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Cushion Covers

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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Dido
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Peterborough , England .

Cushion Covers

Post by Dido »

We have found that the cushions absorb the faintest whiff of water in the air and become quite damp.

We tried Softtopper but they have discontinued the 26X covers.

Does anyone know where we can order ready made 26x cushion covers that repel water ?

Av & Si :macx:
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Russ
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Russ »

Cockpit cushion covers or cabin cushions?



--Russ
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Highlander
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Highlander »

Why not take the cushions out of their covers & put them inside plastic bags I beleive a few on this site has already done this , it stops the cushions from absorbing the moisture , I already have removed my cockpit cushions from their covers to do this also as they really soak up the moisture & more if left out in the rain I know some have also went to closedcell foam ,

J
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Dido
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Dido »

We are talking of cabin cushions as the boat is not heated but we want to use throughout the year.

Great tip about the cockpit cushions, we have those as well, we notice the outside dries quick or towels down well but there is a slight squelch inside.

BTW What is closedcell foam ?

Cheers.
iredrider1177
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by iredrider1177 »

let me tell you from experience, you cannot buy sponges that absorb water as much at these cocpit covers do!!, we wrapped ours in large plastic bags my gf got from work and sealed them after thouroughly drying., no more problem.
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NiceAft
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by NiceAft »

Closed cell is a non porous foam that is highly resistant to absorbing water. It also floats rather well. The down side is that it is extremely dense, which translates into a very stiff foam pillow. In my opinion, far to stiff to be comfortable. Others may have a tougher arse than I :D

I am having a hard time understanding how and why your cabin seats get wet :? The cockpit yes, but the cabin :?:

For our cockpit in Nice Aft, I box cushions made from open cell foam, but used black Sunbrella fabric for the casing. It has been five seasons now, and they are great. They look and feel terrific. Water just beads up on the Sunbrella, and because of the open cell filler, they are soft.

For the cabin, we are still using the original Mac cushions.

Click to enlarge
Image

Ray
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Divecoz
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Divecoz »

Highlander....I think you have mentioned /Posted this before and I forgot all about this idea .. A good one I imagine..
Note to self... Buy plastic bags for cockpit cushions !!!
Highlander wrote:Why not take the cushions out of their covers & put them inside plastic bags I beleive a few on this site has already done this , it stops the cushions from absorbing the moisture , I already have removed my cockpit cushions from their covers to do this also as they really soak up the moisture & more if left out in the rain I know some have also went to closedcell foam ,

J
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Highlander
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Highlander »

Divecoz

Not so sure I can take the credit for this one as I said I know others have done it first ! :)

J
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Dido
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Dido »

The UK weather is quite moist at the best of time, so when we leave the boat and return the interior cushions just feel damp enough not to feel comfortable to sit on. Also they are looking a little thread bare.
I have bought two sets of dehumidifer crystals to see if that helps. On a few boats we have noticed "Leather" looking interior cushions, was hoping they were comercially available, maybe we will just have to bite the bullet and get that sewing machine manual out .....Sewing for Dummies .

Cheers Si & Av
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Divecoz
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Divecoz »

Condensation? Might a good size fan moving the air 24 / 7 dry things out? Condensation on vinyl could be a problem as well, but for sure, it could , might be easier to wipe down wipe off. Do you have mold problems with all that moisture?
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Russ
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Russ »

NiceAft wrote:
Click to enlarge
Image

Ray
Ray, those cushions look great. I remember you saying they don't get hot either. The standard beige cushions get VERY hot in the sun. We have to cover them with towels.

How does the sunbrella hold up to dirt and spills?


--Russ
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restless
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by restless »

condensation is a major problem in the UK. I don't think a fan would be enough.. the physics are such that as the air cools, it shrinks and dumps water, sucking in more saturated dew point air from outside. Another problem is rainwater leaking in.. if your bilges aren't dry then as you dry the air, the bilge puddles evaporate. I have a dehumidifier, but I'm not plugging it in as it will cost a fortune to run until I sort out the bilges.. a line of goo round the top of the rubbing strake has made a big difference! Are you keeping the boat on the water??


In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice;
In practice, there is.

Restless web
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Highlander
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Highlander »

Ray, those cushions look great. I remember you saying they don't get hot either. The standard beige cushions get VERY hot in the sun. We have to cover them with towels.

Yep,
But when ya sweatout in the heat towls are easier to change & wash :idea: :D :P :wink:

J
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Highlander
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Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Highlander »

Well Ya could always buy a biggggggg Candle they have some nice scented & smokeless ones now , whats that song again " Come on Baby Light my Fire " :o :D :D :D

J
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Dido
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Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2010 1:37 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Peterborough , England .

Re: Cushion Covers

Post by Dido »

restless wrote:condensation is a major problem in the UK. I don't think a fan would be enough.. the physics are such that as the air cools, it shrinks and dumps water, sucking in more saturated dew point air from outside. Another problem is rainwater leaking in.. if your bilges aren't dry then as you dry the air, the bilge puddles evaporate. I have a dehumidifier, but I'm not plugging it in as it will cost a fortune to run until I sort out the bilges.. a line of goo round the top of the rubbing strake has made a big difference! Are you keeping the boat on the water??


In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice;
In practice, there is.

Restless web
We are keeping her in a marina on the river nene as we hope to explore inland this winter, we also have the odd trip to the Norfolk broads and rutland water, We do have the odd drip of water following heavy rain from the hatch channels guide (the white blank plugs inside ) so I know we can reduce water ingress, the bilges are dry, so I think it may just be the damp air we are used to in the uk ?
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