Not sure which fabric fits your project? Start with what you're fixing. Each section below points you to the right category. If you're still unsure, call us at 855-545-SEAT. We're a working canvas and upholstery shop and use these materials every day.
Pick by project
Boat seats, bolsters and interior cushions
Use marine upholstery vinyl. It has a wipe-clean, water-resistant surface and is made for seating. Choose a finish:
- Classic Smooth Vinyl: the most common look for boat seats.
- Embossed & Textured Vinyl: a grain or pattern for a custom look.
- Quilted Vinyl: pre-quilted panels for inserts and accents.
- Faux Leather: a softer, leather-look finish.
Shop all Boat Seat & Upholstery Vinyl →
Bimini tops, T-tops and dodgers
Use marine canvas. Most bimini and dodger tops are made from Acrylic Canvas or Polyester Canvas. See the comparison below.
Shop all Bimini, Boat Top & Cover Fabric →
Boat covers and storage covers
Choose from the same canvas category. Acrylic and polyester canvas are both common for covers. Waterproof Coated Fabric is the option when you need a waterproof surface. Keep in mind that coated fabric breathes less and can trap moisture underneath.
Enclosure windows and curtains
Use Clear Window Vinyl. We stock 12, 16, 20, 30 and 40 gauge rolls, plus Smoke Tinted Window Vinyl and polycarbonate sheet.
- Gauge is the thickness. A higher number is thicker, and thicker vinyl is stiffer and harder to roll up. Thinner vinyl is more flexible.
- DP (double polished) means both sides of the vinyl are polished smooth for better clarity.
- Interleaved means the roll has paper between the layers to protect the surface and make it easier to unroll. Non-interleaved rolls skip the paper for a little extra clarity.
Not sure which one your enclosure needs? Contact us or call before you order.
Outdoor cushions, pillows and patio furniture
Use Outdoor Cushion Fabric (Tempotest Home) for soft, fabric-feel cushions and pillows. For chair and lounger slings, use Sling & Mesh Chair Fabric (Textilene mesh). If you want vinyl on cushions that get wet a lot, see the seat vinyl above.
Shop all Cushion & Outdoor Furniture Fabric →
Boat carpet and deck flooring
- Marine Carpet: Aqua-Turf, Sunburst and Berber for pontoon decks, bass boats and cabins.
- Vinyl & Woven Flooring: Nautolex, Compass and Marine Max vinyl or woven deck flooring.
- Making snap-in carpet? We also carry Snapbac rubber backing, and carpet snaps under Snaps & Fasteners.
Shop all Boat Carpet & Flooring →
Sun shades and mesh panels
- Sun Shade Screen: Tempotest Starscreen (FR) for shades, drop curtains and side panels.
- Coated & Tarp Mesh: open mesh for drain panels and heavy-duty mesh panels.
Shop all Mesh, Screen & Shade Fabric →
Vinyl vs. acrylic vs. polyester vs. coated: a quick comparison
| Material | What it is | Best for | Keep in mind | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine vinyl | Vinyl upholstery made for boats | Seats, bolsters, interior cushions | Water-resistant, wipe-clean surface. Not used for tops or covers. | Seat vinyl |
| Acrylic canvas | Woven, solution-dyed acrylic (e.g. Sunbrella, Tempotest) | Bimini tops, dodgers, covers, awnings | Water-resistant but not fully waterproof. Wide color choice. | Acrylic canvas |
| Polyester canvas | Polyester marine canvas (e.g. Top Notch, WeatherMax) | Boat covers, tops, enclosures | More waterproof than acrylic, but colors don't last as long. Check each line's details for weight and finish. | Polyester canvas |
| Coated fabric | Fabric with a waterproof coating (e.g. Herculite, Weblon) | Covers and tops that must be waterproof | Waterproof, but breathes less and can trap moisture. | Coated fabric |
Don't forget the supplies
Finish the job with thread, zippers, snaps & fasteners, binding & edge trim, cushion foam & batting and tools.
Still deciding? Swatches are available to account holders by request. Contact us to ask for swatches, or call 855-545-SEAT and tell us about your boat and project.
