sailboat interior material

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Marine Upholstery

Enjoy years of lasting comfort on the water with Sunbrella.

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• Cushions Cushions 789 items
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• 54 in. 54 in. 719 items
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Marine Upholstery Fabrics for Boat Enthusiasts

When boats are your passion, sunbrella knows you never compromise..

Sunbrella marine upholstery fabrics carry the same legendary performance boat enthusiasts have trusted for over 50 years. Durable, fade resistant, stain resistant, and easy to clean, Sunbrella fabrics stand up to life on the water–and the mold, mildew, and salt residue that come with it. From standard marine grade canvas and intricate jacquard fabrics, to the innovative Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl, Sunbrella has a large collection of beautiful, quality upholstery fabrics to choose from and create a look all your own. Enjoy each voyage on the water with Sunbrella marine upholstery fabrics aboard.

Relax with the comfort and strength of Sunbrella

Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are ideal for many boat upholstery applications, from berth covers and marine cushions to decorative pillows..

Cushions covered in Sunbrella upholstery fabrics provide long-lasting strength, comfort and a distinctive sense of style for boat seating.

Decorative Pillows

The style possibilities are endless with decorative pillows made using Sunbrella fabrics. Our diverse selection of colors, patterns and textures suit anyone’s taste.

Relax at the helm of your boat on a chic, comfortable sunpad made using Sunbrella fabrics.

Berth Covers

Upgrade your cabin with newly upholstered cushions for your V-berth. Sunbrella offers a vast selection of coordinating fabrics that always perform.

Canvas White

View Fabric

Canvas True Blue

UV Protective & Fade Resistant

Durable Sunbrella fibers are saturated to the core with color and UV stabilized pigments, ensuring our fabrics won’t fade or become damaged due to the sun’s harsh rays or normal wear. Sunbrella fabrics, unlike ordinary fabrics, are solution-dyed with rich colors that stay brilliant over time no matter the environment.

Mold & Mildew Resistant

All Sunbrella fabrics are resistant to mold and mildew. Should exposure to dirt, debris, sun lotion, or other environmental elements cause mold or mildew to occur, simply spot clean with a bleach solution.

Stain & Water-Resistant

Sunbrella fabrics are engineered with built-in moisture resistance. With a protective finish that won’t wash away, even after daily use, Sunbrella fabrics stands up to life’s toughest messes.

Easy to Clean

Engineered to maintain their integrity, Sunbrella fabrics are easy to clean. When life happens, blot spills with a clean, dry cloth and use mild soap and warm water to remove. For even the toughest messes, our fabrics are safe to clean with a diluted bleach solution.

Sunbrella fabrics are promise of quality, comfort, and peace of mind. We value making fabrics with complete performance that stand up to everyday life. That’s why Sunbrella is confident in standing behind every fabric with comprehensive warranties, including a 5-year limited warranty for marine upholstery fabrics covering loss of strength or color due to normal usage and exposure.

Discover Sunbrella Horizon ® Marine Vinyl

Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl is the perfect way to elevate your boat, designed to serve a wide range of marine applications, including passenger seating, captain's chairs, cabin headliners, and sun pads. LEARN MORE

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The Best Fabric, Foam & Zippers for Marine Interior Cushions

Best fabric for marine interior cushions.

There are some qualities you should look for in boat cabin upholstery fabric. Even though it's the interior of your boat, moisture is still present. You'll need a fabric that is mold and mildew resistant. That's why we recommend synthetic fabrics. Stay away from natural fibers like cotton for marine cushions. 

The next step is to decide between a woven canvas upholstery fabric and a vinyl or faux leather material. Here's a quick summary of the characteristics and differences between vinyl or faux leather and woven canvas upholstery fabrics.

Vinyl & Faux Leather Fabrics:

• Higher abrasion resistance than canvas.
• Waterproof/very high water resistance.
• Not breathable; needs to be vented to allow for airflow.
• Heavier-weight fabric; might be harder to sew depending on your sewing machine.
• Only offered in solid colors.

Vinyl has always had a reputation for durability and practicality, but is somewhat lacking in luxury and softness. Faux leather, on the other hand, has always been seen as both durable and luxurious, but at a high cost. However, some vinyl fabrics have recently emerged in the textile world that are not only incredibly durable and abrasion resistant, but also impressively soft, supple and stylish.

