To upholster a thing means to affix a textile covering, softly padded to some furniture. Every boat needs upholstery to make it comfortable and appealing to the owners and guests. A boat can also be reupholstered. Re-upholstering means using a new upholstery on old furniture. Notwithstanding the type of upholstery on the boat, the cost will still depend on the size of the furniture that needs to be upholstered, labour cost and the materials to be used. 

Getting a specific cost for upholstering your boat might be complex because the cost will be determined by several factors.  Notwithstanding, upholstering a boat costs between $800 and $7,000 on average. Re-upholstering on the other hand will cost a little less and will be much more affordable than purchasing new chairs.

For instance, a unit of cushion seat costs around $100 to $250. Labour hourly cost ranges from $50, and companies can collect as much as $225. It is also well known that family-owned Companies are always relatively cheaper than commercial upholsterer companies. Let’s consider the steps to getting a quotation and the cost of a boat upholstery.

Step 1: Identify the upholstery needed in the boat.

Step 2: Do your research. Do you know the brands that have durable fabric? What materials can stand the heat of the sun? What upholstery companies are available around you?

Step 3: Request quotations. It is advisable to request quotations from several companies. You can then choose one, based on your budget or your taste.

Step 4: Approach the Company. Most companies request that you pay a minimum of 50 to 80 percent as a down payment.

Step 5: Make payment. The Boat is upholstered, and you have it.

Seat Upholstery

This consists of all types of seats and cushions. The cost per cushion seat is around $100 to $250. The cost of some of the seats in a boat is.

Layback seat panels cost $290.

 24”x 24” seat/back cost $100. 

24”x 36” seat/back cost $150. 

24” x 48” seat/back cost $200

Captain’s Chair (with arms) cost $550

The lounge Seat cost $600

Jet ski seat cost $620

Captain’s Chair (without arms) cost $500

All these quotations include fabric, materials, and labour charges.

Other Boat Upholstery

Though the major upholstery in a boat is its furniture, other items make a boat comfortable, and beautiful and are an important part of a boat. They are:

Engine Cover – $350

Bass boat deck pad – $400

How do I keep my boat when I’m not using it?

Whenever you’re not using your boat, it is best to winterize it. This means replacing the engine and gear oil, draining the cooling water, greasing it, cleaning it, waxing the boat, and leaving it to rest, in preparation for the next season. All these will protect the seats and the boat and make it durable.

After upholstery, do I have to think of additional expenses?

Yes. Whenever there’s a major job to be done, there are always hidden things to spend money for. Other times, upholsterers recommend them. For instance, an upholsterer could recommend a stereo or a Wi-Fi-enabled table, for more comfort. 

Boats can be a perfect, comfortable, and beautiful sight to behold. This is dependent on the upholstery done on it. It is also costlier to upholster than a car, but much more durable and can last for longer years. Experts advise that upholstering be done as a whole, instead of fixing it at different times. So, do a beautiful upholstery on your boat if you’ve got one, and enjoy.

Can I fix the upholstery myself?

Yes, several DIY videos on the internet can help you, and it will be much cheaper than contracting it out to upholster companies. 

How often will I have to change my upholstery?

It depends on several factors. Some of which are, the durability of the current upholstery, your care of the boat, the type of boat, and the frequency of use. If you take good care of your boat, you will not have to change the upholstery often.

What is the best fabric I can use on my boat?

The best option is to use waterproof fabrics, so that your seats will always be dry, and they will be protected from mildew, mould, and water damage. The best fabric is a waterproof marine vinyl fabric

How do I prevent my boat seats from cracking?

The most important thing to do is to always clean it, with a bar of dish soap and a bucket of warm water.