How to Upholster a Speedboat Bench Seat Backrest

This tutorial video is part of our Speedboat Makeover Series where we update the interior of a used Malibu speedboat to look brand-new. You too can update any used powerboat by following this video series. This tutorial details the process for re-covering a backrest that features a quilted fabric section, a fabric pull, a boxing running around three sides and a cover stapled to a backer board. We used CushionRite™ seating foam and a vinyl upholstery fabric called EverSoft™ that is exclusively sold at Sailrite®.
Watch the Speedboat Makeover Series: • Speedboat Makeover Series
CHAPTERS LIST:
Intro - 0:00
Removing Old Fabric - 0:52
Cutting & Gluing New Foam - 3:48
Cutting Fabric Panels - 14:11
Sewing Quilted Panels - 21:11
Sewing Piping - 28:13
Cutting & Sewing Fabric Pull - 29:50
Sewing Panels Together - 32:10
Stapling Cushion Cover to Backer Board - 36:24
Materials & Tools List - 48:06
MATERIALS LIST:
Fabric Backed Sew Foam 58” - SKU: 124306 - www.sailrite.com/Fabric-Backe...
3M™ General Trim Spray Adhesive 18.1 oz. - SKU: 73211 - www.sailrite.com/3M-General-T...
3M™ Super 77™ Spray Adhesive Low VOC 18 oz. - SKU: 636100 - www.sailrite.com/3M-Super-77-...
Dura-Skrim® Patterning Material 74” - SKU: 103134 - www.sailrite.com/Dura-Skrim-2...
EverSoft™ Indoor/Outdoor Teak 54" Vinyl Fabric - SKU: 122218 - www.sailrite.com/EverSoft-Ind...
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) - SKU: 122064 -www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-3-...
Polyester Carpet Binding Beige 1-1/4” - SKU: 120236 - www.sailrite.com/Polyester-Ca...
Cushion Wrap Silk Film 54" - SKU: 103933 - www.sailrite.com/Cushion-Wrap...
21 Gauge 1/2" (12mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Stainless Steel) - SKU: 8012SS - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-21-...
21 Gauge 3/8" (10mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Stainless Steel) - SKU: 8010SS - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-21-...
Boat Blanket Black 72” Fabric - SKU: 100113
McLube™ Sailkote 8 oz. - SKU: 120679 - www.sailrite.com/McLube-Sailk...
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) - SKU: 122064 - www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-3-...
TOOLS LIST:
Staple Lifter - SKU: 120037 - www.sailrite.com/Staple-Lifter
Tape Measure 120” - SKU: 102986 - www.sailrite.com/Tape-Measure...
Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8” - SKU: 101017 - www.sailrite.com/Gingher-Scis...
Sailrite® Deluxe Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (110V) - SKU: 400600 - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Del...
Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide - SKU: 103597 - www.sailrite.com/Deluxe-5-1-2...
Sailrite® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun - SKU: 121411 - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Lon...
Professional Stainless Steel 10” Scissors - SKU: 123615 - www.sailrite.com/Professional...
Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24” - SKU: 102400 - www.sailrite.com/Clear-Acryli...
Chalk Pen White - SKU: 123131 - www.sailrite.com/Chalk-Pen-White
Sailrite® Drill Hole Cutter Set - SKU: 121825 - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Dri...
Marker, Box Cutter, Electric Kitchen Knife, Tape measure

[@Rickmoore3908]

Great video.

[@MidwestCoupe]

You guys at Sailrite are LITERALLY teaching people a craft as well as how to make a living , for free I might add. I always try and purchase as much as I can from you guys when i need supplies. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-jq1mj5bf3u]

I love your videos. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with redoing the vinyl coverings on our boat but have watched several in this series and feeling much better about tackling the job. I'm sure I'll be watching them many more times before I'm finished. Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

I'm glad the videos are helping you feel more confident about your boat project!

[@jackjordan7691]

Thank for your most wonderful instruction, I really enjoy your diligence of skill wow awesome, you make me feel like I can do this myself! Thank you all again. Jack

[@eross21]

such h a great series. this is extremely helpful as a beginner.

[@Jim-fe2xz]

Another awesome project! Merry Christmas to everyone at Sailrite!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to all!!!

[@davestewart9146]

Absolutely great video sir 👍😁

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulsimpson9286]

SS Tetanus, love taking apart stuff like this, usually go grab a mask when I see that much mold.

[@SailriteDIY]

Good tip!

[@user-ts7hf2cc3y]

Well done 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SailriteDIY]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words.

[@eross21]

one question on sewing past fabric edge. is it not a good ideas to sew past the edge of the fabric and then backstitch. it seems like every time i do. the thread gets tangled up with the bobbin. should i not go past the edge of the fabric?

[@michaelmabry8705]

What do you mean past the fabric edge? And what machine are you using

[@eross21]

@@michaelmabry8705 I am using a sailtite. but I figured out that I just wasn't letting the need le to cycle all the way downbefor lifting the foot. I am good now. thanks for checking in.

[@eddiegier1459]

How long did this project take? How long should it take to reupholster the back seat?

[@SailriteDIY]

Anything that is filmed takes twice as long as it should. I would estimate that it would take about 8 hours if not being filmed. Use this PDF for actual job times: marinefabricatormag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/02/timeline-standards.pdf Page 37 shows a Lounge Bench Seat at about 7.5 hours.

[@miket8324]

CAR SEAT

[@richardredhead]

A tournament ski boat isn't what most people would consider a "speedboat". They are geared for optimal performance between 26 and 36 mph. The newest models with the most powerful engine options max out at 45-50 mph. Even the best skiers and the biggest/strongest barefooters in the world have no reason to go that fast. It's about precise handling, flat turning, and time to skiing/planing speed.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for your comment! We appreciate your input on tournament ski boats.However, a search for speedboat may result in more views and the process of upholstery is the same for both.