EverSoft™ is one of these fabrics. A unique four-way stretch vinyl with an incredibly soft hand, EverSoft is perfect for high-end uses where look and feel are paramount. It flawlessly conforms to corners, curves and contours, and it keeps its shape without sagging or wrinkling. Available in two grain patterns and a wide variety of vibrant colors, EverSoft delivers the best in performance and aesthetics.

Our selection of vinyl and faux leather fabrics has upped the style factor. They are just as high-end and expensive-looking as real leather upholstery fabrics. A benefit of vinyl and faux leather is that, in addition to adding a touch of luxury to your cabin interior, they are nearly waterproof. If your boat cabin often gets damp, you might want to consider choosing from our selection of high-quality vinyl and faux leather upholstery fabrics.

Our Most Popular Vinyl & Faux Leather Fabrics:

• EverSoft™ Pebble and Smooth
• Morbern ® Bayside
• Naugahyde ® Nauga Soft
• Ultraleather ® Coast
• Ultraleather ® Summit

Explore our entire selection of vinyl and faux leather upholstery fabrics for marine interior cushions. Click here .

Our Most Popular Ultra-Microfiber Fabric:

• Ultrasuede ® HP

Check out our selection of Ultrasuede HP in rich, bold colorways. Click here .

Woven Canvas Fabrics:

• Abrasion resistant, but not as durable as vinyl and faux leather.
• Water resistant, but not as much as vinyl and faux leather.
• Breathable; does not need to be vented.
• Most home sewing machines can handle woven upholstery fabrics.
• Available in solids, stripes, geometrics, nautical patterns, florals and more.

If you love colors, patterns and making a statement with your upholstery, you can't go wrong with one of our high-quality woven textiles. Canvas upholstery fabrics are a great choice for marine interior cushions. Not only stylish and durable, our favorite woven upholstery performance fabrics are abrasion resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and solution-dyed. In fact, they're suitable for both interior and exterior marine cushions.

Here's a list of our recommended woven fabric brands for high-quality and stylish marine interior cushions:

Our Most Popular Woven Fabrics:

• Outdura ® Upholstery
• Sunbrella ® Upholstery
• SunRite™
• Covington Outdoor

Explore our entire selection of canvas upholstery fabrics for marine interior cushions. Click here .

Whether you prefer the timeless sophistication of rich vinyl or faux leather solids, or you're looking for a fun and bright pop of color and pattern from a canvas upholstery fabric, you are sure to find what you're looking for within our selection of hundreds of marine interior cushion fabrics.

Best Foam for Marine Interior Cushions

When it comes to foam selection, there is an important question to ask: Are you a liveaboard or occasional boater? If you live on your boat all year or part of the year, you need a foam that can withstand high traffic and everyday use. With a lifespan of up to 12 years, CushionRite ® Premium high density polyurethane foam (2.8 pounds per cubic foot) is the way to go. If you are a liveaboard whose cushions will get wet frequently, you'll need to make sure you choose a high density foam that is also antimicrobial. Wrap the foam in Cushion Wrap Silk Film (#103933) before inserting it into your cushion cover for even more protection.

Cushion Wrap Silk Film is a lifesaver for easily inserting your foam into your cushion cover. Wrap the silk film around your foam and then use a vacuum to shrink the foam. The silk film creates an airtight layer, allowing you to vacuum the air out of the foam so it's easy to slip into the cushion cover. Once you remove the vacuum hose, the foam will expand back to normal size and fill out the cushion cover. Because silk film is a waterproof barrier, it's crucial to leave some foam exposed at the zipper plaque to allow for airflow to the foam.

Not a liveaboard? In that case, we recommend an antimicrobial, CushionRite ® Standard medium density polyurethane foam (1.8 pounds per cubic foot) or CushionRite ® Dry Fast Foam for your cabin cushions. You can use high density if you want to, but it's not necessary for occasional boaters. Though it will last much longer than medium density and Dry Fast, it is also more expensive than medium density and does not drain water or breathe as efficiently as Dry Fast.

