How much does it cost to reupholster boat seats, and what affects the price?
The vinyl on my 7-metre motorboat's cockpit seats is cracking, but most of the cushions still feel firm. What should I budget for new covers, and how do I tell whether the foam and seat bases need replacing too?
Answer
For an indicative UK budget, allow £150 to £350 to recover one simple removable boat cushion, £350 to £800 for a shaped seat base and backrest together, and £1,500 to £4,000 for a small cockpit seating set. The main price differences come from retaining or replacing the foam and backing boards, the complexity of the stitching and the need for weatherproof materials.
Check foam and bases first
Before choosing fabric, unzip a representative cushion and inspect underneath. New covers cannot rescue collapsed foam or rotten plywood. Press firmly into the middle and edges; serviceable foam should spring back promptly without leaving a hollow.
- Keep the foam if it supports your weight, holds its shape and is clean and dry inside.
- Replace it if it crumbles, stays compressed, smells persistently musty after drying or contains mould throughout.
- Inspect backing boards around staples, hinges and mounting bolts. Soft plywood, separating veneers and loose fasteners mean extra work.
- Check access beneath fixed seating. Hidden fixings and awkward dismantling can add several hours.
For a straightforward cushion around 600 × 500 mm, new conventional upholstery foam may add roughly £40 to £120. Thicker foam, shaped sections and specialist draining foam cost more. Ask for board replacement, sealing and refitting to be quoted separately. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing old staples.
What upholstery quotes cover
Use these allowances to compare the work included, rather than as a fixed tariff. Regional labour rates, workshop workload and the number of separate pieces can change the price substantially.
- Simple removable cushion: £150 to £350 for a new cover over sound existing foam, with straightforward seams and a zip.
- Shaped helm seat: £500 to £1,200 or more for a complete recover where bolsters, curved panels and several foam sections need attention.
- Small motorboat cockpit: £1,500 to £4,000 for a modest set; extensive wraparound seating and replacement foam can push the bill beyond £5,000.
- 30 to 35 ft yacht saloon: approximately £2,000 to £5,000 for seating covers, depending on cushion count and detail. Replacement foam and berth cushions increase the total.
A seat base and its backrest normally count as two upholstered pieces. Ask whether the quote includes VAT, removal, delivery, fitting, foam, zips and repairs. Similar totals often cover different jobs.