What fabric to protect flybridge cushions?

[nwh10]

The flybridge of our Albin 35CB has a three-sided enclosure, which allows the off-white Ultra Leather cushions to get covered in pollen, etc. When not in use, I've been covering them with old sheets, but I'm now ready to step it up a little. Photos attached.

I could use some help selecting a fabric to make removable covers that fold well for stowage. I’m looking for something reasonably breathable, water-repellent, with a soft hand so that it is easily worked with and tucked in, and reasonably-priced. And it shouldn't ravel. I'll probably do something really simple like cut the fabric to mostly fit, and then tuck it around the edges. If I could get away without hemming or binding, I'd be very happy.

I'd welcome suggestions for fabric and sources. Odyssey has been suggested, but I wonder if it's too heavy. A lightweight Sunbrella might fit the bill except it's pricey. Maybe Outdura? A Walmart or Amazon find?

Nancy

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. n. How about simply closing off the fourth side with an easily removable, breathable curtain? No tucking, no fiddling around...

 

[nwh10]

Well, the sides and bottom would have to be secured...they're different lengths...there goes the easy fabrication piece.
Your monkey will be a big help.

 

[Comodave]

I would go with Sunbrella. It is easy to work with. Stamoid would be lighter but it doesn’t breathe. It also doesn’t ravel when cut. No need to hem it either. Sunbrella won’t revel if you cut it with a hot knife but the edge will be a bit rough.

 

[nwh10]

Thanks, Dave. I'm also looking at Sattler Marine Grade because it comes in a 60" width, which would be helpful.

 

[Comodave]

Sunbrella and Stamoid also come in 60”. I have bought Sunbrella in 10’ width for some projects so I didn’t have any seams. But not all colors come in that width.

 

[SIBERNUT]

Sunbrella is avail 80" wide in several popular colors. Could be hemmed on a regular machine .

 

[Bacchus]

Take a look at Rochford Supply

https://rochfordsupply.com/collections/marine-fabric

They have many fabrics that are comparable to Sunbrella w/o the premium price. They also frequently have 2nds / close-outs at significantly reduced price.

https://rochfordsupply.com/collections/marine-fabric-2nds

I have used many of their fabrics when doing canvas work for others and been very pleased.
Even a " heavy" fabric like Sunbrella will sew fairly easily with a conventional home machine as long as you aren't trying to do binding, etc with many layers. Even then the machine will handle the load but the issue is feeding evenly to get consistent stitch length with a walking foot machine.

I'd suggest you invest in a snap tool, even the inexpensive punch style you set with a hammer, to allow adding a few snaps in strategic locations to keep the covers in place. If you do I'd recommend starting with absolute minimum # and as if / when wind blows a cover loose.
Some elastic is hems at strategic locations might help w fit & keeping them in place.

 

[Bacchus]

If you take on the fabrication I'd suggest starting with some pieces of inexpensive throw away material to make a pattern. When I started doing / learning to do boat canvas I went directly to the final fabric and quickly learned from my mistakes. Sheet plastic ( 3-4 mil) can be used for making patterns. If you miss cut just tape on a piece and keep going. Marking with different colored sharpies can help. If you need to " fit" odd shapes / curves a common stapler can be used to simulate a dart to help fit. Staples can easily be removed / redone if needed. When ready yo start fab mark the finished edge and add an allowance for sewing the dart / seams.
Assuming you do it... here is a " thread" ( pun intended) that might provide tips or at least some inspiration.

DIY Canvas Tips, Tricks, Recommendations

First credit where due... Crusty Chief posted his DIY canvas project and was the inspiration for this thread. I though it deserved it's own thread vs hijacking his but maybe this will inspire more canvas project posts to show off your handy work. Maybe it's best to keep this one for tips...

www.trawlerforum.com

 

[nwh10]

Don, thank you for all these great tips and the heads up about Rochford Supply. I have an old Bernina/Bernette sewing machine that will handle Sunbrella, and I've had a low-tech punch snap tool for years. I'm going to bring the cushions home for the winter and stare at them for a good long while.

Nancy

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Ms. n (sorry I originally missed your signature). Since the existing part of your enclosure appears to be pristine, why not have the back wall professionally made once and be done with it? For example: one of quite a few similar pictures I found on-line.

 

[mvweebles]

Greetings,
Ms. n (sorry I originally missed your signature). Since the existing part of your enclosure appears to be pristine, why not have the back wall professionally made once and be done with it? For example: one of quite a few similar pictures I found on-line.

View attachment 159578

I agree with suggestion to consider closing off the fly bridge, or at least substantially.

OP - given the cost of replacing custom upholstery such as your skybridge seating, might be a cheap insurance to spend the time (or money) for a durable solution.

Best success with whatever you decide.

Peter

 

[Comodave]

Don, thank you for all these great tips and the heads up about Rochford Supply. I have an old Bernina/Bernette sewing machine that will handle Sunbrella, and I've had a low-tech punch snap tool for years. I'm going to bring the cushions home for the winter and stare at them for a good long while.

Nancy

Check out sailrite.com. They have a bunch of how to videos for sewing things for the boat.

 

[nwh10]

Thanks to all for your input! RTF, no worries. Dave, I could spend hours watching Sailrite videos. They make everything look so easy. In September, I made simple flat covers for the interior salon windows out of Phifertex, and bound the edges. They turned out great.

I wish a back curtain were on the near-term list. I've been happily surprised that in the three seasons we've owned the boat, the bridge stays fairly clean and dry. The cockpit bimini helps a lot keeping rain out, and I've been surprised at what a good job the old sheets do. Just looking to up my game a little while still keeping it simple.

Nancy