How To Reupholster Boat Seats

April 12, 2023
How To Reupholster Boat Seats

Reupholstering Your Boat Seats

Spring is the time for rejuvenation and renewal. What better way to prepare for the oncoming boat season than to enter it with new boat seats? Follow these 5 simple steps below for a fun and customizable DIY project.

  • Remove Old Upholstery: Remove the old upholstery from the seat using a seam ripper or scissors. Typically, the vinyl on the seats is stapled or sewn in place.
  • Examine the Seat: Depending on the wear and tear of the seat, the foam may need to be replaced (Damaged, moist, or flattened) . In other instances, the wood could be rotted. In this case, you would proceed with purchasing the proper sized foam and/or wood to replace the prior damaged ones. You could also look at purchasing marine poly starboard for maximum longevity. (We will only be focusing on reupholstering. Replacing foam and wood will not be covered here)
  • Measure & Cut New Vinyl: Measure the dimensions of the seat and cut new marine vinyl correspondingly. Don’t forget to leave extra vinyl for wrapping around the edges of your boat seats.
  • Place the New Vinyl: Starting at one end, staple the new vinyl to the seat frame. Be sure the vinyl is taught, avoiding wrinkles. Continue stapling the vinyl around the seat. Cut the excess vinyl off once it is stapled in place. Note: Be sure to use only marine grade vinyl. The main difference is marine grade vinyl is made specifically for the harsh marine conditions. Most notably, uv rays and mold and mildew.
  • Protect Your New Seats: This is an optional but encouraged step. To preserve your beautiful new seats, there are protectant sprays to keep them looking brand new over time. It is recommended to spray your boat seats at a minimum of twice a season. Also see our previous post to learn how to clean mildew off vinylboat seats.