How to restore your Boat Seats and Cushions - DIY Upholstery

How to restore your Boat seats and Cushions
Today I removed my old boat seats with rotten wood and messed up vinyl, and made all new seats and back cushions to install.
Its was a fun project and I am excited to try out the new seats next time I take my boat out.
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/ averagejoesdiy
Here are the links to the products I ordered off Amazon
MARINE VINYL: amzn.to/2NTOU05
UPHOLSTERY FOAM: amzn.to/2UJS5sJ
3M SUPER 77 ADHESIVE: amzn.to/30ayinv
(If you click a link and purchase anything, Average Joe's DIY gets a percentage of the sale which helps us be able to make more videos!! Therefore, Thank you for Clicking!!!)

[@Scruggs91]

Just saved this video. I’m definitely going to do this to my boat.... whenever I get one. A man can dream

[@joseborges6454]

A man have to dream, Im sure you will get one.

[@dewalt4598]

Great job . I just wanted to add a tip for you in a friendly way . When you cut and used a new piece of plywood, you should of painted it first a couple coats of exterior paint. That will protect it and help it last alot longer before it gets wet and rotten like the old pieces you removed. Just thought id share.

[@derrickforeal]

Absolutely or buy marine treated wood. Paint would be a bit cheaper.

[@dave-yj9mc]

Heck the plywood I used has been sitting out in the weather for 10 years and is still good. CDX

[@michaelkugler7786]

didn't even know how to use a saw was desperate to replace my boat cushions and after watching your video i was able to replace all my boat cushions! Thank you

[@DigitalAssetsDaily]

*This was very helpful. I used your technique on the vinyl. The end result was amazing. Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to make and upload this video. In my search of how to redo the vinyl, I found your video and it was perfect to help me redo the seat cushions, myself. *

[@pamelamorris3148]

Oh my, that boat hasn't been covered and taken care of. This was a pretty quick and inexpensive fix and will last a couple years so great job.

[@xavierknowles2466]

Great video, I was thinking of selling my boat for another one with a better interior, not anymore, I can't wait to redesign mine! Thank you for this video!!!😀👍🏾💯💯💯

[@andrewells7441]

good job I would suggest painting the wood on both sides totally with Red Guard then the wood would outlast the cushions.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Yea i will definitely do that next time. This was a quick fix to get my boat back in the water

[@bobclay2808]

Dude!!! The video I’ve been trying to find for years! New subscriber earned!

[@montymartin3978]

I'm looking at a pontoon that will need, at least, the vinyl repaired. Looks like a project right up my alley.

[@David-zo9oi]

Awesome, my project starts soon. This has been very informative and I’m sure I’ll be back again. Thanks!!

[@starofdavid9919]

Great job, looks really professional. an upholsterer gave me a good tip for any outdoor stuff. give any wood or ply a good wrapping in cling film beforehand.

[@brianmogle1121]

Next time make sure that your foam extends past your wood backing board by 1/2" all the way around for a more professional job (your legs will not come in contact with the board). Additionally, round all of your corners and foam corners. Also you should wrap your foam in silk cloth to help protect it from water.

[@BenLymanO_o]

Do you have any recommendations for videos that show the best way to do this?

[@Dan-gj1hz]

Excellent tips

[@teamgreenfishing8120]

That’s a beautiful boat! I bet it’s the perfect set up!

[@leeneeslynys774]

Amazing! This is exactly what i was looking for and what i will do with my boat

[@irhcsa]

Brother thanks for this video. I am going to follow it and do this today for our 1977 sailboat we bought.

[@beastyfanox3060]

Yep Dude! Just thanks you for your video ! You give to me some courage for finish to restore my boat. 🤙🏽

[@straygoose70]

One of the best videos for simple reupholstering boat seats I've seen...I'm about to start a project pontoon boat with good bones and motor, but roached upholstery on the furniture. Thanks!

[@ariellesmith7230]

Started mine yesterday. Today I will cut the vinyl and staple it. More to come soon but great video.

[@NicoleFitnessYouTube]

This is awesome. Looking to do this exact same thing to our old boat - the cushions are solid, but the vinyl looks awful. Thanks so much for this!

[@leop1193]

This was a amazing video! Thank you! Boat looks so sick now!

[@purpledragondc7532]

Awesome DIY, thank you so much for posting!!

[@matthewhunter467]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@ausboatfun5507]

Great video keep them coming !!!