If you are making mattress cushions, we recommend Dry Fast Foam. Dry Fast has open pores, which allow air to circulate through the foam. This makes for a cool and comfortable mattress. Dry Fast is also antimicrobial.

For more information about foam,  read our blog "Selecting the Right Marine Interior Foam" (#300055XHT) .

Best Notions for Marine Interior Cushions

For marine interior cushions, we recommend a size #5 continuous, molded tooth zipper chain with a plastic, single pull, non-locking slider. The molded tooth zippers we carry are UV treated and are made with DuPont Delrin ® plastic teeth molded to the fabric tape. They are incredibly strong and practically weatherproof. Should your cabin cushions get wet, molded tooth zippers are corrosion resistant.

Though we gravitate toward non-locking zipper pulls for our marine cushions, you can use a locking pull if you prefer. A locking zipper pull has a locking mechanism in the slider that prevents it from moving on its own. The zipper will only open when the slider is pulled.

For thread, we recommend a Tex 70, UV-treated polyester. Polyester thread is resistant to saltwater and mildew. It's our top recommendation to use on all your boat projects, both inside and out. Use a size #16 needle for woven upholstery fabrics and a size #18 needle for vinyl and faux leather fabrics.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the best fabric, foam and notions for making marine interior cushions, you're ready to order your supplies and start sewing! Browse the Sailrite ® website to find the materials you need. We keep thousands of products in stock and ready to ship. For project inspiration, check out our library of free how-to videos. Our video tutorials break down the measuring, patterning, assembly and sewing process into easy-to-understand steps. DIY should never be intimidating — we'll show you how easy it is to sew projects for your boat, home, RV and more.

Footnote: This blog was updated in February 2023 to reflect changes to zipper terminology. It was updated again in June 2024 to introduce new vinyl and faux leather collections and textures, as well as to showcase images from recent cushion projects.

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Boat Upholstery Guide: My Top 10 Favorite Boat Upholstery Fabric Picks

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The fabric you use on your home sofa is not the same you can use on a boat. There are some factors you need to consider when looking for boat upholstery. They include the weight of the fabric, weather conditions, aesthetics, and so forth. That said, it may be a challenge to find a fabric that suits your needs. Read on to get the best fabrics and more information on boat upholstery.

Top 10 Boat Upholstery Fabric Picks

Are you looking for the best seat covers or fabric to reupholster your boat? If so, we combined information on the best boat upholstery. Our review is based on information obtained from fans and boat lovers. Through their testimonials and ratings, we were able to come up with the following list of the top boat upholstery.

Bry-Tech Marine 1 White Upholstery Fabric

This particular model is produced by Bry-Tech Distributors which is among the trusted brands when it comes to the supply of marine upholstery. It’s a vinyl material capable of handling all harsh elements in aquatic environments. Apart from withstanding extreme sunlight and moisture, Marine 1 is specifically designed for water-based platforms.

The coated surface repels water making it best for outdoor water use. You can install this heavy-duty material easily by sewing or stapling. It comes with a 1.10 mm thickness and a weight of about 20 ounces per yard. It may be why it has been a favorite when it comes to upholstering boat seats as well as beach house furniture and beach ATVs.

One of the main benefits of this product is its wide range of colors. In case you want to upgrade from a solid color, you can do so by choosing fabrics with carbon fiber or diamond textures. These usually measure 3 x 3 inches. If you are a bit hesitant, you can match them with your upholstery and feel the texture.

If you like the sample, you can get Bry-Tech Marine 1 by the yard, which is 54 inches and 36 inches long. Keep in mind longer yards come in one continuous piece. It means you don’t need to worry about making flawless installations.

One setback of this product is its strong adhesive-like smell. It’s common among vinyl fabrics. What you need to do is to air it out a little before you start working with it. All in all, this is an excellent product because it can tolerate extreme sea pressure and temperature.

• Moisture, sun, and water-resistant
• It features thick and sturdy material
• Easy to install
• Best for indoor and outdoor upholstery
• Wide range of colors
• Strong glue-like smell

Marine Vinyl Fabric

Do you have a passion for marine conservation? If so, this is your ideal choice. The brand is environmentally conscious. Additionally, it’s dedicated to ensure you are protected against scratches, water, mold, and sun exposure.

