Thanks, Tom

- very helpful information. The workmanship of the original cushions was
just outstanding but the material was not very good.I guess labor in
Taiwan back in 1987 was very affordable and the materials impacted cost
more. I have the same fear about finding someone skilled enough to
recreate the round corner sections, the raised edge under the knee and
details like that. Some local boat cushion jobs I have seen look good at
first but then after closer scrutiny lack the fancy buttons and layering
of foam you mentioned. The foam sections are simply rectangular blocks
covered in nice fabric. My wife volunteered to take on this project,(and
she would do a great job), however, I already know from past history
that her very busy schedule will never allow her to complete it anytime
this decade. I do know she has sources for commercial fabric so this may
help get us started.

Rich Cassano

Tom Beard wrote:
> Rich,
>
> Ah, that old re-modeling again. While I have no idea of NE fabric workers to
> do the job, we have had this done several times in different locations--on
> different boats. Our favorite and best craftsman happens to be here in our
> town--however...
>
> A couple of ideas for you to consider: We, from a lot of living aboard
> experience (20+ years) find nylon velour in a solid dark color to be best
> suited to a boat's interior. Its wicking ability is superior. It is--or
> seems--always dry. It cleans up amazingly well--even engine oil does not
> show (from firsthand experience). And most of all, it cast an aura of
> elegance combined with the teak.
>
> We found that most--that we experienced--cushion makers have a great
> difficulty in making the curved foam pieces. And if supplied with a curved
> foam, they cannot properly cover it. If you plan to replace the foam, you
> might consider layering foam pieces making the bottom 2/3 firm and the top
> 1/3 (or approximately) soft. This works extremely well with the berth
> mattresses. You might add an inch or two of thickness to these as well. Have
> some test foam pads made up to find what suits you. For the bottom coverings
> of all the cushions we used the vinyl coated Dacron (as I recall) screen
> material. It is tougher and more stable than canvas and not prone to mildew.
> Air, water and moisture passes through as well.
>
> As for costs--I have no idea. One plan that we did once was to journey
> inland to the fabric mill areas in the mountains of the eastern Carolinas.
> There are "factory outlet" stores in this region that sell remnants. We
> found enough from a roll that was claimed to be used by Chrysler for some
> upscale cars. Nice stuff. Though you might get a bargain on material, you
> have to estimate very well because there is no finding more if you run
> short. This means probably buying more just in case, in which case some of
> the bargain will be absorbed. But you might have extra in case of accident.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Tom
>
> MOONSHADOW
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
> For more info, please check out the FAQ...
> http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html
>

-----------------------------------------------------------
Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
For more info, please check out the FAQ...
http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html
Received on Tue Jun 5 16:31:19 2007