So I need to redo the interior in my boat for many reasons. a lot of the wood is rotting and falling apart, that is pretty easy to fix. I'm going to use the wood as a template some of the pieces i will use the foam as a guide because their is no wood left. router the edges to put a bull nose on, then paint with wood with some rustoleum enamel before covering.

Question comes down to a french edge vs a corded edge. other than looks is there any real benefit to a corded edge. Currently the interior is a corded edged but i have been leaning towards a french edge. seems the average house hold sewing machine can go through 3 layers of marine vinyl without issue, 4+ seems starts to have a problem and i would need to go to an industrial machine (vs the ~$50 craigslist/offerup )
corded edges are 4+
french edges are 2 + support fabric backer.

for reference
french edge/ stitch


corded edge
https://images.prod.meredith.com/pro...-9746pk1-3784c

If you fear it will rot again use structural PVC instead of wood.

Interesting you bring that up, I was talking about that. as well as using marine plywood vs pressure treated plywood that is coated in rustoleum enamel, logged in to ask that on here actually

My rear bench seat back and sides were rotted upon purchasing my boat and the upholstery shop I used recommended the PVC over wood. From what I'm reading lately about stringers and transom's using layered synthetics is a good choice as well.

Well I started cutting new wood this weekend. These pieces I could trace out.

The old and new wood side by side. was a little hard to trace....



all the pieces are cut. (1/4 for sides & 1/2 for seats)


test fitting


some overlapping i need to fix, it think. better too big vs too small. gonna trim off of the bow piece i think as it already has a slight F*ck up in it.

both boards are the almost the exact same size (clamped them together and did the edges and turns) one covers the cup holders a little

So I'm going to stick with the current color scheme of red/burgundy and an off white
what peoples thoughts on this material with a pattern. this would be on the edges of the pads and part of the bench seat where one would sit, everything else would bee an off white.

I think its kinda cool looking and not that expensive. Was thinking a textured material might hide flaws a little better since i'm amateur at this doing it DIY style (kinda like texture on drywall..)

https://www.sailrite.com/Morbern-Hex...4-Vinyl-Fabric

Bought a cheap machine off of offer up the other night for $60 then picked up some material to practice with. I tried the french stitching, seem the max length on the machine is closer together than I want.



practice and the machine jammed.


French stitch


bobbin side, keep getting loose string and i dont know why, also not following my line and over shooting


but it leads to a jam like this.


noticed the thread keeps getting pinched between these pieces and it doesn't feed anymore then jams


how it should look/feed

The upholstery professionals hire me to fix their motor(im a marine repair shop)
I have them do the upholstery. I do the wood 1st.
i have a sewing machine and did some seats once a long time ago and they came out ok but definitely not something i would do on a nice boat. Its more frustrating than its worth saving the money. Save up and let the pro do it. Its something that will be a focal point. Best of luck