Combing Pads - The Hull Truth

wingnut8 · 12-12-2006, 09:09 AM

I have a 1996 robalo 1820CC and I need to replace or recover the combing pads. They have deterriorated over the years from exposure to the elements. Do any of you know where I can obtain Pleated marine vinyl on rolls approximately 12" wide with the pleats running horizontally across the roll. That would be so that once installed on the starboard the pleats would be vertical. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cracker · 12-12-2006, 09:31 AM

I would think since your replacing all the coaming pads, the pleating issue would not be an issue. They will look nice no what what...Justy redo them and dont sweat the pleat thing... BTW I really like those 18 foot Rabalo's a nice big boat for an 18 footer..

Reel Screamers · 12-12-2006, 09:34 AM

Do a GOOGLE search for Marine Vinyl, you will find several places to purchase it

wingnut8 · 12-12-2006, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the replys. I have found sources for marine pleated vinyl but none with the fabric wide enough to allow for recovering without having to seam in the middle. I have tried the Google search but to no avail. It may be that I will have to sew a seam whether I want to or not. The pads are approximately seven feet long and the widest fabric I have found is 54".

bzalmano · 12-12-2006, 09:50 AM

I live in South FL and I found down here if you go to the upholstery shops they will sell you as much or as little as you need. Although, my guess is that ordering it online will be cheaper. I found going to the shop at least I got to see it and I could get anything else I needed like marine grade foam backing and even plastic board that was much cheaper than starboard. Remember since you are covering the backing anyway you do not need to worry about UV as much.

wingnut8 · 12-12-2006, 09:53 AM

BTW Thanks for the complement on the Robalo 1820. I have owened other boats of simular size but this is first Robalo. I was amazed at how dry the ride is. It's a little heavy for an 18 footer but with a 150 it will get on plane in about 5 seconds and tops out at 40mph GPS.

Reelescape1 · 12-12-2006, 12:03 PM

Sea-Dek, There was another thread here recently also.

Capt Charlie · 12-12-2006, 12:36 PM

Wingnut,
I've got the very same boat and had the very same problem. Great minds think alike...
There was a thread on the Robalo Owners forum a few months. Here's the link:
http://www.robaloboatowners.com/foru...?t=140&start=0
In short, get a pice of vinyl that's 54 inches by 3 yards long. Cut it in half the long way so you end up with 2 pieces 27" wide and 3 yards lond (the pleats will go the right way, don't worry).
I sewed the ends and stapled everything back together (using Monel staples). It looks better. Not perfect, but better.

cgrand · 12-12-2006, 01:38 PM

i have the seadek pads, easy to install and very durable

Jettywolf · 12-12-2006, 09:31 PM

Yes, sea-dek does bolsters too.....see their web site. Ask for Chuck Yates.

Ranger Tim · 12-13-2006, 08:01 PM

Hmmmm.... How soft are the Sea-dek bolsters? This seems like a win-win product if it compares to the comfort of vinyl covered foam. I would have to wait for the color selection to improve though.

bobozinga · 12-13-2006, 08:07 PM

Do it your way, man, but it cost me about $400 for a shop to remove old coamings, fabricate new ones to my specifications, and install. Worth it to me. I could spend my own time on more important things around the boat.

wingnut8 · 12-13-2006, 09:33 PM

Thanks for all the info. I contacted SeaDek today and they are going to make the pads I need for $190 plus shipping. It seems alot easier to use their system than bother with reupholstering my old pads. We'll see.