This fabric is considered a “heavyweight” option. It weighs 28 ounces per linear yard with a thickness of 0.95 mm. The rear part is made of woven polyester fiber while the front is PVC. As a result, a soft finish is created by the fabric while keeping your seats protected with its coating.

There is no need to worry about tear when using this material. The reason is the polyester backing allows it to be shaped firmly around the majority of surfaces. With Marine Vinyl fabric, you are assured of comfort, flexibility, and durability.

One of the reasons why most people love this product is because it’s a family-owned business run by people who love the outdoors. They know what customers want, and as a result, they produce quality products at affordable prices.

There are very few boat upholstery brands that allow a portion of their sales for charities on marine conservation. If you didn’t know, Marine Vinyl is one of them. As an ocean lover, this gives a sense of fulfillment bearing in mind that your purchase contributed to the marine conservancy.

A yard of this product has a width of 54 inches and a length of 36 inches. You can buy 10 yards or longer in one continuous roll. In case you want shorter fabrics, you can get them folded and shipped in a box. Keep in mind this option faces challenges related to removing creases.

To get rid of them, you can use a hairdryer to smoothen out the wrinkles. Alternatively, you can let the fabric sit out in the sun. Within no time, it will reveal that smooth finish you were looking for. That said, Marine Vinyl upholstery fabric is worth your money considering that it’s a customer-friendly brand with admirable advocacy for marine life.

• Resistant to abrasions, mildew, UV rays, and water
• Durable fabric
• It features a soft faux leather texture
• Environment-friendly
• Flexible and durable
• Requires removal of creases

VViVid White Marine Vinyl Fabric

Are you looking for a boat upholstery with a long-lasting freshness even when exposed to dirt and water? If this is the case, your best bet is VViVid Marine Vinyl fabric. It has a simple but clean look. It’s produced by one of the biggest suppliers of vinyl and raw materials in the automotive industry.

The top layer, designed to brave sea conditions, is made from PVC vinyl. This enables the fabric to have a high resistance to scratches, sunlight, and water. To ensure extensive protection throughout the upholstery, its polyester mesh backing can tightly hug the surfaces it covers.

Although VViVid claims to be a heavy-duty material, it feels much lighter than advertised. However, you should not have any problem with that because the material does an excellent job. The solid white color is undoubtedly the best for a pristine boat interior fabric look.

Fortunately, any unpleasant filth can be removed with just a wipe. Compared to thicker materials, this option tends to tear faster. However, its suave texture will leave you speechless. If you want to see how the fabric reacts to tension, try to stretch it out in one direction.

It’s a great option for boat pillows and cushions.

• Lightweight material
• Works perfectly with soft surfaces
• Easy to clean
• Best for the interior
• Easy to tear

Plastex Black Marine Vinyl Fabric

Interior design for watercraft may prove to be an overwhelming challenge. You need to be vigilant when choosing a fabric with ample protection. The process involves a lot of color mixing and matching. Creating a modern boat interior with the Plastex Black Marine Vinyl fabric allows you to keep it simple but elegant.

Most fabric gurus state that you can’t go wrong with black. Therefore, this fabric is best for boaters who struggle with colors. Additionally, it has a faux leather texture making it a sophisticated boat seat material.

Apart from this option offering you substantial protection, it also makes your cabin seem polished. It has a polyester backing with a PVC face, just like the other materials. As a result, the fabric stretches all over your boat seats perfectly.

Compared to the other fabrics, this heavy-duty product is among the best considering it’s lighter. It comes with a weight of about 13 ounces, and a thickness of 1.1 mm. The fact that it’s somehow thick but soft makes it a good fabric for indoor seat covers.

One drawback with the design is that it’s not completely waterproof. However, we recommend the soft material if you plan to just lounge around and watch the water from the confines of your cabin . For a quick and easy pick, look no further! Plastex Black Marine Vinyl fabric is one of the best options in the market.

• Best for indoor seat covers
• Lightweight
• Easy to work with
• The black faux leather finish creates a sleek atmosphere
• Prevents dirt and unwanted stains
• Not completely waterproof

Payless Marine Vinyl Outdoor Upholstery Fabric

This design features a collection of different colors. They vary from basic shades such as navy blue, dark green, black, to other unique colors like lime green, burgundy, turquoise, among many others.

