Question 1

What is the best fabric for yacht exterior cushions?

Accepted Answer

Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic is the industry standard for exterior yacht cushions — it resists UV, mildew and salt air, and comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. For high-wear areas (helm seats, sun pad), Silvertex and Ultraleather offer vinyl-like durability with a softer hand feel. Avoid genuine leather outdoors — it cannot handle salt, UV or rain. For foam, closed-cell Dryfast or QuickDry foam is essential for exterior cushions; open-cell foam traps water and breeds mold within weeks.

Question 2

How much does yacht reupholstery cost?

Accepted Answer

Exterior sun pad and cockpit cushion reupholstery on a 50-foot yacht runs $3,000-$8,000 depending on complexity. Full interior salon and cabin reupholstery ranges from $8,000-$25,000. Individual helm seats run $800-$2,000 each. Headliner replacement is $3,000-$8,000 for a typical saloon. Fabric cost is a major variable — Sunbrella runs $30-$60 per yard, Ultraleather $50-$100 per yard, and genuine marine leather $80-$200+ per yard. Always get quoted per piece, not per hour.

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