Sunpad Skin Replacement Recommendations
 

Now that the boat is finally winterized, although still wishing I was in Florida waters, looking ahead to winter projects for next season which is hopefully only 3 months away.

Top of the list is replacing the skin on my sunpad. The vinyl is in great condition, just the constant use it gets has started putting stress on a few of the seams. This past year finally did it in, about a foot long section gave way at the one seam and has bugged me all season. So I'm searching for a replacement skin. I've contacted Formula already, but the price tag was pretty high. I've reached out to McLeod Designs as well but haven't been able to get a hold of anyone in my several attempts to contact them. So I thought I'd put it out there to this wonderful Formula family, can anyone recommend a reputable company that they used that could create a new skin for me?

Please feel free to share stories or pics of any work you've had done.

Thanks
Split

I got mine from Formula, it's expensive, but it's good vinyl and I know it would fit perfect, you usually get what you pay for, good luck.

Split,
As you know I just got my 353 and have not had any experience with this stuff, but I agree with Joey and say spend the money and get it directly from Formula. I do not think that you will be happy unless it is perfect. Good luck buddy. Merry Christmas !!! :santa:

Chris

I believe McLeod supplied all the vinyl for Formula back then, so they would be my 2nd choice, but if I don't hear from them looks like Formula it will be.

Always read good things about these guys, call, it is worth the phone call:

http://www.xt-innovations.com/index.html

My sunpad is doing the same, I'm going to pull it next year and send off for new seam sewing / stitching. Just have to remove about 500 - 750 staples after I replaced the plywood it was on.

For McLeod, try getting in contact with Chris Campbell, who I think is still at McLeod and is pretty responsive.

586-615-3877 (Cell)
[email protected] (direct Email)

Thanks mental will do

Just my .02, if you want vinyl that is a match to the rest of you cockpit, go with the replacement skins from Formula. They are cnc cut and have all the registration marks for installing. The Formula replacements will also be the vinyl with the foam backing, which is difficult at best if at all, for another upholstery shop to get. You may find a shop to do it cheaper, but it won't look like the original skin.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]534710[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]534711[/ATTACH]

Randy Kent ........ http://www.worldsbestboatcover.com/MarineConcepts2/

He helped me out with mine .... Great quality!

Randy's work is top notch.

If you find the right shop they can get it done right.[ATTACH=CONFIG]534739[/ATTACH]

send me an email, I had a custom sundpad done for my 242 several years ago, best around, PERIOD. my email is [email protected]

Split, what did you finally decide with on the skin replacements?

I haven't decided anything yet. Haven't even really thought about it to be honest. Have had some personal issues that I've been dealing with as of late so that has been occupying most of my time. I do need to get moving on this though, but it's been so cold haven't felt like opening the boat up to even get the old one off either.

I did email the guy Chris Campbell from McLeod mentioned in a previous post but no response...THANKS MENTAL...JK

Did you do the install yourself on your 34PC? I'm wondering if this is a job I want to do or pay someone to do for me. I'll pull the old one off, just want the new one to look perfect, so enlisting a professional might be worth it.

Split, I did do the recover myself. It wasn't that difficult to do. Care should be taken when removing the old skin, don't just cut it off and toss it away. I took the time to remove the staples, and took pictures of the folds and how they trimmed the skin. All trim can be done as you progress through each edge. I kept the old one as a reference to see how they folded each area. The new skins have an extra 2 inches or so all the way around. Also, they have small 'V' notches at specific points to as to allow you to orient and register the skin relative to centers and edges. The one thing that I did not do, and found out after I was done, most pro upholstery shops use a steam gun to work the skin after it is tacked down to smooth it out. This happened naturally after a few weeks of the upholstery being back on the boat and being out in the sun and getting wet/damp a few times, it helps with shrinking the skin and making things more taught over the seat or pad.

I talked with a local guy by my marina, and he said he would have installed the skins for about $1500.00 for the whole cockpit. If I had to do over again, I still would do the skins myself, cause that $1500 is 2 fillups for me. But then again that was for an entire cockpit, Helm seat, companion, 4 bottoms, 3 flip up backs and 1 fixed double wide back.

Anyone who is trying to get in contact with Mcleod Interior Group, I'm here to help you with any new upholstery or replacement skins. I have taken over for Chris Campbell
so feel free to contact me
Contact Miraj at HRT
248-284-1170 EXT 113
email: [email protected]