New project boat -1986 Ski Nautique

[Scott Douglas]

My wife has been sewing since before we were married. It never ceases to amaze me how she can sew straight AND keep all the points meeting at just the right spots.

I'd like to think doing what you're attempting would be easier as the vinyl won't 'give' the way cloth does.

[Tim Hancock]

Been busy last couple weeks but I have finally got the "new" sewing machine repaired and working properly (retimed, new bobbin case, new various missing parts/screws). I ended up relocating the clutch motor and built a speed reduction jackshaft pulley system. This mod reduced the speed 8:1 and it seems just right for my needs. I also repainted the machine and the table structure just because.

I have practiced with some scrap vinyl and am about to attempt my first cushion with material and thread sourced from local upholstery shop I have used in the past.

Consew 206 RB1 before


After repainting


Motor relocation and jackshaft/pulley addition

[Tim Hancock]

First small boat cushion done.... Took me all day to do it and I had to also make a new seat bottom out of 1/2" pvc board as the original plywood was rotted. Not perfect, but not bad for a rookie. Hopefully the rest will start going quicker.

[911boost]

Oh dang, I would not have the confidence to ever tackle something like that.

Looks good to me!

[Scott Douglas]

That looks fantastic Tim. You're well on your way to having a really nice interior.
Can't wait to see it all finished up.

[javadog]

That's amazing for your first time doing that work.

And restoring the sewing machine before you used it...

[rfuerst911sc]

Looks good from here . And nice work on the machine .

[Tim Hancock]

Thanks guys.... It is not rocket science, but it definitely seems to be a bit of an art.... Unfortunately I am not an artist.

Starting on the opposite side bottom cushion now. Seat bottom is once again rotten.





I need to get faster with patterning/marking and applying the sew foam to the new pieces of vinyl.

The sewing gets difficult when sewing around tight curves. Very difficult to manipulate the piece on tight curves when doing the topstitch also. Most bigger cushions will be easier in this regard I think/hope.

[gregpark]

I'd use the old pieces (wood and vinyl) for my patterns. And when stapling on the vinyl put your weight on it for a taught fit. That's how I re-did the cushions in my old boat anyway

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by gregpark

I'd use the old pieces (wood and vinyl) for my patterns. And when stapling on the vinyl put your weight on it for a taught fit. That's how I re-did the cushions in my old boat anyway

Yep, I carefully mark then cut the old cushions apart at the main seams and mark them carefully noting if there is any too stitching. I then transfer the pattern adding 1/2" at all seams. I sew main seams at the same 1/2" seam allowance. I then freehand the top stitching where called for at 1/4" from main seam.

I used the old plywood seat base dimensions to exactly recreate using 1/2" PVC board.

Just finished marking and cutting apart the 2nd cushion.

[javadog]

Hard to believe how far gone those plywood bases are…

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by javadog

Hard to believe how far gone those plywood bases are…

It is a bit weird as from what I can see the larger bases are all good. These two bases are at the rear corners. When I get to the larger bases, if they are indeed solid, I will coat them with epoxy before reassembling.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

It is a bit weird as from what I can see the larger bases are all good. These two bases are at the rear corners. When I get to the larger bases, if they are indeed solid, I will coat them with epoxy before reassembling.

I would guess the rear corners get wet from people getting out of the water . Rince/repeat enough times equals rot . If the boat was ever stored outside with a cover rain drains towards the back . It all adds up .

[Rot 911]

Tim, you never cease to amaze me!

[Tim Hancock]

Patterning and sewing of second cover went a little quicker. It came out perfect. Starting to get the hang of this. Tight corners with a wadded up piece of stiff vinyl takes some care, patience and coordination. Speed reduction I made for the machine is about perfect for my newbie upholstery skills.

[gregpark]

Looks professional!

[Scott Douglas]

Nice work!

Yes, there is a certain 'art' form to getting things to look nice with that material I'm sure.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Those are amazing. Let me know when you want to make me up some Pascha seat covers for the 911.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

Those are amazing. Let me know when you want to make me up some Pascha seat covers for the 911.

I actually have thought about reupholstering my 911's and my 944 turbo's original seats at some point. Both have aftermarket seats presently. I dont have handle on how the auto seats actually attach to the seat frame but how difficult could it be.... Dang it I REALLY want to retire so I can have time to work on/finish projects. Fingers crossed 3-6 more years...

[JeremyD]

Nice Job Tim - as usual