Oregon boating is hard on upholstery. Sun, water and time crack vinyl, fade colors and rot foam from the inside out. If your seats are showing their age, here's what Salem and Keizer boaters should know before starting a boat upholstery project.
Regular auto vinyl won't survive on the water. Marine-grade vinyl is built to resist UV, water and mildew — the three things that destroy boat seats fastest. Using the right material is the difference between seats that last a few seasons and seats that last many.
Small cracks and a single torn cushion can often be repaired. But once seams are failing across multiple seats or the foam has gone soft and moldy, a full recovery is usually the better value — you get fresh foam, new material and a clean, matched look throughout.
After reupholstery, keep seats covered when the boat's stored, rinse off river and lake water, and clean vinyl with marine-safe products. A little maintenance keeps new upholstery looking sharp for years.
The best time to reupholster is before peak boating season — shops book up as the weather warms. Commercial Seat Cover has rebuilt boat interiors for Salem-area boaters since 1945. Request a free estimate or call 503-363-8411.
Call the shop or request a free estimate — we'll tell you honestly what it needs.