[@tjeffers99]

Nice video and thanks for the detailed instruction. Well done.

[@boydie4047]

thanks for a very easy, simple video DIY video

[@DIGOLOGIST]

I am about to replace the vinyl on my 2000 bayliner cushions. It's only part of a huge restoration on this neglected boat. thanks for sharing.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrRyancangri]

Awesome, awesome, awesome job man!!! Looks really good.

[@thomassudia7132]

Doing this now on a flipper boat. Great tips

[@lovingatlanta]

👍🤩Great job. Inspirational. Thank you. 🙏💝

[@rickydoherty1147]

awesome DIY video. thank you

[@MrBigSRT]

Great job man!!

[@stevew6141]

Top job! Nice boat👍🏻

[@zonianinexile]

Well done!

[@roofingoftexas2017]

Looks great. I think the only thing I would have done is prime the wood to make it lat longer. Great video

[@scottmcelroy7080]

You did a great job 👌

[@ajebwelldone8990]

Love the bread knife getting some work.

[@nickharmer7185]

Hi, by doing a little sewing and creating a "box" with the vinyl, you could have left the adjoining corners at full height (as opposed to tapered) and it would have looked like a sectional. Also, it is good to cover the foam with plastic to prevent moisture penetration from the top. I agree with other comments that painting the wood, especially since it is not likely marine quality would be a very good idea. I cover the back of the boards with a mesh material. It looks nice when people take the seats off to get access but still allows it to breathe or let out any moisture that has got in. All in all though, the end result was very nice and a big improvement to your boat.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Yes there are many other things I could've done to make this project even better, but I did a quick DIY seat recover with materials that I had quick and easy access to. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@robertjackson7590]

Great video, I would look for Stainless Steel staples, coat the wood will also help it last and be careful of the thickness of the wood. Looks great.

[@americaneagle7777]

awesome, thanks!

[@laineedunn4389]

Great job!!!

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Thank you!!

[@jedwards1975]

Ok, i'm inspired now.

[@mlangfordcamper]

Nice job I am a boat junkie too

[@112785jam]

Big difference!

[@donnydez4431]

Great video 👍

[@TheAverageJoe24]

@Donny Dez Thanks!!

[@JeepersCreepersTarantulas]

Boat came out amazing man! You just encouraged me to redo mine! Now I have a question for you. For the sides what thickness foam did you use? I want to order the stuff now so just want to make sure I order the correct stuff thanks for the awesome video man

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I believe I ordered 4” thick foam but there are different thicknesses and different stiffnesses. You’ll have to find out which one best fits your application.

[@djemdubb]

excellent video. I was getting quoted anywhere from 250-400 for two small seat pads that have no stitching on them. After ordering everything(I already had the stapler), I am spending less than $100. Thanks for the inspiration. Where did you get that cutter from and how much did you pay?

[@lilyjones2040]

Try using an electric bread knife!! Revolutionary for foam!

[@MyHomeSaleSecrets]

Very nice, but I really wanted to see how you attached the vertical pieces to the boat.

[@offhandacoustic]

Same here. I am just going to get some bolts with a flat head and drill holes through the plywood, stick the plywood up to the fiberglass, mark the new holes and stick the bolts through before I wrap them. Then stick the whole thing on and put locking washer and nut on the bolt from inside. Luckily I can get inside my hull fairly easy.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I think I am going to have to make a video showing how they are attached.

[@MrNichopf]

Also how did you attach the seats as well

[@troybenko743]

Looks good. What size of plywood did you use? And how did you fasten the cushion on? Otherwisethey blow away. Enjoyed your video.

[@chrispotts6197]

This video will be very helpful but I do have a question ow many yards of fabric material and foam did you buy?

[@jonnyboy9927]

How does it lay? I've asked that question many times, many times....

[@tyronepearson5327]

Looks great, seriously thinking about doing mine.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You should. It was actually easier than I expected it to be.

[@tyronepearson5327]

@@TheAverageJoe24 I'm about to order my vinyl and will let you know how it goes.

[@splash5974]

Good luck, hope it goes well!

[@splash5974]

@@TheAverageJoe24 how expensive is the vinyl?

[@tyronepearson5327]

@@splash5974 I've found it from$7.99 to $30 a yard.

[@1PricelessShot]

Bro this video is fire !! Wow thanks How the hell am I supposed to do screw the side cushioning on after I've wrapped it ?? Glue it on ??

