Boat seat foam and glue
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    I have a customer wanting his ranger boat redone. He’s thinking of adding pleats to the seats. I don’t do boats really but have done repairs on them vs redoes. I know there is difference in the regular foam to stop mold and mildew, but is there a special marine sew foam or is the regular pink auto type okay? Also what glue would be recommended to hold up to the weather, use and moisture. I went to school growing up with the customer and know he is the type to come back 10 yrs later and complain about something and try and get it fixed for free when it is something out of my control. So wanting to get my ducks in a row ahead of time. Thanks in advance.
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Jesse Durkee
    19
    Regular foam that you normally use same with the sew foam. I also use Landeu top and trim for glue. They also have the pre pleated vinyl that is marine grade. I have used that before and holds up good. A boat interior lasting 10 years and he wants if fixed, I’d tell him to piss up a rope. I haven’t seen a boat interior last more than 10-12 years. I have also seen a 2 year old boat that looks like it has 10 years of use. It really depends on how the customer takes care of it, and weather they use a boat cover,l at a pier, or store it indoors between uses.
    Jesse Durkee Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    That’s what has me a bit worried about this job. I’m not trying to speak ill of the person as he’s a good guy. But that’s how he and his parents are. He has 2 very young boys too lol. See I use landau glue for interior stuff now but was t sure if that would take the moisture thanks for the help. I recently moved and am starting over fresh as far as company name goes. So I’m not turning anything away but like I said. Trying to make it so it’s not something wrong on my end he can come back on.
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Jesse Durkee
    19
    Make sure you use stainless steel staples. Just be upfront with the guy and say that you cannot guarantee it for that long.
    Jesse Durkee Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    Yes it’s gotten to the point that I almost always use stainless staples. I’m surprised how many snowmobile companies don’t use them.
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Eric Gordon
    41
    Use polyester thread and bobbins as opposed to nylon for outside use. Marine grade vinyl , sew foam and landau glue you will be fine. I show my customers the specs from the products, it gives them confidence
    Eric Gordon Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    Thanks Eric for the advice! He’s coming ina. Few minutes to look at swatch books and I put all the non marine books away just to make sure he doesn’t look in a different book and gets stuck on something else!
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Eric Gordon
    41
    You're welcome Cody. I hope all went well.
    Eric Gordon Options
  • Michael Oden
    5
    Cody, just a plug in some really good, inexpensive thread for your project, it's coats polymatic, and Al at D&D threads sells 1lb. Spolls for around $24.00. I've built our business through the marine industry and have used this for 8+ years, providing a 5yr. Warranty on our work, vinyl, thread, etc. And have not had to honor it yet.
    Michael Oden Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    Thanks Michael! I’ll look into this thread. Couldn’t be better timing. I was about to order some tomorrow to match the navy vinyl the customer is after.
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Peter Pittel
    11
    Boat interiors are subject to three things that determine the life of the interior besides weather. Mold, bird crap and Deet. Take a bug spray with high deet content and spray a puddle on some marine grade vinyl. It will get gummy in no time. I recommend to my customers to never spray bug spray in the boat. Keep them clean and covered and they will last 20 years. My boat is 22 years old and only one seam has opened. On the drivers seat of course. I also have a 22 year old boat cover which I treat twice a year with water repellant. This year I had to resew the seams as the thread finally gave out. btw it is stored outside in the winter.
    Peter Pittel Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    Never knew of the deet factor. Thank you!
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Adam Gabriel
    16
    We use Sunguard polyester in everything we do, boat covers get a different thread that lasts the life of the canvas.
    Also, regular foam will mold like no tomorrow. If a customer wants to spend money and make sure it lasts, you need to use flow through foam or dryfast foam. Expensive... yes, but well worth it.
    Use mesh under the cushions or vents if mesh isnt an option.
    Stainless staples is a given even if its a freshwater boat.
    Adam Gabriel Options
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