Like the previous products, it’s also made of vinyl which promises long-lasting use in marine environments. You can use this fabric confidently for years to come without having to worry about mold or mildew. To increase durability, the fabric has a light pebble grain with a white knit backing.

The product can be used for various applications. You can use it to make fantastic ottomans, auto interior, or seat cushions. Despite the product handling being exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, it can also withstand the UV rays. Therefore, it’s ideal for outdoor furniture such as your boat seats.

Looking at the dimension, a yard of this brand has a width of 54 inches. However, we recommend the swatch piece in case you want to test the sample first. With that, you can check and confirm if the quality and color match your boat’s interior well.

Stains can easily be wiped with warm water and mild soap when they get onto the sheet. So, don’t be stressed out when ice cream falls on your fabric-covered boat seat. Some customers prefer a more lightweight version than the current one, though.

• Best for both indoor and outdoor
• It features a variety of colors
• Protects against mold and mildew
• Long-lasting Vinyl material
• It can withstand the adverse effects of UV rays
• Some customers state they would prefer if it was lighter

Bry-Tech Upholstery1 Black Vinyl Fabric

Do you want a fabric that can achieve a monochrome theme? Bry-Tech Upholstery1 Black Vinyl Fabric comes with a delicate and smooth texture making it look and feel expensive. The combination of a polyester underside and a PVC top elevates this boat seat cover to a premium commercial grade.

Apart from black, the product is also available in various colors. To break the monotonous look, you can add a hint of color to your black theme. All in all, black will always be a timeless color that exhibits luxury.

The good thing with this fabric is you don’t need to hire someone from an upholstery shop to install it on your seats. It doesn’t matter how tough it is, working with it is trouble-free. With about 5 yards, you’ll be amazed at the changes you will see. It will have no difference from that of a professional.

The only difference between this fabric and the other Bry-Tech counterparts is it’s less resistant to water and direct sunlight. On the upside, it makes your boat furniture comfier and secure. In short, if you are a boater looking for style, durability, and comfort in your boat interior, consider this product as a viable option.

• Best for boat cabin upholstery
• DIY easy installation
• It features an expensive-looking leather texture
• Offers both comfort and durability
• Available in different colors
• Less resistant to water and sunlight

AquaGuard Teal Marine Vinyl Fabric

AquaGuard Teal Marine Vinyl Fabric is an amazing choice if you are more into light colors. It’s a pop of life that matches the sunny weather at sea. Aside from teal, the product also comes in other dainty shades such as ivory, turquoise, sky blue, and mint.

As light as it may seem, the fabric is tough when it comes to boat seats. Despite weighing 34 ounces, it only has a thickness of 0.95 mm. Note that it is a certified marine-grade product. The fact that it resembles most upholstery fabrics means you can use the product to accessorize not only boat seats but also furniture, shoes, and bags.

What makes it different from other regular vinyl fabrics is the solid protection from water and cuts. Blending polyester materials with PVC allows the waterproof front side to shield the upholstery from heat and abrasions. To prevent the fabric from tearing up, the woven backing provides elasticity.

You may find it bulky to sew meaning you may need to use a thicker needle to get through. However, this fabric is flexible enough with an excellent pull that reaches any curved sides. Its strength guarantees that your seats will stay for a long time.

• Resistant against abrasions, heat, and water
• Flexible and durable material
• Lovely and delightful colors
• Certified marine grade
• Woven backing prevents tears
• Bulky to install

Bry-Tech Pleated Marine Vinyl Fabric

Do you experience challenges when manually folding thick vinyl fabrics to achieve that pleated design? In case you were not aware, Bry-Tech Pleated Marine Vinyl Fabric is one of the best solutions to this problem. The uniquely textured boat seat fabric can withstand heat, mold, and tension.

Akin to the Marine 1 model, this PVC-coated polyester fabric features repellent properties. These properties help protect your boat upholstery from sun and moisture. Apart from this brand being waterproof, it also prevents the formation of molds on surfaces keeping your boat seats safe from stains and mildew.