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@clmtdmmjcmm4489]

Thanks for the video! Question. How do you attach to the boat? I Would recommend marine vinyl and stainless staples 🌞

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Good recommendations. I used what I had quick access too. There are metal brackets that are angled and I cut square holes to match up to the brackets and it slides right down onto the brackets.

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

I found a local place that sells 4 ft. X 12 ft. sheets of 1/2 inch PVC . That's what I'm going to try on my boat . It will never rot . The sheets were only 30.00 each .

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Yea using plastic backing instead of wood is a great addition to the longevity of the seats.

[@themeyer2010]

Hey what method did you use to attached the floating cushions?

[@debianlinux9448]

I clicked on the amazon link you porivrd for the foam but they have different sizes. Which one did you order it ?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I used the 4in I believe.

[@HeikosGarage]

HI there, how did you attach the cushions to the wall? mounting tape or screw from the back? Thanks

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@zonianinexile]

Wow

[@amgeezy_2709]

Nice. Is it okay that I’m not cool enough to have a wood trailer? Also is a bread cutter the same as a bread knife?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Yes Bread cutter/Bread knife

[@jonj2904]

Awesome job! u saved about $1500

[@vrso2]

Hey, my question is... what kind of staples did you use? I have my boat on salt water and dont wanna get them rust off. Thx

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I used just regular T50 staples which probably isn't the best staples to use, but it was a quick DIY so I wasn't too worried about it. I believe they make stainless steel upolstery staples that would be better to use.

[@zonianinexile]

Is there black mold in that wood?

[@MaximusAye]

How does it lounge? >>>>

[@kingr.i8910]

Just curious how u rigged up your back cushions to stay on. Having trouble figuring out a good way to get my to stay

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@Som3thingClever]

Awesome video! Why did you stop making videos?!

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Life got busy, I bought our family business, had kids, etc. BUT I am back to making more videos!!! and responding to the comments on my videos!! Haha

[@josepeixoto3384]

Great Video; but i have a 1987 19 ft Sea Ray seville CC with back to back seats and those are really bad; it's a lot of work.

[@slickfixjeff]

I have the same boat...just take them off the track and lay flat, then you can work from there. I did mine last year, very easy.

[@josepeixoto3384]

@@slickfixjeff Sounds like a good idea, maybe the *only* idea,thanks for bringing it up; The boat sat uncovered outside for some 12 years before i got it last year, and some of the wood in the seats is also rotted on the bottom of the backrest and on the seat itself, so i'll have to reproduce some of the panels too, it's gonna take a while; thankfully,the (seat) boxes are sound; the floor panel over the aluminumtank i replaced already At least,the engine and drive i did already, like new now,(i am a mechanic-cars and some boats too, for 25 years); and then i sold them both,installed them in the customer's boat,and took his pair as core,to make like new again; but in the meantime i installed a 1992Turbo Diesel Iveco 2.5 TD engine, all checked out,will use the same Alpha 1 Drive; it already ran for a few hours,on land,to check temps and vibrations,noises,gauges,tach ( signal comes fron the Alt.AC) etc; need now to take it to the water to check things out, adjust power (very easy to adjust the fuelling,it's a mechanical pump),turbo PSIs, prop pitch, EGTs,etc.

[@BradM766]

You have the exact same boat I do (Sunbird) mine is a 1996 Fish & Ski. I am wanting to do this exact same thing to mine. Do you have any videos of how you did the back boards? How did you cut out the square holes where they mount? Also, as others have commented, how much vinyl did you order for this project? What thickness foam did you use 3inch or 4 inch? Please reply brother. Thank you.

[@CoCoBiZoU]

I would like to no also about how you did the back boards please

[@BradM766]

CoCo BiZoU I never got a reply from him so I just did it myself. All I did was pull it tight and staple. At the corners it took a couple tries to get the creases looking good but I finally got it.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I used the existing brackets that are mounted on the boat and just cut square holes in the plywood.

[@judypeterson803]

But how did the panels attach to the boat???

[@brettb2701]

So what keeps a the seat on the boat? How did you keep the seats in place?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@adrianjimenez6034]

No marine ply?

[@markmc6826]

How do you remove the old seat? Are they glued into place?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

No they had a hinge, but I removed the hinge so that I could access the compartment underneath easier.

[@nickf9024]

How did the cushions hold up in the rain? Does the material soak the water?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

No its vinyl so water just beads up and runs off.

