Simple interior updates, such as replacing blinds, adding accent pillows or updating the carpet, can be completed tastefully with a DIY project. However, to completely renovate and modernize any boat interior we highly recommend seeking expert advice. The nuances of how a boat is used, the environment it operates in and structural characteristics are a few dynamics that come into play. Consulting with a reputable interior design professional will save time and frustration in the long run. For the sake of this article, we reached out to a couple industry experts seeking fundamental advice to update a boat’s soft goods.
Play it Safe With Colors
The number one piece of advice is to play it safe with neutral colors. You can’t go wrong if you do, especially down the road when the boat sells. Whites and greys have certainly become popular over the last four to five years, and it’s only a matter of time before a new trend will emerge. Utilize neutral colors in your furniture and “get your personalization or ‘pops’ in the pillows and accessories,” Ericsson says. Unlike a home where you have more space to get creative, everything on a boat is smaller and scale is critical. You may be tempted to use extravagant patterns and fabrics throughout the interior design but as Ericsson advises his clients, when the boat goes up for sale that may not be in the best interest to a buyer.
Replacing Bedding
Several companies specialize in marine bedding and offer excellent product knowledge and selection. With regard to bedding, most everything needs to be custom made including the sheets, bedspreads and mattress. As you know, “custom” can get expensive. Ericsson shares another alternative which could save a little time and money: purchase bedding, including the mattress, from your local department store then have a reputable tailor custom fit it to your boat.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper can be used to refresh a boat’s interior look. Generally, the goal with wallpaper is to lighten the interior, especially on older boats with darker teak interiors. Selectively using wallpaper to cover and expose teak accents can update and refresh a dated interior. Today’s commercial wallpaper can look like most anything and will hold up well in the marine environment. Use a clay-based glue and caulk the edges to eliminate any curling.
Carpets
Carpet choices are vast and can be replaced fairly easily on a boat. Select something you like but be certain it has top-of-the-line stain resistance. Things will spill and foot traffic will make the carpet dirty. Add a runner to protect it. Also, if your boat doesn’t have it, invest in Soundown Carpet Underlayment. The product significantly reduces engine room noise and will add a softer feel to the carpet.
Exterior Cushions
Carol Dykes of C-Worthy Custom Yacht Canvas Inc. in Pompano Beach, Florida has been in business for over 30 years and shares some valuable tips on exterior cushions. One of the first things Carol evaluates with her clients is the different amount of cushion to use. “I like to let the customer sample the different density and thickness of the cushion. Depending on the owner’s physique, we’ll let them try out different levels and basically fit to size. It’s important to tailor the seating to the owner and how they are going to use the boat, Dykes says.
“We try to make sure what the customer selects will work best for their usage. We will often deliver a large sample of fabric to the customer so they can see exactly what they are getting and make sure they like it. If they choose a dark color fabric, we encourage them to put the material out in the sun and then sit on it to see how hot it might be,” says Dykes.
Lumbar support, knee roll, fabric and stitching are also other options to consider. Diamond quilting is popular right now. Fabric selection should reflect how the boat is going to be used. Generally speaking, the more plush the fabric the less durable. Many boats opt for ultra plush fabric in the mezzanine and then furnish the bridge with a more durable vinyl. Again, it is personal preference. Consider how comfort and durability will apply to each.
Final Thoughts
As with any refit, the most common denominator is knowing what you want. It’s your boat, and putting your own personal touches on it is fun and exciting. Our best advice is to keep it simple. Don’t wait until all other refit projects are almost complete and then think about the interior. Your budget may be tapped, and you’ll only delay the project further. Have a plan from day one. Most importantly, enjoy the boat and don’t get caught up in trying to make it too perfect. Your boating experiences will far outweigh any lost time due to an elaborate makeover.
Soft Goods Do’s & Don’t’s
- Do provide ample time for your soft goods to be ready. Six to 12 weeks is average.
- Do keep interior/exterior color choices light or neutral in color.
- Do personalize with pillows for a custom element.
- Don’t wait until the end of a refit for interior updates.
- Don’t take delivery of your boat the week of a holiday — things don’t always go as planned.
Bridge Curtain Trends
Bridge curtains are getting larger and larger with less seams. The aesthetic trend is aligning the zippers with the tower legs. When deciding what type of curtain material to use, understand how you are going to use them. For example, if you open the enclosure frequently, go with a soft glass enclosure versus hard and vice versa. If you were happy with material on a previous boat, go with that.