What makes this product distinctive is its pleated design. In a single yard, the pleats run vertically every 1.5 inches. The material not only fits the backrest upholstery but also gives your boat an elongated appearance.

If you prefer a clean and classic interior, this is the perfect choice for you. You can accent your boat accessories with this textured material, instead of keeping it safe with plain white. Hence, you can use it as an insert in your boat seats which makes them more refined and flawless.

The polyester padding gives this fabric a soft touch, which is a plus considering it has great aesthetics. The mesh backing, which is resistant to molds, provides extra protection against possible smells and mildew stains. So, you don’t have to worry about deep-seated spots growing on your seats.

Though it may seem a bit complicated to sew, it’s straightforward just like other vinyl products you may come across. You just need to measure it across the surface to be covered and fix it there. Get an industrial sewing machine or a professional to prevent any mishaps.

• Prevents tension, heat, mildew, and mold
• It comes with a unique pleated pattern
• Numerous marine-related benefits
• Completely waterproof
• Offers a clean and classic interior
• It may require you to have professional installation

VViVid Grey Weatherproof Vinyl Fabric

If you are torn in between a deep black or a spotless white motif, then opt for the middle ground and pick the VViVid grey weatherproof vinyl fabric. It’s a neutral shade that creates a cool atmosphere that works in tandem with the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.

The leather finish of the PVC side supplements the elegance of the gray color. Note the material works best with pillows, cushions, and chairs. If you didn’t know, it’s one of the softest marine vinyl models we have encountered so far. It features a polyester mesh backing to allow the fabric to drape gracefully over the boat upholstery.

On the other hand, the fabric’s underside is friendly with the material on contact. This means you can easily staple the piece on soft surfaces such as wood . As a result, apart from boat use, it’s also used for restaurant chairs and table covers.

This gray boat seat cover material is spill-proof, similar to its white counterpart. The fabric is a safe pick if you are worried about the imaginary stains in your head. In case of spills, you can clean it with a damp cloth without causing discoloration on the surface.

It however faces some drawbacks. For starters, it’s softer making it slightly different from what is advertised. When close-fitted, some threads may pull and tear the fabric. You can avoid this by first stretching it over the surface with minimal tension before stapling or sewing.

• It comes with a smooth faux leather texture
• Best for boat cushions
• It features a neutral and elegant shade
• Resistant to dirt and water
• When tightly installed it tends to tear

Sunbrella Black Canvas Fabric

All the previous models feature PVC vinyl. Unfortunately, some users may not be fond of it as it seems a little synthetic, giving off an industrial vibe. Would you like to make your cabin homey? If yes, then get hold of the Sunbrella Black Canvas Fabric.

The fabric is not only a durable commercial-grade product, but it’s also an amazing option capable of withstanding harsh sunlight without fading its rich color. It’s ideal for a boater planning to decorate his cabin with beautiful drapery, throw pillows, and seat cushions. The product lives up to its creative name on sun proofing.

Boat lovers can also use this acrylic material for their outdoor boat deck seat covers. It’s ideal for resisting heat and moisture, hence preventing the growth of molds on the surface. However, to maintain the quality of the fabric, seats should be stored indoors after use.

Even though this marine upholstery fabric has a soft flow with a sturdy grip, it’s still a medium-weight product. It can uphold the integrity of your boat sails by effortlessly facing strong winds together with the harsh sun.

One setback of the fabric is its cleaning and maintenance requirements. Contrary to the other products, it may require brushing and soaking depending on the dirt level and stain buildup. To maintain the quality, it needs a regular care routine.

• UV resistant
• Softer compared to vinyl fabrics
• Moisture and heat resistant
• It may require washing or light brushing to clean

Boat Upholstery Buying Guide

There are several crucial factors you need to look at before you buy a boat upholstery fabric. Having read the above product reviews, it’s time to know the different features to consider.

When choosing a boat interior upholstery fabric, the most important consideration is the material. The 3 common upholstery materials are vinyl, mesh, and acrylic.

To add durability, acrylic upholstery is made of laminated fabric which is waterproof and fire-resistant. However, it’s not very versatile. In case you want to install the upholstery DIY style, this is a hard material to work with.

