Cuddy cabin improvements

[Leeski]

We just purchased our new to us Grady White Adventure. The cuddy cabin cushions are pretty dirty and moldy. Any tips on the best way to either clean them , or any suggestions on the best type of place to go to get them reupholstered? Thank you!

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

When I bought my 228 new in 09 my kids were 10 and under . I went to my local upholstery shop and said, hey can you make a copy of these using marine grade vinyl and parts? They said yep. I took the factory cushions out and stored them and put my custom made ones in . To this day my vinyl cushions are in the cabin and the factory ones are stored away.

 

[Sparkdog118]

I had mine made out of sumbrella. They are waterproof and last. Little more expensive but you do get what you pay for.

 

[seasick]

The mold may be more of a challenge than the dirt if the mold goes into the foam. That is really hard to deal with. There are different opinions on what you can get away with in cleaning the materials. The foam can be replaced
I lightly scrub mine with fabric cleaner and a soft bristle brush every now and then clean and treat with a fabric protectorant. I just wipe them down with a damp towel, rinsed in clean water to remove soap residue. I do not remove the covers from the foam.

The issues with more thorough cleaning methods is twofold: The covers may shrink or worse, they may fall apart (seams and zippers.)

If you think that the old covers are just about beyond useful life or look really bad, you can try to either hand wash or machine wash on delicate with cool water and detergent. It's taking a risk but may get you a few more years of life. Do not use a close drier.
You may find out that you can't get the original zippers to open. You can work on them but they just may not open.
The foam inside is wrapped in plastic. That serves two purposes: It stop major spills from soaking into the foam and it allows the foam to slip more easily into the cloth covers. If you remove it, you may not be able to get the foam back in correctly.
I have not heard from anybody who had their covers dry cleaned. Unfortunately, there are no care tags on my cushions so unless it said it's OK to dry clean, I wouldn't do it.

 

[Sparkdog118]

We use damp rid bags to hang in the cabin here in fla. It works amazingly.helps prevent future deterioration

 

[seasick]

I used the tub like containers of desiccant this winter in my 'other' boat. I was amazed how much the amount of mold decreased from previous seasons. Every now and then I check the cabin and drain the water out of the tubs. It isn't a lot as far as volume goes but I guess it is more than enough to help the mold grow had it been on the liner and side panels.

 

[wspitler]

I bought a dehumidifier as the dessicant types filled up too often. I drain it into the sink and it has made a huge difference in mold and mildew.

 

[ScottyCee]

I just made a few, and the expensive part is the foam (it also isn't that hard if you have any sewing background). Anyway, if you like your foam, then a shop can make new covers for them for a reasonable price. I used marine vinyl and I'm happy.

 

[seasick]

I remember a post about someone who had a relative that sewed make in effect 'seat' covers for the existing cushions. They slipped over the old cushions including the cloth material. It was an interesting approach.

 

[ScottyCee]

I made the three "outdoor" cockpit ones for a 272 for about $200, and ~$125 of it was the foam. Most of the supplies are reasonably priced - I still have enough pre-made piping for at least 3 more boats and enough thread for maybe about another 300. 8^)