Vinyl is a tough boat seat material, which deals well with moisture, water, and other elements. However, it can suffer from wear and tear over time. Now, the question is, how much to reupholster boat seats?
There is no single answer to this question. It depends on the materials used and whether you need a partial or full reupholstery job, among other considerations. In this article, I’ll discuss this subject as in-depth as I can to help you decide on the budget to spend and which material to use, among other considerations.
Table of Contents
How Much is a Boat Seat Upholstery?
Reupholstering a boat is much cheaper than buying new boat seats.
So, if you bought an old boat and want to replace its upholstery for a new appearance or if your boat’s upholstery needs reupholstery for wear and tear, you might have to spend between $100 and $300 or more per seat cushion, depending on the fabric or material used.
The cost also depends on your location and who’s doing the job. Most shops charge an hourly rate between $55-$150.
On the average, you’ll spend $100 for a 24″ x 24″ seat/back, or $300 for a 24″ x 96″ seat/back.
The front sleeper lounge upholstery cost also varies from one service provider to another. On the average, you might have to pay at least $150.
For a captain chair with arms, expect to pay around or at least $500, $550 for a lounge seat, $450 for a bolster seat, and $350 for an engine cover.
*Price varies based on several factors like supplies, materials, service providers, location, and other things.
Most professionals ask for at least a 50% deposit for the job. And before that, you’ll discuss the designs, colors, and fabric of your preference.
Are There Additional Reupholster Boat Seats Cost?
Per square yard, a quality marine fabric costs between $40-$60. But then, you’ll also find higher-priced materials should you want to. Typically, more expensive boat materials are more durable than cheaper ones are.
When planning to upholster the entire boat, you might also want to replace or install new speakers and stereos to make them more accessible. Thus, you should anticipate the additional cost of installing a brand-new one.
To save money, do research, particularly on fabric suppliers. The experts reveal that there is only a slight difference in price for marine fabric per supplier, contrary to what upholsterers say. To save further, you might want to employ the services of a family-owned local upholsterer that accepts custom work and that obviously offers cheaper prices than commercial upholsterers.
Obtain different reupholster boat seat price estimates as you can to have an idea of the price range to consider based on your budget.
What Else to Know About the Average Cost to Reupholster a Boat?
1. Seat damage
More damage can mean a higher cost. Damages due to UV rays and mildew, and other elements, can add up to the overall upholstery cost, too. Generally, a service provider will refurbish the seat before working on the job. If you choose to do the repair yourself, buy a vinyl repair kit.
The cost to reupholster pontoon boat seats will be much higher than with a Jon boat simply because the latter can accommodate a fewer number of seats that would need reupholstering.
2. Doing some of the repair yourself
You can remove the worn-out upholstery yourself to reduce the expenses.
If you’re recovering boat seats, you can also clean the tears with rubbing alcohol or professional cleaner for boat seats.
Nevertheless, you can reduce the cost by decreasing the workload that a professional would have to provide. However, you might need a vinyl repair kit to do any prep work.
3. Choose local and family-owned upholstery shops
As mentioned earlier, you might want to check out family-owned instead of a commercially-operated upholstery service. They tend to offer lower rates and better customization options.
4. Protect the upholstery and keep it clean
Maintain the cleanliness of the boat’s upholstery to ensure its longer life. Also, cover your boat when you’re not using it and ensure winterizing it in the off-season.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to protect the new or reupholstered boat seats. If using protectants, spray it on the cleaned surface, and then wipe it dry. Using a dry cloth, buff it a few times for longevity and bonding.
Final Thoughts
How much to reupholster boat seats? Boat upholstery repair cost varies from one upholstery shop to another along with the materials used, colors, designs, and other factors. Nevertheless, plan, discuss what you envision with the professional, and look for a local upholstery shop that offers customization options.
I am passionate about water sports and technical fields, so combining both makes me interested in making contents about boat accessories. With my partner, we went on many trips and sports games together, which led us to think about how we can spread our joys and passions to many people.