MacGregorSailors.com

My boat cushions!

MacMac is now 14 years old and the interior seat cushions (not the matresses) are as dead as dead. The foam is exhausted, and the fabric is worn. They look bad and feel bad.

I will get some foam from Clark Rubber and try to get someone local to make the cushions, but I just know this is going to cost a fortune and probably end up not as nice as I will want it to.

I did correspond with the US aftermarket provider some months ago when the dollar was on par, but they stopped corresponding at the point of ordering (possibly because of shipping complications).

So I am asking if anyone has been through the process here of getting new covers made, or has any ideas on a supplier that they may have used. Even if someone has resource information on the patterns that may help.

I can't go through another summer with the originals -help.

G'Day Lease

If you pick the stitching apart on the old covers you can use the panels for a pattern, use the old foam as a size guide to cut some high density foam, it's easy to cut foam down using an electric carving knife .. surprisingly easy, after the new covers have been made put the new foam cushion into a large plastic bag and suck out the air with a vacuum cleaner insert the mattress package into the new cover, I find putting the opened end in first while holding it closed, with a bit of shuffling the plastic bag comes off and the mattress fills out the new cover nicely, I've even seen very very thin plastic used and left in after being ripped open giving a sort of waterproof layer and a little noise when used.

This technique is used by a lot of lounge suite makers, it gives a nice neat fitting cushion cover.

If you don't know how to use a sewing maching, don't be afraid to experiment on some scrap material ... it's easy, ask those that know how to use one, or go to a motor trimmer, alternatively ask local TAFE college if they need a project if you buy the materials.

Glenn

I'm rather surprised that the US supplier stopped corresponding... he's usually a pretty reliable guy. His cushions are of excellent quality and many here are customers. You might want to give him another try?

If shipping from the US is a problem, perhaps you can get with Lease and include them in his next shipment of a Mac. The supplier could ship them to the packer/shipper and they could be stuffed inside the boat. Manifest would read, "Extra Macgregor cushions". Just a thought.

~Rich

Thanks for the replies folks. Have been off-line for a while - bloody work - so apologies for not responding sooner. Might give the aftermarket supplier another go.