logo in the middle? and for the cushions pleated on top and smooth on the sides

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What is a longhorn doing on your boat?

The pleated has a better look, you do have to spend a little more time cleaning them but they look better.

[Sailor]

Pleated looks better in my opinion.

[flounder]

The pleated fabric used in marine application that I have seen has the pleats formed by heat fusion of the material at the depressed area of the pleat. The fusion process shortens the life of the fabric in the area where heat was applied. You may notice these materials failing in the pleat prior to failures showing on the roll portion. Not a big problem, but worth considering.

I would prefer un-pleated cushions for a marine use myself... both for cleaning and longevity.

For the leaning post, Stamoid would be a good choice. It is available in two weights. I used the heavier weight on my leaning post about ten years ago. It is still in good shape, is good looking, and tough stuff. One side is textured the other is not. You can use either side for the face.



For the seat cushions I would use a more supple material. Cloth backed Naugahyde vinyl is my favorite because it is so supple. One drawback is that the cloth backing holds moisture and will mildew if not aired out. The newer all vinyl cushion materials may be more desirable in that regard.

I sew my own covers and cushions and have used Sailrite over the years for my materials. They used to have a store in annapolis, not too far from my home. Though paying retail, I've been very happy with their service and support. You can see all the materials mentioned above as well as many more here:

https://www.sailrite.com/

If you are having a shop do the work, you should ask to see and feel samples of the material the shop will use. That will certainly help you make your decisions.

[ChuckB]

quote:

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Originally posted by flounder


The pleated fabric used in marine application that I have seen has the pleats formed by heat fusion of the material at the depressed area of the pleat. The fusion process shortens the life of the fabric in the area where heat was applied. You may notice these materials failing in the pleat prior to failures showing on the roll portion. Not a big problem, but worth considering.

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Interesting. I know my smooth console cushions are much older than my pleated leaning post, and they look equally bad.

[ssfishx]

the reason I asked is I have seen some cushions done in sunbrella fabric rather than vinyl, not sure how they hold up but seems to work on outdoor furniture?

[ChuckB]

quote:

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Originally posted by ssfishx


the reason I asked is I have seen some cushions done in sunbrella fabric rather than vinyl, not sure how they hold up but seems to work on outdoor furniture?

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I definitely meant vinyl. I never really thought about canvas, but I would assume it would work. The one thing I am certain of is that I want white cushions, therefore I feel vinyl is the best option.

[ssfishx]

[quote

I definitely meant vinyl. I never really thought about canvas, but I would assume it would work. The one thing I am certain of is that I want white cushions, therefore I feel vinyl is the best option.

[/quote]

maybe invest in sunbrella covers for the new cushions?

[ChuckB]

quote:

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Originally posted by ssfishx



maybe invest in sunbrella covers for the new cushions?

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With the exception of the peak of summer when we use weekly the boat does stay covered. While my cushions look bad I cannot complain about the life I got out of. The console cushions were on the boat when I purchased 13 yrs ago, and I installed the used leaning post 9 yrs ago; I really have no idea how old any of it is.

[TCed]

Amazing how much moisture wicks into the cushion interior and stains the interior surface of the vinyl. That stain then shows through the vinyl to the exterior.

[snappergapper]

I went with pleated on the LP and coming pads. The future aft bench will be pleated as well as the front console cushion. I think it dresses up the old girl.

[mrdelgado]

quote:

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Originally posted by Triplecrownnc

quote:

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Originally posted by mrdelgado


I like the custom look of using both smooth and pleated for the leaning post. Maybe you can do a Bama logo in the middle? and for the cushions pleated on top and smooth on the sides

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What is a longhorn doing on your boat?

The pleated has a better look, you do have to spend a little more time cleaning them but they look better.

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Oh no, just an example of what I like. I do need to fix my vinyl though. It's all red and pink from sunscreen apparently ?