Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

I want to upholster my 23' Tsunami. I have 1/4" starboard there now - it's too thin for a backing

I read in the past that there is a material called whaler board because I think Boston Whaler used to sell it. It's like phenolic ( maybe it is phenolic ). I like the qualities of the stuff; inert and rigid.

Anyone have a line on this material ?

I have also read that guys here have used 1/2" starboard - has this stood the test of time ? My 1/4" stuff w/ no bolster material warps in the sun/heat...

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

[image]http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/w.../imdone017.jpg[/image] check at home depot they sale a pvc board used to finish a garage door opening 1x6 or 1x8. i used it for my bolsters. it holds staples and t-nuts well. i just glued 1" foam to it and covered it with pleated vinyl.

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

I recommend the PVC board as well. We use it in the fabrication of louvers, but, most building supplies carry it. Azek is one brand. It's cellular PVC and is easy to work with. I made a leaning post seat for a friend using stainless steel staples to hold the fabric on. Worked well.

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

Used PVC press board as backer for my bolster pads. Staples well... best option.

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

Thanks guys - I'll check out "Homey" to see if they have it...

Hopefully it's lightweight too. Does it come 1/2" ?

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

On Uncle Boo's recommendation I went and found a sample of the Azek product. I'm impressed. Took staples like a champ and holds them firmly. Very good cut-ability
and very light. A little pricey but much lighter and cheaper than star board or marine board, and it met all my tests. Durability? only time will tell, but if they are selling it as decking and house trim, it should prove solid for years to come. Good call. :cool:

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

How does a bolster connect to the boat ? I know there is some sort of flush mounted stud kit - how do they work ?

Oh, and what is the most durable padded fabric out there ?

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

It's called a Rivnut .
They work great!

See ya, Ken

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

It is available in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 and 1" that I'm aware of. There are several manufacturers out there.

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

We build replacement louvers for older homes as well as for new construction. I've been selling them for over 6 years and have never had anyone complain about the materials. If the situation arises, PVC glue works extremely well, (buiding up layers to achieve a certain thickness).

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

Mine were "Tee Nuts" 1/4" SS

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...3&classNum=371

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

Was in Lowes today and saw a similar brand to Azek - but not Azek. My initial view of it is:

- 12' x 12" x 3/4" :( estimate thickness ) @ $95

- Very heavy stuff - too heavy maybe.

- I might need (2) boards of it - maybe (3) ( Tsunami and Sceptre up front have a wide bolster area to cover and I have an i/o, so the aft too ) - so it ain't cheap.

A sheet of 1/2" Starboard 4'x8', or the real Azek stuff might be cheaper and lighter ?

Or, that Whaler Board stuff might be good too ?

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

Not sure what you found but if it was seemingly heavy, it was more likely a HDPE based product. Trex, Everwood and a number of other plastic decking suppliers have similar products but are HDPE (high density polyethylene) - think cutting boards and starboard - a totally different plastic chemistry.

Like the Azek product, Komatex is another lightweight pvc foam that would work well for bolster or combing backing.

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

Starboard has a product called Starboard XL for this purpose.

Re: Bolster backing material - \" whaler board \"
 

I looked that up, found it, but also found something called, King Starlight XL ( not StarBOARD )

"King StarLite®XL is an economical cellular (closed cell) utility sheet
made from select high-grade King StarBoard® recycled polymer material.

It is ideal for boat parts, as an upholstery substrate and in other behind-the-scenes applications where edges aren’t visible. "

Interesting...