The comfort factor is crucial for outfitting your boat for long sea voyages. But your seat can make or break a ride, even for shorter trips. Custom-fabricated boat cushions come in many fabric choices. However, it would help if you considered other fabrication styles that allow the pillow to breathe and avoid moisture build-up, like a breathable mesh underlining or a finished interior seam.
Accessories
Boat owners can purchase and install several boat furniture boat furniture outdoor living accessories that improve comfort and style. Some boat accessories include bimini tops, convertible tops, mooring covers, and cockpit or canopy covers. These boat accessories protect from the sun, wind, rain, or other weather conditions encountered while boating. Seat and bench boat accessories offer optimal seating comfort whether you’re taking a leisurely cruise, engaging in water sports, or fishing. They can also reduce the strain on your back and body and make your boating experience even more enjoyable. Boat barrel chairs, for example, can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes and details. Some options include rot-proof polyethylene seats with marine-grade, vinyl-covered comfortable foam cushions. Others have a 360-degree swivel base and a retractable footrest. Some even come with a drink holder. The type of seat you choose depends on your specific boating needs. It would help if you also considered the thickness of the foam in your hearts, with a higher density rating offering longer-lasting durability.
Teak
Teak is a very durable wood that naturally resists damage from water and other elements. It’s easy to maintain and requires no extra care beyond oiling. It also ages well with time, developing a lustrous silver-grey patina over the years that looks great on a boat. It’s also solid and stable compared to other types of wood, making it ideal for use on ships. This is why you’ll see many custom boats and some production boats featuring teak as trim accents known as brightwork. Examples of brightwork include the helm pod, bridge cap rail, toe rails, and cockpit coamings.
Additionally, the silica in teak gives it an anti-skid quality that is very useful on a boat where there may be a lot of movement. This helps prevent people from slipping on boat furniture and can help keep passengers safe from injury. Additionally, teak is a very cool wood and does not absorb heat like other woods.
Synthetic Waterproof Materials
Whether you want to refurbish your boat’s captain’s chairs, gunnel pads, or tower cushions, you need fabrics that will last through heavy use. These fabrics must be resistant to fading, mildew, and water and easy to clean and abrasion-resistant. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of marine fabrics that are durable and waterproof. These include expanded vinyl (PVC) with a fabric backing, polyester, and terylene. Some are made from recycled material, and others have been treated with special finishes to make them breathable. Among the best options are those that are tightly woven, which increases their durability and resilience. Many also feature breathable underlining, which helps the cushion breathe while repelling moisture. Other features your customers should consider include UV protection, strength, and colorfastness.
Upholstery
Whether your boat sits in a slip or sails through the waves, its upholstery is subject to the salty air and relentless sun. Plain old vanilla marine fabrics can fade and wear out, so it pays to invest in quality fabric. For cabin cushions, breathable woven fabrics with softness are popular and offer great comfort. Designers and fabricators are experimenting with splashes of color against neutral backdrops and reproducing embroidery or debossing logos in new ways. It is a good idea to work with your fabricator to select marine seating upholstery that meets the conditions of your specific marine environment and reflects your style. The suitable marine upholstery fabric should be waterproof, UV protected, stain resistant, and easy to clean with comprehensive warranties. Foam is also essential and ranges from compressed polyester to open-cell foam that dries quickly when wet. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. For example, open-cell foam offers cool cushioning and allows air to pass through, reducing the fabric’s tendency to heat up with prolonged sun exposure.
