Little extra help on reupholstering the vinyl?

[Cyprus106]

I've got a couple of captains seats and a few simpler things that are in pretty dire need of reupholstering. I've called a couple reupholstering shops around and wasn't really impressed with their work or their experience with doing boats, etc. I decided, for various reasons, that I may try to undertake the task of reupholstering myself. As far as I can tell, it seems fairly straightforward: wood, foam, sew the vinyl, staple, etc. But I would feel a little more comfortable if there was a well-made step-by-step with pictures or something of the like, (potential pitfalls!) for reference sake. I've done quite a bit of looking for anything decent online and haven't really come up with anything. Can anybody suggest a decent site or page or something?

Thanks a ton guys!

[barbzwyre]

I'm in the same situation you're in, and while my husband is doing some engine work and replacing the transom boot, I thought I would get the upholstering done. I've got a little previous experience, and have been able to match the upholstery color pretty good. Could you let me know if you find any manuals for re-upholstering? I would really appreciate it.

We have a 1981 IMP Comanche cuddy cruiser. Love it.

Thanks,
Barb in KS

[Cyprus106]

hehe, Ironic. I'm doing mine on an 84 IMP (I actually don't know the type. I saw an X190 SC just like it. But ours doens't have the cabin, open bow.) 20' I believe, 350 engine. And i'm doing some interior cleaning while my buddy does some minor engine work. Sounds like we're in the same boat, pun intended!

[barbzwyre]

That is so cool! Have your had yours on the water yet? We used ours all last summer - crappy upholstery and all. The cabin is still in good condition, and the engine is cherry! I bought mine at an auction for $2,500 and we've already gotten that much use out of it. After we buffed and waxed it, the fiberglass looked brand new. Hope you get to have as much fun!

Thanks,
Barb in KS

[barbzwyre]

I've heard there is a club for IMP owners - Do you know anything about it?

I understand IMP's were made with an incredibly strong hull and many people seek them out specifically for use in areas with rough water. We have been to Wilson reservoir several times (rough, choppy water) and the boat took it much better than we did.

Barb

[Cyprus106]

You're not going to believe this, but I bought it + trailer for FAR less than $1000, set it in the water, it fired right up. Only thing it needed was a new fuel filter to start. Gauges work, most all lights work, hull intact, no big problems. It was just a hell of a steal.

We took it out this past weekend and it ran just fine!! I even got up and wakeboarded behind it for a little while. It's got some power issues relating to needing a carb rebuild kit but we should be blasting by the time Saturday rolls around!!

We're in the process of buffing and waxing, and it looks new with that buffing compound we put on, an electric buffer and a waxjob! All that's left cosmetically is the upholstery!

[barbzwyre]

Hah, and I thought I got a great deal - just don't tell my husband or my boys they have skiied and tubed till their arms were noodles last summer. We just won't tell them how much you paid for yours and I'll still be the boat goddess in their eyes!

Have a great day and enjoy your IMP - I'm headed to work.

Barb

[edjunior]

Hey guys, there's an IMP thread on this very board in case you haven't seen it: http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/powerboats/imp-boats-information-6227.html

I'm not real sure, but the 84 IMP X 190 SC you're referring to could be mine. If you look in that thread above, towards the end of the thread you'll see some pictures of mine.

Dave Smith has been trying to get the IMP website up and running for a couple of years. He's been having lots of problems though, both personal and board related. I do not know what the latest is. I know he redid the whole thing and called it "DIYBOATREPAIR.COM" with a section especially for IMPs, but it doesn't seem to be working at the moment (at least for me).

[Cyprus106]

Yeah, Ed, it's your boat. I hadn't gotten around to posting in the imp board, but I did read through every one of the 37 pages :P

Mine's an X215 BR. I finally bothered to look at the ACTUAL numbers last night. I'm dropping some pictures in the imp board as we speak!


And on the reupholstery? I gave up and called in a specialist. He's got lots and lots of references and he's willing to do everything with vinyl behind the bow for $600 if I supply the vinyl, which I already have. I felt it to be more than reasonable. Especially since the foam alone (at least around mid-Missouri) would cost half that for the whole project. If anybody else wants to weigh in on reasonability, I've got about 5 hours until I go drop off the seats!