Mesh, which is a popular boat upholstery fabric, is the most visually appealing choice among the other options. Even though it may be expensive, it’s durable and water-resistant. The good thing is it offers plenty of choices in terms of design.

Another common boat seat upholstery material is vinyl. It’s a favorite to the majority of boat lovers. The reason is despite it being affordable it’s also versatile, unlike acrylic. There are numerous options available for various designs even though there are 2 types of vinyl you should know about.

Polyvinyl chloride, which is also known as expanded vinyl, is the best for boat seats. The material is not easily damaged and it’s also resistant to mold and mildew. Vinyl/polyester is the second type of vinyl. It’s a combination of polyester and vinyl. Similar to expanded vinyl, it’s also resistant to mold and mildew.

There are 3 major standard grades for boat fabrics in case you didn’t know. They include lightweight, marine-grade, and commercial-grade.

Lightweight fabrics are ordinary materials. They are not suitable for boats not unless you use them as boat seat fabric. Mold and mildew are a big problem because people might sit directly on the seats after coming from a swim.

If you want a boat fabric ideal for both interior and exterior, pick the marine-grade options. The material is specifically designed to protect your boat upholstery from typical problems subjected to your fabric when used on interior and exterior surfaces.

Commercial grade fabrics are durable and water-resistant just like marine-grade. The only difference is their texture and thickness. Commercial grades have a typical thickness of 1/8 inches, which allows them to have a more foam-like texture.

If you are a serious boater, you need to consider either marine-grade or commercial grade for your marine upholstery fabric. Commercial grade is the best for those boaters who prefer a thicker and more bouncy fabric.

Water Resistance

It’s vital to pick a water-resistant material for boat seats because boats will be in the water most of the time. However, there’s a difference between a water-resistant and waterproof material. Water-resistant material is resistant to water to a certain extent, while a waterproof material doesn’t allow water to penetrate at all.

Weatherproof

When it comes to choosing marine upholstery fabric, weatherproof is another important feature to consider. It’s very critical for a material to be weatherproof, especially if it will be used on the boat’s exterior.

It’s good you differentiate between weatherproof, water-resistant, and waterproof features. Weatherproof focuses more on the fabric’s capacity to withstand varying weather conditions such as extreme heat or heavy rains. If your marine upholstery is not weatherproof, it may be prone to discoloration.

Boat Upholstery FAQs

Answer : Expanded vinyl. It can be coated with antimicrobial chemicals to help resist mold and mildew. Use this fabric for your boat seats and cushions. You will not regret this choice.

Answer : Yes, it is. If well installed and taken care of, it can last up to about 20 years. However, it’s not more durable than leather.

Answer : No. But marine vinyl is waterproof. It’s specifically constructed to withstand the harsh elements found in fresh or salty water

Answer : First, prepare a solution of a gallon of water with a ¼ cup of mild soap. Then use a sponge to wipe the vinyl in a circular motion. Finally, to remove excess soap, rinse your seats with clean water and a clean cloth.

Bottom Line

A good choice for your boat upholstery is important. Check out the list above to find one that suits your requirements. The 10 products come with different features to suit your preferences. In case you don’t see one you like, check out our buying guide. Everything you need to know before buying a boat upholstery fabric is listed here.

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Wallcoverings for vessel interiors

By Terri Madden and Alayna Wool

Wall panels and headliners make a statement when entering the saloon of a yacht. Much like the color or texture of the walls of your home, wall panels and headliners are items that cannot be overlooked—especially when they start to sag and age. Fresh wall panels truly enhance the overall appearance of any interior, quickly giving a vessel’s cabin an updated look. 

Wall panels offer a visual focal point as well as acoustic tranquility to cabin interiors. The latest vertical and horizontal offerings from a variety of manufacturers are often showcased at international boat shows throughout the year.

Material considerations

A pliable vinyl upholstery fabric with the look and feel of real leather is always a good choice for a headliner or wall panel. An important consideration is whether the final product will include a foam backing. Foam-backed vinyls are easy to clean but will have seams that require covering. We generally use foam-backed materials as headliners or other applications where the material is wrapped around the panel edges and the panels align next to one another.

