Where / how to reupholster?

[Spicoli!]

The seams on about every seat are splitting. So, for a winter project I'm looking into reupholstering. I found a website called copy cat. You mail the old seat vinyl and they will duplicate them. I still have to measure and get a quote.
Just wanted to check for ideas, experiences, etc.
Also, anyone have a ball park cost for this - 1998 Fisher Freedom 20'?
Thanks

[Badger]

I had these redone at a local shop with oem material that I supplied. (There was also a seat cushion from the couch that was tossed in at the last minute.) Cost was $1050. He wasn't the cheapest shop but has the reputation for being the best so I figured it was worth it. The original estimate was $700 but he ended up putting in over 20 hours labor so the final price got bumped up.

[Bamaman]

My wife and I have both been to upholstery school, but we're not professionals. The full time upholsterers seem to be 2nd and 3rd generation upholsterers, and the good ones appear to run 1-2 months behind meeting their promises.

You'd just have to take your seats to upholsterers for estimates. Don't be surprised if new foam has to go into the seats, as it's about shot when the vinyl and seams wear out. And foam is now incredibly expensive stuff.

Living in a river community, we actually have an upholstery shop that does nothing but boats--and minor auto upholstery repairs.

Now is the time of the year to get it done, however.

[Just Laxin]

The original estimate was $700 but he ended up putting in over 20 hours labor so the final price got bumped up.

I hear this a lot with upholstery shops. If they have been doing for some time they should know what it exactly will cost you before the work is done,,,,,,,,,,,,,a common scam with upholstery shops. Can't tell me any different, I have a friend who owns one here in Havasu.

[The_Hellbilly]

I re did all of my seats last year due to some defective fabric. The factory sent me the material at no cost and I ended up installing them my self due primarily to the cost involved. I posted a thread or two on it this website. The only real issue I had was finding enough marine staples.

FWIW: If I would have had to pay for the materials and instillation it would have been cheaper to buy completely new seats.