Cockpit cushions

[Jake]

Only have experience with vinyl covered cushions so wondering how long it takes for the fabric covered cushions to dry out after a hard rain? How long till you can sit without getting a wet behind? Any mold/mildew if they get wet and just sit for a long time?

Thanks,

Jake

 

[RProffer]

My cushions dry out pretty quickly. I can't give you a time frame. Last summer, my grand kids were jumping on and off the boat and got the cushions soaked. It seems the cushions dried out in a couple of hours or less in the hot sun. I have not had any problems with mold. I take the covers off and put them in the washing machine every now and then.

 

[Jake]

Thanks Rick, I didn't know the covers were removable. Great looking boat you have there.

Jake

 

[Jake]

A related question, would you prefer that the cushions be vinyl covered rather than fabric? Advantages of one over the other. I hear it's rather damp and cloudy in the PNW. 🙂

 

[walldog]

A related question, would you prefer that the cushions be vinyl covered rather than fabric? Advantages of one over the other. I hear it's rather damp and cloudy in the PNW. 🙂

Cushions are covered in "Sunbrella"....the only way to go, I have had vinyl also, but Sunbrella is best.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

For what it is worth after I cleaned my cockpit cushions this fall I applied several coats of a scotch guard product to help shed the water from them this coming season. My thinking is that this will also help keep the cushions dryer by not letting the water penetrate the material. Any thoughts?

Jim

 

[RProffer]

Exterior cushions should have a type of foam that drains readily. This type of foam is more expensive that regular foam that does not drain and in fact retains water. The idea is the water would flow right through the cushion and dry quicker. IMO, if you treat the fabric, it may actually keep it from draining and drying quickly. I may be wrong.

 

[Jake]

Thanks Rick, you answered another question I was thinking about, namely the type of foam used. So interior cushions are goona be a different type of foam but still Sunbrella fabric? So they can still get "wet", just better if they don't get soaked like the exterior cushions can occasionally.

Jake

 

[RProffer]

There are many different vinyl and fabric materiel's that can be used for interior and exterior cushions. It all depends upon your pocketbook and how you want your boat to look. For exterior cushions, you need a material that will holdup to the sun, salt, water, and bird droppings. If you have the dropsy's or expect a lot of little ones, then you might want a material that will hold up to food and beverage spills. My grand kids have been pretty rough on my cloth cushions. There are different grades of vinyl material, as well as different grades of fabric material. Sunbrella seems to lead the pack for fabric material, and they also make vinyl/acrylic materials. Sunbrella will be more expensive than the material/vinyl you can get at Joann Fabrics. Many small boat owners carry over the fabric used on the outside to the inside of the boat, although it can be different. For interior cushions, you should consider how they will be used (e.g. wet bathing suits, dropsy's, little ones, decor, etc.). You do not have to have marine fabric for interior cushions. Regular upholstery material can work fine. There are lots of possibilities. Have fun.

 

[Longbranch Louie]

www.foamforyou.com sells outdoor foam that drains. I may have some sunbrella type slipcovers with zippers made and put them over vinyl cushions as an option too so they can be washed.