I've priced out the cost of using USCG approved throwable cushions vs a
custom made set of closed cell cockpit cushions. Since my cockpit is 8 feet
in length I'll need 16 throwable cushions for the seat and 16 more for the
back rest. That is 32 cushions on my large, spacious cockpit. At $20 bucks a
cushion we're looking at $640, but they are USCG approved and it is a large,
spacious oversized cockpit. I've been quoted about $800 for a nice set of 2
inch thick closed cell foam cushions with real leather covering from an
automobile upholsterer. Is leather a good material to use for this? What
kind of surface treatment would you recommend for long life? It's a lot of
leather since my cockpit is so large and spacious, so I'll probably have to
buy leather treatment in the gallon size. I'm sure the nearly dozen guests
that I can fit into my oversize, spacious cockpit will be impressed by the
leather cushions. Money is a concern for me and at times I almost wish I had
a smaller, cramped cockpit of 6'10" in length, even though it would
seriously detract from the sailing experience not to mention limiting the
amount of gun rack one could use. So, in the end, having a large,
exceptionally spacious cockpit of 8 feet in length does have its drawbacks
when trying to outfit it in leather upholstry in the form of expense. But
then that drawback pales to the pity one receives from others when they
learn that your cockpit is a sub-7 footer.

Bob Crantz