[@saltymcnuts1697]

Got to vent the seats too. Let’s the air escape when you sit.

[@saltymcnuts1697]

Laney Laughlin bottom side drill holes so when you sit the air can escape. If not the sides will blow out. Cover the holes with those little ventilation discs.

[@shelbymincey9857]

How many yards of the vinyl did you buy/use?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

10yards and it was more than enough.

[@lindadennis2312]

How do you attach the upholstered back. We need to do that.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@megusta1486]

I just recently retrimmed a speed boat and I can tell you that they stink when you take the old seat cover

[@paulremolina8788]

How do you install the side panels without visible screws?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@graciedavis389]

Can you please come fix my boat 😭 I’m a veterinarian student with no time and no money hahaha

[@johnromano6022]

How did you attach the vertical pillows to the wall of the boat?

[@tinacolbourneart1091]

Velcro

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I used the existing curved brackets mounted on the boat and cut square holes in the wood for it to slide down on. Almost like a french cleat but with a metal bracket and a hole in the plywood.

[@brittanyclark8243]

How did you remove the back of the seat that is just hanging there?

[@themeyer2010]

Never got your answer. I hate channels that don’t respond to questions on their posts. I just asked again let’s see if it gets answered. 😂

[@danmacarro]

About how long did that one particular cushion take?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Not long. Got the whole boat finished in a few hours.

[@mikejanicke308]

How did u screw it to the boat. I don't see any screws or anything

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@claudiavilla807]

Were did u purchase the foam ?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

Claudia Villa I purchased the foam and the vinyl off of Amazon. There’s a link in the description that will bring you to the products that I used in this video.

[@jcowboy123]

How thick was the foam ? Nice job.

[@TheAverageJoe24]

3 or 4 in

[@jcowboy123]

​@@TheAverageJoe24thank you

[@JorgeRodriguez-es6jl]

how did you attached it all to the boat?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@jasontindal2525]

What are the clips that hold the backrest

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@stevabarney1507]

And how did you attach them to the boat

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I didn't attach the bottom seats to the boat. They just sit on the base. I used the existing brackets to mount the seat backs. I cut a square hole in the wood and the bracket was screwed to the boat and angled up. I slide the seat back down onto the bracket until it bottomed out.

[@johnmarkreed]

After watching this video of me and my girlfriend are going to redo our boat tonight

[@TheAverageJoe24]

@Absolute Rideshare that’s awesome!! That’s the whole point of my channel!! Inspiring people to be a DIYer!!

[@tristanmccauley2318]

What else you doing tonight?

[@violetclarke8279]

How did you attach the side cushion?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@djjoshie7766]

How did you get the ones in the wall

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@keithfrazier5796]

What was the cushions size you use

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I used 4in foam.

[@HondaRyder2002]

How thick of foam did you use?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

3in and 4 in

[@matthewjmedeiros]

How thick was the foam?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

4 inch foam.

[@paulym5814]

An electric knife works good for the foam.

[@vtecbanger3180]

How did you hang the back rest?

[@enamstarwalker]

I was wondering the same thing

[@vtecbanger3180]

@@enamstarwalker I’m still wondering. I think on mine I’m going to put speakers that light up so I can look like a floating strip club

[@enamstarwalker]

@@vtecbanger3180 I've noticed this same question was asked quite a few times in the comments on this guys video, and he dodged pretty much every single time someone asked it lol

[@vtecbanger3180]

@@enamstarwalker I’m in the automotive field and we do interior stuff too. I’m also creative and think ahead. That being said I’m still at the drawing board

[@monacardinale8083]

He said he used Velcro...

[@sgv580]

He forgot to make holes on the wood and add fiberglass resin to make his boat wood last longer, I do this type of work for a living

[@TheAverageJoe24]

It's a simple DIY video. I'm no professional nor claim to be. I did my best with the materials that I had access to. I did drill holes to vent the air from the cushion, its just not in the video I guess.

[@bryanle8383]

how much vinyl did you use

[@TheAverageJoe24]

I ordered 10 yards and it was more than enough.

[@andreas_____]

How to you tight the side "seats"

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.

[@davewalsh6481]

What about the backs?

[@TheAverageJoe24]

You can see in the video that the boat has small metal brackets down the side of the boat where the cushion back goes. I cut small square holes to match up with the brackets and when I mount it, It slides right down onto the brackets.