Be sure to review manufacturer specifications for strength, abrasion resistance, cleaning and maintenance. Quality materials feature topcoat finishes that protect against bacteria and fungus, which is extremely important for marine applications. Manufacturers also offer materials in a multitude of colors and textures to complement boat interiors for a unified look throughout the cabins.

Headliner materials

Headliner fabrics come in a variety of options, including comfortable carpet-type fabrics and the foam-backed vinyls mentioned above.

A “HullBlanket” headliner fabric is a durable, stain-resistant carpet-type material that offers antistatic and moisture-proof properties. This economical material hides irregular hull imperfections and works especially well for vessels under 30 feet. 

Vinyl headliners feature a marine vinyl front with or without a foam backing. Most foam-backed vinyls consist of a 3/16-inch foam adhered to the vinyl face. The foam adds a bit of cushion and helps conceal small imperfections in the hull. It can also be cut away to accommodate protrusions like nuts and bolt heads. Manufacturers now offer foam-backed headliner and perforated headliners in many textures and styles. These vinyl headliners create a smooth appearance and are easily wiped clean. Keep in mind that the edges of foam-backed vinyl should be covered, as they will leave a visible foam edge. Because of this, foam-backed vinyl is a great choice for applications where the seams will be hidden under trim pieces or where the material is wrapped around panel edges.

Installation tools and techniques

Do not underestimate the time and effort needed to prep areas for new surface materials. Be sure to remove all original plywood or any other material prior to installing new materials.

Beyond a general spray adhesive, such as 3M ™ General Trim Adhesive, only a few other materials are needed for installing a headliner or wall panels. Marine vinyl without a foam backing can also be used as a hull liner. Apply the spray adhesive to securely adhere the material to the hull, being careful to avoid bubbling or gaps. This is a one-shot process, so you need to get it right the first time. Like foam-backed vinyl, these products are easy to clean but will also have seams that may require covering. We recommend planning the material layout ahead of time on paper to avoid or limit any seams.

Tools that are lightweight and ergonomically designed with textured, nonslip surfaces make installation easier. Consider tools that include a 45-degree angle to allow for access to tight spaces at close angles. Straightedge tools work well on straight edges for short distances, and a 9-inch “pizza cutter” works well for long runs along either the perimeter or a mid-wall track. 

Resources for success

Replacing an existing headliner is relatively simple with proper preparation. In-depth videos, tips and resources for several types of headliner replacements are available online from Sailrite ® at www.sailrite.com.

Various online marine forums are also wonderful resources, which offer in-depth discussions elaborating problems and solutions. These forums include: www.GreatGrady.com, www.whalercentral.com/forum, and www.yachtforums.com. 

Terri Madden (LegendTerri) and Alayna Wool (Ms. Alaynious) are a mother/daughter team who co-own Sand Sea & Air Interiors Inc. in sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico. www.sandseaair.com

SIDEBAR: Walls on the water

By Sigrid Tornquist

While textile wallcoverings are gaining momentum in the residential and commercial markets, wallcoverings for marine applications remain vinyl-based. Mildew-resistance, water resistance and cleanability are, of course, paramount. “What changes with wallcoverings for marine applications are the patterns,” says Dave Estiri, co-owner of Sea Furniture, Santa Ana, Calif. (www.seafurniture.com). “We’re seeing more bright colors and geometrics right now.”

Marine wallcovering substrates are typically wood, drywall and fiberglass. For a refit or redesign, the old wallpaper should be removed; walls should be scraped and sanded; and then washed and disinfected in preparation for the wallpaper, Estiri says. 

Which primer to use depends on the substrate, according to Spencer Colgan, Tampa Bay Wallpaper Installer, Tampa, Fla. (www.tampabaywallpaperinstaller.com). “Fiberglass would need a different primer that would be more aggressive,” he says. 

Vinyl with foam backing used over wall panels is an option, with a typical thickness ranging from 1/16 inch to 3/4 inch. “This is something you see more in older designs rather than in brand-new ones,” Estiri says. “The thing to note with this application is that after the surface is cleaned and conditioned, the foam with the vinyl needs to be backed with mesh so that everything stays together.”

As with any installation, the foundation of success is using well-made materials and stellar techniques. “You need to know what you’re doing and do it right,” Estiri says. “Make sure everything looks as good in five to 10 years as it does the first day.” 

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