I am getting quie a few cracks in the upholstery on the back deck of my boat. It is a 40x70 inch cushion on the very back of the boat. Kind of like a sunning pad. I have been eyeing it and thinking i might could recover it myself, but not sure. Has anyone here had such a boat cushion reupholstered and at what cost. Or any other ideas as to what i might consider in this case.

 

I have had dismall results at the area marina shops in reupholstering my 79x24 sunpad. 2 differant uholsterers claimed it would be very expensive because my boat a 2001 Mariah shabah 212 was one of the last few built before mariah declared bankruptcy. I guess i couldnt explain adequatly to them that only the vinyl is damaged. The hardware and boarding are still ok. The color is basic white. I always thought marine grade vinyl was just marine grade vinyl and not specific to any 1 manufacturer unless subtle and unique colors are involved. Anyways i sensed a screwing coming when i was quoated 600.00 to a 1000.00 or better to recover it.
I have just orderd 3 yards of basic white duraguard 2000 marine grade vinyl and borrowed an upholstery staple gun from a coworker, who also has a limited knowledge of upholsery work, total cost so far 90.00. Does anyone here have any ideas on the best adhesives to use for the longest and most durable bond? I am also debating whether or not i should remove the old vinyl or just cover over it. (not sure whether the adhesive would hold good over the old vinyl) I will keep updating this thread with pictures and info as i go in case someone else here runs into this same problem.
The old vinyl is still soft and pliable, still looks new. Even where it is cracked. It looks as if maybe my son undid the tarp on a very cold day and crawled onto it. The cracked areas correspond to where he would have placed his hands and knees as he crawled in. So i am thinking cold crack was my culprit. Once the photo has admin approval you can see what i am working on in my gallery.

 

I am actually having my rear sunpad, bench seat and bolster done as I write this. My sunpad is about the same size as yours. All 3 pieces are being completly built new, not just reupholstered.
They are being done in the same color/design & grain material as the 2 front buckets, and he is going to match the piping as well.
The 2 front buckets are "Garelick", purchased new last year. ( I work on 1m$ yachts with the same seats & hardware). Nice stuff.
I have no idea what it is going to cost...but I have seen the guys work, and am looking forward to the end result. If I get it back soon I will update.

Seeing as though I completly rebuilt the boat myself, I started to look at doing the upholstery myself. ( I dont make the boats....I make the boats GO) Several reliable folks claimed no adhesive works or is needed. Even 3M wont stick to vinyl. Make sure you use plenty of Stainless staples. The other thing I considered was the stitching (not sure of the correct term here) or ruffle? I want it to match the front seats...not just some great big plain flat panel.
I am a little intimidated by a sewing machine..and at the end of the day, if it doesnt look good..what was the point of doing it?
600 doesnt sound all that bad to me really...1000 sounds a little steep. I will ask my guy what he would charge here. As soon as I get her back..I will let ya know--

 

Would appreciate any news on your project. I have designed a rough logo i am going to try to get embroiderd on the vinyl sunpad. I have just uploaded it to my gallery. I hope to get the black lettering with a gold border.