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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Beaver
    Posts
    39

    Default Recovering seats

    Any thoughts on a reasonable place to re do my seats and deck area vinyl? The place I thought could do it told me to come back next fall.....



  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Cranberry Twp.
    Posts
    396

    Default

    Call Andy at McGowan's Upholstering 412-362-1379. He is a fellow boater and he has repaired the seats in my boat a few times.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    PITTSBURGH, PA
    Posts
    478

    Default

    some manufacturers offer seat skins, which are duplicates of the originals, and you just have to staple them in place. Formula is one company that offers these, and i believe cobalt does too.
    Greg Nellis is an advertiser on the site, does great work, and can transport boats to his shop, or come directly to you. Just remember, don't sacrifice quality and workmanship for reasonable.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Beaver
    Posts
    39

    Default

    Thanks for the info.
    I have an older Rinker, covers would be great if they made them. I can handle staples...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Cranberry Twp.
    Posts
    396

    Default

    Try calling Randy Rinker or Cindy Hagen out at the factory. If anyone knows if they have the skins, they would. If you have a chance, check out the site http://www.rinkerboatowners.com. The people on that forum have some great info on our boats. I have a Rinker as well. Good luck.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Near Saxonburg, PA
    Posts
    67

    Default If you're a DIY - you can do this but make sure you will be happy with the results

    If you wanted to strip the old covers off and provide them with some photos of the "before" - you should be able to find someone to make you new covers to install yourself if you're interested in saving some labor costs. I usually advise against it though. Sometimes you'll find that duplicating the exact same old pattern / cover that you get the same fit and finish you have on there now which isn't as nice as what you'd get by letting someone else take on the entire job and the results speak for themselves when you go the other route and save yourself $100 in labor on a couple covers for example. Plus, its not rare to tweak a cover once throwing it on the cushion and realize the fit isn't as nice as it can be before tacking it all the way on, something the trimmer can't do once they've given the covers back to you since they're not there to see it go on. Also, do a little research and find out how to put it on - while stapling vinyl isn't like brain surgery, starting at one point and working your way around isn't the order you want to take - there is a little technique to it too.

    There are also the tools of the trade that help get a good and tight fitting seat cover on that the DIYer doesn't always have. Don't forget to use stainless steel staples if you tackle it yourself, and a hairdryer can come close to the help a heat gun provides but not as much, and there isn't much you'll find around the house that can duplicate the results of a professional steamer can to get the perfect fitting vinyl on or steam out a wrinkle after installed which is needed at times. I guess it all comes down to what you want the results to look like and what you're given to start with in means of a cover. I have a customer who purchased new skins from a company in Florida that specializes in Nautique restoration parts so he purchased some from them after we talked and I didn't have the right color on hand to match what he needed. He got about halfway through the first one before he stuffed it all back in the box and called saying he didn't have the patience for it. But, they're out there for different boats - I've heard of everything from Bayliners to Nautiques that are being mass produced by third parties for restoration folks. Truthfully, its not rocket science and as long as you have some patience and stainless steel staples, I'd never try to stop you from trying if you're interested in getting your hands dirty. Just keep in mind its a tough situation when the person installing the covers calls the shop who made them and tells them they don't fit... you may find a difference in opinion as to who is to blame unfortunately since its a one off replacement and not a mass produced replacement part.

    If you strike out finding someone you've done business with before and like who will let you do the work you want to do yourself feel free to give me a call, but what they told you about calling in the fall is what you'll hear from a lot of places right now - unfortunately everyone waits till spring to start calling for work that is best scheduled in October, and schedules are filling up everywhere by this time of the year. Regardless, if you strike out elsewhere all I can do is say I'd be happy to look at my schedule and tell you when I can realistically get you on it. If you decide to go the DIY route with your local favorite shop, feel free to call if you get in a pinch while installing them and need a pointer or two.

    Good luck
    Greg





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