Cockpit Cushions: What do you recommend?

[KaiSchuler]

Hi everyone!

I did some research, but could not really find an answer to this. Maybe I am the only one with this requirement.

I am not really exited about the factory cockpit cushions (2005), and would like to get something that has a bit higher quality, nicer feel and nicer look.

I am thinking of a closed cell foam, with a sunbrella (or similar) textile cover, preferably the same fabric that I could also use for sail covers. We are thinking about two different Sunbrella colors (4621 and 4633).

The sail covers seem not to be a big problem, I think I could get them at the macgregorowners-chandlery.

But so far I only found cockpit cushion sets for the 26M made from Bottomsiders material, or the mesh-fabric (also on macgregorowners-chandlery). The mesh does not have the right colors, and also you couldn't get Sail Covers from that fabric.

The prices are quite high, I know, but we really want something nicer than factory.

What do you guys recommend:

Do you know of a supplier who supplies fitting sets?
Or shall I buy another set, the fabric separate, and have them re-covered at a local shop?`


Your advise is highly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Kai

[dclark]

The two choices I'm aware of are the BottomSiders or the Ccushions. I have the bottomsiders and have seen the Ccushions on a Mac. As far as I can tell they are the same. I went with the bottomSiders because they gave me a better price break for not taking the helm seat cushion (I cut the helm seat off my X). Since they are only the seat cushions and not the back, I bought a few of the square back rest pieces to toss around. They are not cheap. I'd guess a full seat (2 sides and the helm) for the M will run somewhere around $600. I think the square pieces are about $25 each.

[Sloop John B]

$600! Man, I think I'd rather stand or sit on the plastic. The chinchy factory cushions will have to do, along with the toss cushions.

Kai, if your weather and insect situation allows you to sleep up on deck, I'd just get the measurements and have a super set made up by a supplier that isn't necessarily associated with 'marine' products.

[Paul S]

I didn't find anything that I liked, so we had them custom made at a local marine place:



Sunbrella and close cell foam.

Paul

[norbert]

looks really nice, paul. what did you pay for?

[Bob Zoobricke]

I had the cCushion's made for my X. In grey with the name of my boat on each cushion and pinstripping. I also ordered the raised helm seat which is great when motoring. The entire package with 4 throw cushions was $695.00 inc ship & tax. I went to Walmart and for $35.00 was able to get foam & a grey/red material to match and my sister to sew them as backs.

[Paul S]

looks really nice, paul. what did you pay for?

They were $425 using another customers old discarded closed cell foam. Not cheap. But that stuff is very expensive. I have no idea why the customer didnt want to reuse it ...it was fine. Hey..my gain.

Paul

[richandlori]

My goodness...after looking at the price of these, I am in the wrong business and should be making cockpit cushions!

Rich

[tim gaskin]

The stock cushions are open-cell foam and absorb water if left in the rain or in the night dew. To prevent this, I unzipped and removed the vinyl cover and placed a thin plastic cover over the foam (the type that is quiet - like the plastic used in clothes covers that one would get from the dry-cleaners). Then replaced the cover. This really helps although the cover itself will hold some moisture, it can be towel dried or will dry more quickly in the sun.