Comfort on board
Boat cushions and seat covers are sat on in wet clothes, baked in sunshine and splashed with salt water. It is no surprise that seams split and fabric fades. Repairing or replacing covers keeps a boat comfortable and looking cared for.
Repair or recover?
A split seam on a sound cover can often be restitched. Where fabric has cracked or faded badly, new covers made using the old ones as a pattern are usually better value in the long run. Golden Button has made shaped motorboat seat covers with contrast piping, which you can see in Our work.
Materials matter
Points worth discussing:
- Marine vinyl or outdoor fabric suited to sun and water.
- UV-resistant thread, which outlasts ordinary thread outdoors.
- Corrosion-resistant zips.
- Drainage, such as mesh panels underneath.
- Whether the foam is still sound or has absorbed water.
Preparing cushions
Remove cushions from the boat, rinse off salt and let them dry thoroughly. Mark which position each came from. If the original covers are coming off, keep them; they are invaluable as patterns.
Local help
For boat owners in Christchurch, Mudeford, Highcliffe and around Poole Harbour, the workshop on Bargates is a convenient place to discuss repairs. Ring to talk through your boat before bringing items in.
Related service
Find out more about boat covers & canvas repairs at Golden Button, or contact the workshop on Bargates in Christchurch.
Questions people ask
Can you match the colour of my existing covers?
A close match is often possible, but faded originals may differ. Samples can be compared.
Do you supply marine foam?
Ask when you ring; it depends on the project.