After having (almost) completed the cabin cushions, now I'm planning the cockpit cushions. I enjoyed the results of the cabin cushion project, even though it was frustrating at times. I read everything I could find on cockpit cushions on the fabric websites, this thread and the forum archives. At this point, I'm leaning towards this shopping list:
(CDN dollars) (The terylene and piping are sold per foot, the fabrics per yard)
Thought process as follows:
I hear the positives of closed-cell foam, and the negatives on the firmness of dry-fast. The foam product on my shopping list is polyester, while the dry-fast is polyurethane. I hope that will make a difference on softness. I'm not convinced whether or not I want 3" or 4" foam, but I think 4" will be more comfortable for lounging, which we do a lot of.
So, the Sunbrella with a 303 coating will be used as tops and sides. This will prevent beer and other liquids from entering the foam from the top. The bottom will be Phifertex mesh, covering the non-wicking cushion foam and the non-wicking Terylene padding. The idea is to make the bottom panel as "open" as possible so that any collected water can air out. The foam and padding are non-absorbent, non wicking, and mold/mildew resistant.
I read the concern about the piping not working in the long run, but I really like the look and am willing to give it a try with heavy-duty UV thread and a tight stitch pattern. I'm thinking black sunbrella with white piping, to match the racoon stripe and sailcovers. I'll use the black 8-oz UV thread that I already have from my sail-cover project, and #5 YKK Vislon zippers.
I am probably going to add a strip of velcro along the edge of the bench cushions, where I can velcro on a sacrificial "boarding mat" made from a rectangular sunbrella piece that can be easily removed, rolled and stuffed behind, or replaced.
Gonna go back to work for a few weeks first, though, so progress won't be immediate. Any and all feedback appreciated as always.
, it may be different than the 
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