Boat upholstery questions, answered plainly

How much does boat upholstery cost in Gulfport?

A single seat or bench runs $200 to $550, a helm chair rebuild $450 to $1,200, a full bowrider interior $2,000 to $6,000, and a pontoon furniture set $2,500 to $7,000. The full 13-row table is on the cost guide.

How long does marine vinyl last on the Mississippi coast?

Seven to ten years uncovered in a slip, longer under a mooring cover or in a covered slip. Automotive vinyl on the same boat cracks in about two summers. Thread and zippers usually fail before the vinyl does.

Do you come to the boat?

Yes, anywhere from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. We pattern at your slip, lift or driveway, sew at the shop in Gulfport, and come back to install. Trailer drops at the shop are welcome too.

Can I get a quote from photos?

Yes. Text photos of the worn pieces to (228) 206-7732 and you get a range from the published table the same day. The dock visit firms it up after the squeeze test.

What is the squeeze test?

Pressing each cushion hard by hand to find waterlogged or crumbled foam. Foam that stays dented, feels heavy or smells gets replaced at $50 to $150 per cushion. Foam that springs back is reused. It is the difference between the top and bottom of every range.

Closed-cell or open-cell foam?

Closed-cell on fishing boats, cockpit cushions and anything that takes spray, because it drains and floats. Open-cell where a softer seat matters and the boat stays covered. We say which on the estimate.

Sunbrella or polyester for a bimini?

Sunbrella for anything that stays up in the sun. It holds color for eight or more Gulf summers and costs about a third more. Polyester for storage covers that come off in use.

Why did my canvas seams open when the fabric looks fine?

Polyester thread rots in ultraviolet light years before good fabric does. We sew with PTFE thread that carries a lifetime warranty against sun rot, and we can restitch canvas with sound cloth for $60 to $150 per piece.

What is the turnaround?

Single seats and small canvas inside two weeks during the season, full interiors three to five weeks, faster December through February. Rush inside two weeks is available at fifteen percent over the table.

Is there a winter discount?

Yes, about ten percent off the published ranges from December through February when the bench is open. The boat is ready before spring.

Does insurance cover boat upholstery?

Sun and age, no. Storm, fire or theft damage, usually yes. After a named storm we write itemized estimates in the format adjusters ask for.

Do you work on charter and commercial boats?

Yes. Charter boats get marine vinyl with a turnaround scheduled between trips. Commercial wheelhouse and crew seats get commercial vinyl with welded seams at $350 to $900 each, with fleet pricing above four seats.

Can you match my existing color?

Usually close enough that one new piece does not stand out. We bring samples to the boat and match in daylight, and we say when a faded set will look better done whole.

Do you replace the plywood or plastic base under a seat?

Yes, when it is rotted or cracked. It is priced separately on the estimate so you can see it. Marine plywood on most runabouts, rotocast plastic on pontoons.

Prices on this page come from the cost guide. Not answered here? Contact us.