Researching Cushion Foam

I had big plans this week to unpack our new Sailrite sewing machine and make a video about the set up, but unfortunately, I was waylaid by illness. After being down and out for five days, I am finally starting to feel like myself again, and today I started to research and order materials for some of the sewing projects I hope to complete before we put S/V Bear back in the water in the Spring.

I have decided to start with the cockpit cushions as most of them are rectangular, making this, hopefully, an easy project to try on the new machine. As I mentioned in a previous post, I used to sew clothing and quilts when I was younger, and I am hoping that sewing will be like riding a bike. With this thought in mind, I measured the old cockpit cushions and began researching foam. While I know many folks who have been fortunate enough to be able to salvage their foam and simply make new covers, our cushions truly need replacing, inside and out. Below is a photograph of the covers and the foam. Notice how the weave on the fabric has stretched and the foam is dried out and cracking. photo-1

photo-21

After measuring all of the cushions multiple times, and viewing pictures and video of our boat to be absolutely certain of the layout and number of cushions, I began the hunt. photo-22

I decided to start with the Sailrite website as a resource as they have great posts on the anatomy of foam and the different types of outdoor foam. Once I decided that I wanted to purchase open cell foam I did a web search to compare prices.

Sailrite: Dry Fast 3”x 48”x72” for $299 + $46.03

Foam Factory: Dry Fast 3”x90”x50” for $126.50 + Free Shipping

Fabric Empire: Dry Fast 3”x72”x40 for $128.10 + 57.15

While I was a bit skeptical about ordering from Foam Factory based on a few complaints that I have read on Women Who Sail, I decided that I would take a chance and try to save a significant amount of money. I will write a post when the foam arrives and let you know how Foam Factory works out for us.

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2 Responses to Researching Cushion Foam

  1. Kathy Fitzgerald says:

    Anxious to hear how Foam Factory works out for you. I’m also planning a huge project and would love to save money if possible.

    • Margaret says:

      Hi Kathy,
      Thank you for your message. I have made two new posts about the foam which may contain information helpful to your project. So far, I am pleased with my order from Foam Factory (which is also called Foambymail.com). Please let me know if you have any specific questions about my experience or the foam I selected. And, best of luck with your project!

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