Seems splitting and cracking

[edberni]

Here is a pic of my rear cushion, where the seems are there are beginning to be cracks and splits, my question is how can I stop these from getting any worse? Is there a good product out there for this? I was thinking about super glue as it is clear and should stop it from growing, but will it make things worse in the long run by cracking even more?

boat seat.jpg

[KyleRass41]

I started having a few of these, not as big as yours but I'm going to try aquaseal and possibly tear-aid.

[Stingreye]

I have a few cushions like that. I think it might be the design on the 2003-2004 vinyl that's part of the problem. It looks like some of the VE's appear to have the cushion two pieces so it won't pull apart at the seams. My center rear cushion is terrible.

DSC01736.JPG

I would love to hear if anyone had a good solution for this...... Kyle please post back up your results with Aquaseal or Tear-Aid.

[WakerideN]

Design Flaw... my 2005 20v has some wierd seams and setups, lack anchore points or breaks in the cushions seams.. but as time has gone on.. tige and other MFG have gotten smarter how they design cushions and where the put stress relief so they dont tear like this.. and another factor vinyl quality. If its that furry kinda backed vinyl... water and sun rot.... that is most likely causing that.

Best solution... replace with a higher quality vinyl.

[Lewisville]

gcombe74, Any ideas on the cost to reapolster a few seats?

[Matt Garcia]

gcombe74, Any ideas on the cost to reapolster a few seats?

Theres a quality vinyl shop in Lewisville called The Shop, http://the--shop.com/. I have had a few seats(bow and rear bench) reskinned there and the cost has been anywhere from $75.00-$120.00. Keep in mind that I provided the vinyl though. Also I didn't notice at the time but they didn't use stainless steel staples on my rear bench seat and they started to rust. Other than that the fit and finish of their work is great.

[WakerideN]

gcombe74, Any ideas on the cost to reapolster a few seats?

just depends on the shop. I would shop around. see examples of their work and then based on workmanship and price... select a place that will give you the best product for your money.

[M&M]

2000 20CI. Missouri Ozarks. I have had to deal with boat upholstery problems several times in the past. Not my Tige. Any auto upholstery shop you trust. Remove the upholstery from the seat frame and just take in the upholstery. Have them just replace the torn panel. Most shops have enough of the common colors in stock. Last time I had a rear seat tear fixed (red). They just cut out the bad panel at the seam and replaced the bad panel. Cost was $35.00. I stapled the upholstery back to the seat frame. I feel that me removing the upholstery and reinstalling saved labor $. See attached pix. The front edge of the back seat is new. M&MImg37685.jpg

[Lewisville]

Keep in mind that I provided the vinyl though.

Do you suggest buying the vinyl before hand and if so where do you buy vinyl?

M&M, How do you remove the upholstery from the seat frame? I have 0 knowledge so explain it as if I were a small child if you don't mind. Pictures always help.

[M&M]

2000 20CI Missouri Ozarks. Ok, remove your rear seat. In my boat gravity holds it in. Turn it up side down. Use a screw driver and pliers to remove all the staples that hold the upholstery and foam to the board. Do not gouge your hand. I bought a staple remover at the hardware store for my tool box about $3.00. flat blade screw driver works ok in a pinch. Remove the upholstery, leaving the foam and the board. Take just the upholstery to the auto upholstery shop and show them the problem. They will cut out the bad section and sew on a new section with new vinyl. Common colors most auto upholstery shops should have in stock. Looks like your bad section is green or grey. You could take in the whole seat but why? Just fix whats broken. My Tige rear seat board is plywood, your boat is newer and might be plastic. This is a good time to dry out the foam and seat base board before re-assembly. Get out your handy staple gun, I like Arrow T-50 stapler. Hope this is clear... M&M

[IDBoating]

I had a minor upholstery problem on my 24Ve and Tige replaced the entire seat cover fabric for free (Tige is awesome!). But it was up to me to install it. Not having experience with that, I took to a local shop. One of the things I learned from them is that boat manufacturers usually stretch the fabric VERY TIGHTLY around the foam, which gives a sharp and defined look but obviously increases the stress at the seams. They would install it any way I wanted, but strongly recommended that I let them relax the tension a bit so the new cover would last a lot longer. I followed their professional advice. Frankly, you'd never know it comparing their appearance in the boat, but you can definitely feel it when you compress the cushion.

I'll take a near-invisible reduction in "sharpness" for longer life of expensive seat vinyl any day!