CD/33 settee cushion patterns?

[swisscatfive]

hi all, just bought a cd/33 and she's missing her settee/berth cushions...anyone have a lead on patterns and/or a good company to custom make them? thanks in advance, i'm sure i'll have tons more questions as i work on her!

[godspeed]

cushionsource.com is a good place to start. two different kinds of foam. sunbrella grade materials. draw your own template and they can make what you draw. we have in godspeed a cd 27, the original cd pattern that reminds us of the suite i wore for my first job interview in the late 70's. good luck with your new purchase.

[Jim Walsh]

cushionsource.com is a good place to start. two different kinds of foam. sunbrella grade materials. draw your own template and they can make what you draw. we have in godspeed a cd 27, the original cd pattern that reminds us of the suite i wore for my first job interview in the late 70's. good luck with your new purchase.

That's funny
I have the original upholstery and I can't say I'm in love with the plaid pattern but after 31 years it's proven its value. There are no holes, no threadbare spots, no stains, it just wears like iron. Amazing stuff.

[K Chiswell]

Sailrite has a pretty good video on how to make patterns for cushions. i'm sure a quick internet search will find it.

[Steve Laume]

Be careful making patterns as some of the cushions have a taper on the underside that would need to be accounted for before covering.

If you could borrow a set of cushions, it would be easy to duplicate them. Any other CD-33s in your marina? They are not all that complex but you want to get it right the first time or fit them before they are covered, Steve.

[swisscatfive]

thanks for all the info, guys! i'll check into other boats in my area and do some online searching...appreciate the help! can't wait to get her back in the water!!

[Paul D.]

I give you joy of your purchase of a fine vessel. I had the pleasure in early 2002 after a pre mid life crisis. She has assisted my passage ever since.

I'll second the Sailrite suggestion, it may be worth a call to them to discuss your different options. If you want to have them made they could likely get you a solid reference too.

Don Casey has good books on settee berth cushion design. This Old Boat comes to mind and Canvas Work and Sail Repair. It is worth some research as poor berth cushions will remind you of their mediocrity each time to wish to relax. If I were to redo mine, something I'll get to eventually after a bunch of other priorities and soon to be new priorities get tackled, I would consider making them with an inch of closed cell foam on the bottom glued to 3 or more inches of open cell foam, maybe with a little batting above covered in Sunbrella or Ultrasuede if I had the money. I can almost feel them on my Gluteus!

There is indeed an angle to the outboard edges of the port and starboard settee cushions so try to make a note of that. I think you could eyeball it and if you didn't get that right it would not be the end of days.

Good luck with your refit and use this board or private message me for any questions. There are no dumb ones regarding our old Alberg classics. Again congrats. The 33 is an able design that under promises and overdelivers. And she's a comfortable passage maker and family cruiser. Sure, she could use more stowage but the bones are sound and the pedigree impeccable. I've had her out in 50 knots (don't ask) and worried more about myself and the crew than the boat - which is how I want it.

Enjoy,

[jen1722terry]

Interesting thread.

We're making cockpit cushions this year with Sailrite videos and most of their supplies. We made their Bimini kit last year and it turned out pretty well. Next year we'll either make new interior cushions or re-foam the old ones.

The post that mentioned the taper (actually, a bevel) on the outboard underside of each cushion (including the v-berth) is spot on.

The good foam is expensive. An approach may be to use cheap or old foam to carve and fit to each berth so you're sure of the shape, then have the cushions made from these forms. But you may find a maker who has done a CD 33 before and still has the patterns.

Anyway you go, we'd all love to see photos. We saw a CD interior done in pale yellow ultrasuede that made us drool with envy. Gorgeous!

Happy Sailing!

[swisscatfive]

hi all, just a little update from the cushion making extravaganza! sailrite.com was a great suggestion...i ended up ordering 4" foam, fabric and trimmings, and am super excited to get sewing i found a great/cost-free method for measuring the bevel on-line and it worked like a charm...used an electric kitchen knife to cut the foam, took 'em to the boat to make sure they were right. they fit like a glove, a little snug which means they should be just right when covered. thanks for all the help...here's a half-way pic. stay tuned...hopefully, i'll get the covers finished this weekend!

[tjr818]

Looking good so far. Could you post that link? I'm getting ready to start the same kind of project on Slainte, our 27.

[joemerchant]

Purchased a new LZ1 and all tools and accessories a few months ago. Never sewed in my life. The Sailrite Videos made things really easy and will cut our 14K canvas work in half including the machine, tools, accessories, fabric, etc.

[swisscatfive]

Looking good so far. Could you post that link? I'm getting ready to start the same kind of project on Slainte, our 27.

hi tim, i can't find the link...of course. basically, you take a simple right triangle and a ruler. on the pattern, mark about every 12 inches or so. line the bottom of the triangle up with the bottom of the settee or berth. line the ruler up on the triangle to whatever thickness your cushion foam is...so, every 12" or so, place the triangle and slide the ruler over until it touches the hull. mine was usually 3-4". when you cut the foam, you'll just add whatever that measurement was to the pattern on one side. so, one side (the top side) is going to be wider and will snug up nicely to the hull. i hope that makes sense...sorry i can't find the link/video. try googling if this is confusing.