Custom, exterior upholstery replacement
Outstanding Achievement Award | Sand Sea and Air Interiors Inc. | San Juan, Puerto Rico
This project won a 2013 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the exterior upholstery category. The customer requested a total replacement of the exterior upholstery for this high-profile speedboat. The seating area had exposed and recessed hi-lo cushions that could accommodate more than 20 guests, as well as 15 bumpers of assorted sizes and shapes.
The project encompassed removing the original vinyl in order to pattern and replace the deteriorated vinyl and hardware. Deteriorated foam was replaced as needed. The customer requested a heavy top stitch accent thread for all edges for a distinct, custom look. Fitted protective covers in lightweight Stamoid were included to ensure longevity when the boat was not in use. Wherever possible we replaced deteriorated snaps with Velstick, and new cushions were sewn with Velcro on the underside to adhere to the seating. Overall, 13 cushion styles were fabricated, each with a peculiar design feature that complemented the overall look of the boat.
The final appearance of the boat was “better than new.”
Project data
Designer: Terri Madden
Fabricator: Terri Madden
Project manager: Terri Madden
Installer: Terri Madden
Materials: Silvertex, Keyston Bros.; Stamoid, Manart Hirsch Co. Inc.; 200 Denier Nylon; Textilene mesh, Ralph Sewing Machine Co.; Velstick/Velcro, Bainbridge International Inc.